In this episode of Ambition Aligned, discover the unwavering grit and strategic mindset it takes to navigate billion-dollar transformations in tech—from shrink-wrapping CDs to global cloud infrastructure and AI changes—while also running on a floating sheet of ice with polar bear guards.Melissa shares invaluable insights on financial leadership, tolerance for risk, and the art of understanding business beyond the numbers. Learn how her experiences as an endurance athlete translate directly to leading global teams, fostering resilience, and mastering communication across technical and financial domains. Don't miss her crucial advice for CFOs and product finance leaders on AI integration and the "three C's" of data strategy.Tune in to learn how Melissa's goal-oriented approach and commitment to continuous learning have fueled an extraordinary career and life. What can you apply from her journey to align your own ambition?00:00 Introduction to Melissa's Journey00:32 Welcome to Ambition Aligned01:17 Melissa's Career Path: From Bookkeeping to Global Finance07:23 Adventures in Running: 51 Marathons and the North Pole10:48 Challenges in Cloud Migration vs. Marathon Training11:27 The Importance of Finance Partnership15:47 Navigating AI Hype and Substance19:05 The Three C's of Data Management22:06 Mindset and Grit: Overcoming Extreme Challenges25:08 The Power of Teamwork in Business and Life25:43 Lessons in Resilience and Leadership27:17 Building Confidence Through Risk-Taking29:17 The Importance of Impact and Legacy31:13 Aligning Personal Values with Professional Goals37:27 Advice for Rising Finance Leaders43:04 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Is your mindset keeping you trapped in a cycle of burnout, no matter how successful you are? This conversation reveals the mental switch used by elite performers to reclaim their time, energy, and financial freedom.You can graduate from the best schools, land jobs at top firms, and even become a multi-millionaire, yet still feel controlled by pressure, anxiety, and the fear of not being enough. The secret to breaking free isn't working harder—it's rewiring the 95% of your success that's driven by your mind.In this episode, we sit down with Kelsie Neibel, a top-performing tech seller with a background at elite firms like Deloitte and Goldman Sachs. After hitting severe burnout multiple times, she discovered the science-backed methods to rewire her brain. She transformed her relationship with money from "master" to "servant" and built a thriving career that doesn't come at the expense of her family or well-being.If you're a high-achiever ready to trade stress for sustainable success, this is your guide.🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:The 98% Rule: Why your mindset, not your strategy, dictates the ceiling of your success.The Science of Change: How neuroplasticity allows you to build new thought patterns at any age.A Practical Tool to Remap Your Brain: The "T-Chart" method to identify and replace a scarcity mindset.MONEY MASTERY: How to transform your relationship with money from a source of anxiety to a tool for empowerment.Combating Cultural Toxicity: How to protect your energy and focus from negative work environments and social media doom-scrolling.The High-Performer's Dilemma: Why the most successful people are often the most susceptible to crippling self-doubt and what to do about it.** timestamps / CHAPTERS:**0:00 - The Truth About High-Performance Burnout1:45 - The #1 Thing That Shifted Everything for a Goldman Sachs / Deloitte Vet3:10 - Can You Actually Control Your Thoughts? Here's How.4:28 - The 98% Statistic That Changes Everything6:15 - Why You Need to Change: Pain vs. Desire7:35 - The Science of Rewiring Your Brain (Neuroplasticity)9:55 - ACTIONABLE: A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Money Story12:40 - This Sounds Strange... But It Works.13:55 - How Long Does It Really Take to See Results?15:10 - Why Top Tech Sellers Are So Prone to Burnout & Depression17:30 - The Hidden Danger of Your LinkedIn & News Feed19:45 - How Your Phone Addiction is Sabotaging Your Family & Career22:12 - A Challenge That Will Instantly Improve Your Mental HealthCONNECT WITH KELSIE & DEVON:► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsieneibel/►https://www.linkedin.com/in/devoncoombs/RESOURCES MENTIONED:► Book: "Winning the War in Your Mind" - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=winning+the+war+in+your+mind&hvadid=695363176033&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9061321&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=6282759908261981183--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6282759908261981183&hvtargid=kwd-1064715442922&hydadcr=22159_13517521&mcid=e7b2c02d4f5e35acb1e45c20d306d22d&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_5drzjndwkn_e_p67Did this conversation resonate with you?🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more strategies for ambitious professionals👇 Let us know in the comments: What is one negative thought or "old story" you want to rewire?#Mindset #Burnout #Success #WorkLifeBalance #Neuroplasticity #TechSales #HighPerformance #Entrepreneurship

In this episode of Ambition Aligned, host Devon Coombs, CPA, sits down with Shane Clark, a CPA who transitioned from a high-stress job with 75-hour work weeks to running a successful and family-centered tax practice in Los Angeles. Shane shares his journey from working at a big accounting firm to joining his father's small tax firm and the nuances of balancing professional ambitions with a fulfilling personal life. This conversation covers essential financial topics, such as tax strategies for high earners, the benefits of starting your own business, and the practical steps to avoid lifestyle creep. Shane also discusses the importance of setting and sticking to long-term goals, smart retirement planning, and the advantages of small business ownership. Don't miss this practical and insightful discussion loaded with wisdom from someone who has successfully navigated the path to financial freedom while maintaining a balanced life.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage00:39 Meet Shane Clark: From Burnout to Thriving01:38 Shane's Journey: From Big Firm to Family Business05:52 Balancing Work and Life: Shane's Approach10:53 The Importance of Setting Goals17:06 Devon's Career Shift and Reflections21:52 Tax Strategies for High Earners26:00 Transitioning from W2 to Business Ownership26:26 Tax Benefits for Business Owners27:25 Maximizing Retirement Contributions30:26 Strategic Financial Planning32:09 Lifestyle Choices and Financial Freedom37:10 Tax Strategies for Business Owners42:26 Common Tax Misconceptions44:57 Rapid Fire Questions47:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join us on this episode of Ambition Align where we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Claire, the CEO and founder of Kipsy. With over 10 years of experience transitioning from Deloitte to BlackLine, then to a startup, and finally founding her own company, Claire shares invaluable insights. Find out about her innovative approach to leadership, the importance of maintaining a customer-first mindset, and how persevering through challenge after challenge brought Kipsy to where it is today. Learn about the behind-the-scenes of building and scaling a tech company, navigating mentorships, finding the right co-founder, and the essential lessons on maintaining work-life balance. Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation!

00:00 Introduction to Success and Learning

00:18 Expensive Mistakes and Organizational Truths

00:34 Interview with Claire: Journey to Founding Kipsy

01:52 From Deloitte to BlackLine: Career Pivot

03:34 The Importance of Tools and Culture in Audit

06:55 Joining Lilt for Hands-On Experience

17:29 The Catalyst for Starting Kipsy22:05

Building Kipsy: From Idea to Execution

31:20 The Journey to the First Customer

33:01 Building Trust Through Feedback

38:57 Challenges and Growth in the Early Years

42:18 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

47:01 Fundraising and Strategic Decisions

54:57 Final Thoughts and Advice

What if the biggest risk in your business wasn’t the idea—but the people you partner with?In this raw and practical episode of Ambition Aligned, Nickolaus Violin, founder & CEO of Konnekted, shares the behind-the-scenes journey of launching a flexible workspace business—and what nearly destroyed it. From real estate deals gone wrong to navigating ruthless landlords and delayed permits, Nick opens up about trust, betrayal, startup resilience, and the lessons he wishes he learned sooner.We also unpack:Why you should never trust a handshake (and what to do instead)How to protect yourself in business partnerships—even with friendsWhat makes or breaks a co-working startupWhy lawyers are non-negotiable (and no, ChatGPT can’t replace them)How to recognize the line between optimism and delusion as a founderThis is a masterclass in calculated risk, humility, and building something that actually serves the modern professional.🔗 Learn more about Nickolaus and Konnekted: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickolausviolin/📣 Want more founder stories & practical leadership insights? Like, comment, and subscribe.Website: https://devoncoombs.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devoncoombs/#StartupLessons #RealEstateDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPartnerships #AmbitionAligned

AI writing tools are flooding professional workflows—but what if they’re silently making your legal and financial docs worse?In this episode of Ambition Aligned, I sit down with Ray Sang, CPA, CISA, CITP—founder of Inkwise.ai and Chipmunk Robotics, former Revenue Director at Elastic and Deal Controller at Google, and current law student at Fordham.Ray is building the most human-centered AI writing platform for professionals in law, accounting, and finance—and he’s here to explain why most AI-generated memos, contracts, and reports are deeply flawed.We cover:Why AI can't yet replace expert writers (and how it can assist)How Inkwise gives you precision, sourcing, and human-first controlThe biggest red flags in AI-generated writingWhat professional-grade drafting with AI should actually look likeLIVE demo: Watch Ray draft a real ASC 606 memo using AIThis is the episode for you if you work in legal, accounting, finance, or compliance and want to use AI without sacrificing quality or ethics.🔗 Try Inkwise: https://inkwise.ai🔗 Connect with Ray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raysang🔗 Learn more from Devon: https://www.devoncoombs.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/devoncoombs/Subscribe for more deep-dive convos at the intersection of purpose, leadership, and innovation.#LegalTech #FinTech #AItools #Accounting #AmbitionAligned

She was denied stress leave. Her workplace gaslit her. Now she's a bestseller and a top coach.In this powerful episode of Ambition Aligned, nurse leader-turned-entrepreneur Sara Fung shares how she walked away from a toxic healthcare system, built a thriving business from scratch, became a top podcast host (The Gritty Nurse), and hit #1 on Canada’s bestseller lists—all while raising kids and recovering from burnout.We unpack:Why leaving for less money can give you more lifeThe dark reality of healthcare work culture (pump rooms on toilets, toxic “leadership”)How Sara used podcasting and community to rebuild her careerTurning burnout into a platform for change—and profitPractical mindset shifts for stuck professionals (in any industry)If you're a high performer trapped in a job that’s breaking you—this conversation will shift something in you.🔗 Connect with Sara:Website: www.sarafung.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saramfung/Career coaching: https://www.thernresume.com/Podcast: www.grittynurse.comBook: http://harpercollins.ca/9781443468718/the-wisdom-of-nurses/🔗 Connect with Devon:devoncoombs.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/devoncoombs/👇 Like, comment, and subscribe if this resonated with you.#Leadership #BurnoutRecovery #CareerChange #Nursing #AmbitionAligned

Everyone knows the numbers are off. But no one’s talking about why.In this explosive conversation, Blake Oliver — CPA, founder of Earmark CPE, and host of the #1 accounting podcast in the world — joins Devon Coombs to expose the hidden crisis destroying trust, ethics, and sustainability in the accounting profession.We unpack:Secret time sheets and the lies firms rewardHow burnout is built into the system by designWhy CPE and training have become a jokeRevenue recognition games that inflate earningsThe cultural rot infecting public accounting—and how to fix itThis isn’t just for CPAs. If you’ve ever worked in a broken system, felt punished for telling the truth, or wondered why honest people burn out… this episode will hit home.🎧 Watch, share, and subscribe for more truth-driven leadership convos.🔗 More at: devoncoombs.com🔗 Connect: linkedin.com/in/devoncoombs#accounting #burnout #leadership #cpa #ethics