Uncommon Sense

We're wrapping up this season with a conversation featuring a CPA who seems to never run out of energy when it comes to supporting organizations and causes important to her—Debbie Gorsline FCPA, FCMA, a recipient of CPA Alberta's 2026 Distinguished Accomplishment Award. On this episode, Debbie talks about her career path and reflects on the work she's done to support organizations such as CPA Assist, a program that offers confidential services to CPAs and their families across four jurisdictions. She offers her perspectives on the value of providing mental health and related services to professionals, and looks back on the impact her family and community have had on her own approach to volunteerism. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

In November, Alberta's CPA profession celebrated the achievements of 443 successful Alberta writers of the profession's fall Common Final Examination (CFE). Passing this exam is a major step before CPA candidates earn their full designation. On November 28, 2025 in Edmonton, many of these soon-to-be CPAs gathered with their employers and other dignitaries at a luncheon, hosted by CPA Alberta. And Uncommon Sense was there! This "person on the street" episode features a collection of real-time comments and perspectives, ranging from tears of joy to cheers of delight. Thanks to everyone who took the time to chat with us, and thanks as well to CPA Alberta for accommodating our podcast crew. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Ryan Gubic CPA, CGA and owner of MRG Wealth Management, helps us understand how to approach investing and how it can set you up for financial security. In Part 1 of our two-part discussion, Ryan talks about the fundamentals of investing and walks listeners through the ways a person can begin investing, some tips for smart investing, and how investing can help you prepare for retirement. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Robyn Hamilton CPA, CA is a busy professional who has a demanding and rewarding passion outside of work: marathon-running. She's participated in marathons from Edmonton to Berlin to Tokyo, and has learned how the focus and resilience required of a marathon runner can also make a difference career-wise. On this episode, Robyn talks about her life as a runner, the priority she places on fitness, and some of the surprising moments of human connection that one can experience in a marathon. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

CPA firms in small towns are more than simply local businesses – they are fully engaged in the life and success of their towns. Guest Sarah Vodden CPA, CGA is a partner at Hendrickson Black LLP. In this episode, Sarah discusses the many ways she and her colleagues participate in their communities and support their clients. On a more-personal level, Sarah talks about her pride in her Métis heritage and the importance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. With warmth and humour, Sarah gives us a glimpse into a life and career rich in fulfilment. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

In the episodes focusing on the evolution of accounting education at the post-secondary level, we welcome Dr. Sherif Elbarrad, Dean of Management at Concordia University of Edmonton. With decades of experience teaching, planning and leading accounting education, Dr. Elbarrad has a close-up view on changes in the classroom and how they relate to the workplace and beyond. He discusses how new technologies and priorities are shaping how future CPAs are educated, and weighs in on trends he expects to see in the near future Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ