Mike Manalac shares his journey from Big Four audit to Fortune 5 companies like Walmart and Google, revealing how he built an authentic personal brand through hand-drawn accounting cartoons and thoughtful LinkedIn content. He argues that as AI commoditizes technical accounting knowledge, professionals must develop human skills like creativity, leadership, and authentic communication to future-proof their careers. The conversation explores why accountants can't afford to stay invisible in an increasingly competitive landscape where soft skills will separate the real deal from the "phonies."

• (00:00) - Welcome to AI Accounting Intelligence
• (01:57) - Mike's Journey: From East Coast to West Coast
• (04:12) - Working at Walmart: E-commerce and Innovations
• (13:53) - Transition to Google: Ads and Automation
• (18:15) - Mike from Accounting: Personal Brand and Projects
• (20:57) - Encouraging Accountants to Share Their Voice
• (26:57) - The Importance of Standing Out in Your Career
• (28:15) - Dealing with Self-Promotion and Social Media
• (29:12) - Authenticity in the Age of Influencers
• (31:34) - The Role of Humor and Creativity in Accounting
• (40:30) - The Future of Accounting: AI and Skills Evolution
• (50:15) - Final Thoughts and Advice for Accountants

Connect with Isaac Heller
https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacheller

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