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Private equity continues to reshape the accounting profession, but does independence still have a place?

Rob Brown sits down with Brian Blaha of Winding River Consulting to unpack what “enterprise value” really means for firms today. The conversation challenges a common assumption: that building value requires selling to private equity.

Brian introduces the concept of strategic optionality, a disciplined approach that allows firms to remain independent while still creating long-term value. From governance and capital strategy to leadership alignment and growth planning, this episode outlines what it actually takes to compete in today’s environment.

Independence isn’t passive; it’s intentional.