Forward-Looking Statements

Executive Advisor, SEC Professionals Group, Steve Soter provides his perspective on the role of financial accounting in modern businesses, drawing from his varied experience. 0:53 Marc introduces Steve Soter, his decades of experience with public company reporting. 3:15 We first discuss "the Thanksgiving dilemma" — how do you describe what you do for a living? 5:20 Steve and Marc discuss how the 10-K and 10-Q go beyond just delivering results, but the important context. 7:55 What advice would you give someone wanting to enter into your profession? 11:35 Within the world of compliance, Steve responds to our current corporate landscape including work from home and a "return to work" strategy. 15:00 Steve discusses the challenges he faces in his current role and how he overcomes them. 17:54 How do you continue to learn to stay on top of things in your role and in the industry? Steve shares key resources and methodologies he uses to remain a subject-matter expert. 21:36 Steve answers quick questions about the SEC industry at-large.

Ben Ashwell shares his perspective on managing the effective two-way relationship in investor relations, especially amidst change. 1:27 Marc highlights Ben's current role at IR Magazine and his experience as a thought leader in the investor relations industry and beyond. 3:20 We first discuss "the Thanksgiving dilemma" — how do you describe what you do for a living, and what your readers do for a living? 5:22 Ben shares the advice he would give someone wanting to enter the profession of investor relations or corporate governance. 7:11 Marc and Ben discuss resources and publications that are "demystifying" the role of investor relations in today's corporate landscape. 8:28 Ben reacts to our current corporate landscape and how virtual connection and remote work is impacting networking and events. 12:20 From his vantage point, Ben discusses new challenges for investor relations professionals in 2020. 15:52 What are 2-3 topics that investor relations professionals are researching now that are high on their radar? 20:47 Marc and Ben discuss the role that investor relations plays in "managing the coronavirus story" from a business standpoint and how investor relations plays a role during any time of crisis. 30:02 Ben answers quick questions about the SEC industry.

Matt Waters of CoStar Group discusses the impact of new lease accounting guidance for reporting companies and how they're approaching this challenge. 1:11 Marc discusses Matt's current role as Director of Lease Accounting and long tenure of thought leadership within the industry. 3:19 We first discuss "the Thanksgiving dilemma" — how do you describe what you do for a living? 6:13 What advice would you give someone wanting to enter into your existing profession? 6:36 Matt discusses the steps he's taken to advance his career — including credentials, mentorship opportunities and continued commitment to education. 7:36 Matt discusses his experience in corporate accounting at Home Depot and how his time there afforded him good opportunities to manage and mentor young professionals. 08:28 Matt responds to the current environment and the challenges and opportunities it has presented — including what "return to work" means for Matt. 12:20 Matt responds to Marc's question about challenges he continually faces in his role and how he works to overcome them. 12:50 Matt discusses the role of the new lease accounting standards required for public and non-public companies and how this hurdle can be overcome by organizations. 17:46 Marc asks Matt what content he's frequently reviewing from the SEC and FASB that directly relates to his role. 20:32 What methodologies do you follow to remain a source of thought leadership in your industry? 23:44 Matt answers quick questions about the SEC industry and why he believes "no news is good news."

Intelligize CEO Todd Hicks discusses how the evolving work landscape is providing new hurdles — and new solutions for organizations like Intelligize and other organizations in the regulatory and compliance industry. 1:14 Marc and Todd discuss Todd's more than 20 years of experience in compliance research and his start in public accounting and time in the United States Army. 4:30 We first discuss "the Thanksgiving dilemma" — how do you describe what you do for a living? 5:45 Todd discusses how his answer to this question has changed over the years, since he got his start in this industry in 1995. 7:11 Todd shares the advice he would give someone looking to enter the regulatory compliance and research profession. 8:51 We discuss the current global situation and the obstacles and opportunities that have been presented. 13:00 Innovating the way we do work is how Intelligize — and all organizations — can greet the current work environment. 13:40 Todd discusses the biggest challenges that come with his role as CEO — maintaining growth and innovation, and how he works to prioritize that. 18:00 The need to have an organizational vision beyond just the products you're building, including adjacency or underserved areas. 21:15 What are some of the things you research again and again in the compliance industry? Todd discusses the robust role of a 10-K for an organization. 24:10 How do you continue to learn to stay on top of trends and developments? Todd discusses his routine for reading, meetings, networking and alerts so he can consume the most impactful information. 25:20 Todd discusses his new professional development goal now that COVID-19 has decreased the need for an office commute. 27:35 Todd answers quick questions about the SEC industry and his broader professional goals or interests.

Get to know professionals from every corner of the regulatory and compliance industry. Hear their stories, perspectives, and observations about new challenges on the horizon, and the ever-changing regulatory landscape.