Take Responsibility for the Next Generation
The Upstream Leader Podcast · 2026-05-09 · 14 min
Episode notes
Something is quietly undermining the progress accounting firms are making, and it starts at the top. In this solo Episode 118 of The Upstream Leader , Jeremy Clopton makes a direct case that today's leaders have largely handed off the work of developing the next generation to HR departments, training programs, and outside coaches, while telling themselves they're simply too busy to lead development themselves. That abdication is the single biggest barrier to sustainable firm growth. Plus, the fix isn't complicated: identify your successor, put people in uncomfortable situations with your support behind them, and simply make the time. Jeremy also pushes back on the "sink-or-swim" mentality that shaped many current leaders, distinguishing it from the kind of intentional challenge that actually builds real leadership capacity. There are obviously lots of ways to tackle this problem, but the real ask is simpler than any framework: Just go invest in someone. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUpstreamLeader.com