Bake’s Takes – Vol. 1, No. 1

by | Apr 9, 2024

ARTICLE | April 09, 2024

April 2024, Volume 1, Issue 1

Bake’s Takes: KHA Management Consulting Recommended Reads
            by Jonny Baker, Strategic Consulting Partner.

Hot Take of the month: If you think you lead but do not read, you’re wrong. 

This month’s Top 3:

  1. Why Organizations Don’t Learn, Gino and Staats; HBR, Nov 2015
    1. Biases get in our way of learning individually and collectively.
    2. The 10 impediments to learning: fear of failure, fixed mindset, overreliance on past performance, attribution bias, exhaustion, insufficient reflection, believing we need to conform, failure to use one’s strengths, overly narrow view of frontline involvement, and an overly narrow view of expertise.

  2. The Work of Leadership, Heifetz and Laurie, HBR Dec 2001
    1. This article was introduced to me in an executive education course during COVID and I found it quite silly the idea of getting on the balcony, especially since I am not much of a dancer, but the insights resonated and did again when I re-read it.
    2. The article challenges the reader to get on the balcony (be in the dance but also pull away), identify adaptive challenges, regulate distress (not avoid distress), maintain disciplined attention, give work back to employees, and protect leadership voices from below management. 
  1. Finding the Balance Between Coaching and Managing, Zengar and Folkman, HBR 2014
    1. There is a staggering stat in this article that shows nearly 60% of the highly committed employees work for the top 10% of leaders who are effective at coaching and developing others.
    2. It talks about three areas to focus: Directive vs. collaborative, give advice or aid vs. helping the employee find the answer within, inclinations to act as expert or equal vs. a coach.

Why the recommended reads: I have been accused by friends, colleagues, and clients of pelting people with articles and book recommendations. Some of my mentees have stacks of books they will never get through (some of my mentors too). As such, I have decided to curate a monthly recap of good reads that holds the three best articles or reads from the month prior, (as I have read them not published that month). I do love Harvard Business Review and you will see much of it as my work is focused on equipping leaders for the tough tasks ahead of leading well and finishing the race, and I have yet to find a better resource for equipping the teams and myself for this work.

Learn more about our offering: https://kha.cpa/services/consulting/

Questions or Want to Talk?

Call us directly at 972.221.2500 (Flower Mound) or 940.591.9300 (Denton),
or complete the form below and we’ll contact you to discuss your specific situation.

  • Should be Empty:
  • Topic Name:

Scenario Planning: A Roadmap for Business Agility

Oct 28, 2025

In a world of constant change and unpredictability, scenario planning empowers businesses to anticipate multiple futures and make informed decisions. This strategic approach helps organizations manage risks, optimize resources, and stay agile amidst economic volatility, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences. Discover how scenario planning can transform your company’s resilience and growth potential.

What Are Opportunity Zones?

Oct 28, 2025

Timing is key in maximizing the benefits of OZ investments. With thoughtful planning and strategic execution, OZs can be a cornerstone of both financial success and meaningful change.

Cost Analysis: Turning Hidden Numbers into Smarter Decisions

Oct 23, 2025

Want to know where your profit is really going? Here’s a practical, business-owner-friendly approach to cost analysis, showing how to uncover hidden inefficiencies, assign overhead accurately, and make confident decisions with your numbers. Whether you’re looking to price smarter, cut waste, or prepare for growth, it all starts here.

New Guidance Issued for Rural Opportunity Zone Investors

Oct 14, 2025

New IRS guidance could impact your Opportunity Zone tax compliance and planning strategies. Notice 2025-50 reduces the substantial improvement threshold from 100% to 50% for rural QOZ properties, effective retroactively to July 4, 2025. With 3,309 rural zones now identified, some investors may qualify for benefits they previously couldn’t achieve, while others need immediate compliance reviews to optimize their tax positions.

SECURE 2.0 Alert: High Earners Face New Roth Catch-Up Requirements in 2025

Oct 7, 2025

Major Alert for High Earners: If you’re making $145,000+ and contributing catch-up funds to your 401(k), the rules just changed dramatically. Starting in 2025, ALL your catch-up contributions must go into Roth accounts—meaning you’ll pay taxes upfront instead of getting that immediate deduction. But here’s the twist: this could actually be a golden opportunity for long-term wealth building. Our tax experts break down what this means for your retirement strategy and why acting now is crucial.