Skip to content
MarketScale
Demo
‹ Back to Industries

Business Services

From Deloitte to Startup CEO: Johnnie Akin on Risk, Faith & Reinvention

The article explores Johnnie Akin's transition from a senior manager role at Deloitte to becoming a startup CEO. It delves into how pivotal moments of faith and failures influenced his leadership approach. Akin's story highlights the risks involved in such career changes and the value of personal beliefs in professional growth.

This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Business Services teams put it to work with Executive Thought Leadership.

Promoted content from Beyond the Ledger on MarketScale.

By Troy Ashby ·
Share

Key takeaways

01

Johnnie Akin transitioned from a senior role at Deloitte to lead a startup.

02

His leadership approach is shaped by experiences of faith and failure.

03

Akin's story emphasizes the importance of risk-taking in career reinvention.

On this episode of Beyond the Ledger, host Troy Ashby talks with a leader shaping accounting and finance. Watch the full conversation above.

Former Deloitte senior manager and startup operator Johnnie Akin discusses his leap into entrepreneurship, and how faith and failure shaped his leadership.

Beyond the Ledger

Part of this channel

Beyond the Ledger

The people and ideas shaping accounting and finance.

Visit the channel →

About the author

Troy Ashby
Troy AshbyPresident, Benchmark Search, Benchmark Search

Troy Ashby is President at Benchmark Search and host of Beyond the Ledger, where he talks with the leaders, innovators, and professionals shaping accounting and finance.

New to MarketScale?

MarketScale is the platform Business Services companies use to turn their own experts into content like this. Want the short overview?

Free workspace

You just read one expert. Imagine publishing your whole team.

This article was produced through MarketScale. Create a free workspace and turn your own team's expertise into articles, video, and social posts. No credit card, no demo required.

NPS +73 · 1,000+ creators · 38+ countries

What you get, free

Your own MarketScale Studio workspace
One video edit a month, on us
AI writing, editing, and publishing tools
In-platform coaching to learn the system

More Business Services Insights

From broadcast journalism to talent recruiting: Jed Gifford on finding the sizzle factor

From broadcast journalism to talent recruiting: Jed Gifford on finding the sizzle factor

Jed Gifford transitioned from a career in broadcast journalism to talent recruiting, applying his experience covering major events to his new field. He believes in finding what makes candidates stand out, akin to the 'sizzle factor' in journalism. This approach helps him identify and harness potential talent effectively.

  • 01Jed Gifford shifted from broadcast journalism to talent recruiting.
  • 02Gifford uses his journalism skills to identify standout qualities in candidates.
  • 03This unique background helps him succeed in talent acquisition.

Jun 26, 2026

Crafted Journey How To: Bringing Consent, Choreography, and Mental Health to Performance

Crafted Journey How To: Bringing Consent, Choreography, and Mental Health to Performance

Intimacy and fight choreographer Bessie Zolno discusses how consent-based practices, clear boundaries, and mental health support enable actors to safely perform vulnerable scenes on stage and screen. Her work spans theater, film, and educational institutions, helping performers navigate physically and emotionally demanding moments with professional choreography and care.

  • 01Consent is crucial in performance to ensure all participants feel safe.
  • 02Choreography should incorporate elements that support mental health.
  • 03Mental well-being is a significant factor in the artistic process.

Jun 26, 2026

Sales team management is being reshaped by AI, incentive design, and the return of human judgment

Sales team management is being reshaped by AI, incentive design, and the return of human judgment

Recent research by HBR shows that AI adoption, along with issues in incentive structures and client relationship management, is transforming how B2B sales teams function. These elements are driving significant changes in sales strategies and team management. Human judgment is also playing a crucial role as teams navigate these technological and structural shifts.

  • 01AI adoption is changing the dynamics of sales team management.
  • 02Flaws in incentive structures impact sales strategies.
  • 03Human judgment is essential in balancing technology in sales processes.

Jun 26, 2026

Explore More Business Services Insights

Read more expert perspectives from across Business Services.

Browse Business Services Hub

About the Experts

Troy Ashby
Troy Ashby

President, Benchmark Search

Benchmark Search

Troy Ashby is President at Benchmark Search and host of Beyond the Ledger, where he talks with the leaders, innovators, and professionals shaping accounting and finance.

LinkedIn
JA
Johnnie Akin

CEO

Startup Company

Johnnie Akin is a former senior manager at Deloitte who transitioned to becoming a CEO at a startup. His journey highlights the importance of risk-taking and the influence of faith and failure in shaping his leadership abilities.

For Business Services teams

See how Business Services teams use MarketScale →

Executive Thought Leadership

Explore Channels

Industry news, analysis, and expert perspectives

Professional AV›Engineering & Construction›Education Technology›Healthcare›Energy›Software & Technology›Retail›Business Services›Industrial IoT›Sports & Entertainment›Transportation›Sciences›Building Management›Food & Beverage›Architecture & Design›Hospitality›
Keep exploring

More from Business Services

Business Services hubMore expert Business Services coverage.Explore →Executive Thought LeadershipMake your experts the authority.Explore →LocktonProfessional services at scale.Explore →State of B2B MarketingWhat is working in B2B marketing now.Explore →