The Blue Room Podcast is your front-row seat to the heart of our company culture. Hosted by Lorainne Ladd, our Talent Acquisition Director, each episode features candid conversations with employees across departments. From inspiring career growth stories to unforgettable workplace moments, this podcast celebrates the people who make our company thrive.
Whether you're a prospective candidate, a curious listener, or part of our team, you'll get an inside look at how we nurture talent, foster innovation, and build a workplace where everyone belongs. Tune in to hear real voices, real stories, and the real culture behind our success.
Morgan Wright's Journey: From Entry-Level to Leadership at alliant
Join host Lorraine Ladd as she sits down with Morgan Wright, Associate Director in alliant's R&D team, for an inspiring conversation about career growth and leadership. Morgan shares her eight-year journey from an entry-level position to leading a top-performing team, all while expecting her first baby!
In this episode, Morgan discusses:
The power of embracing discomfort for professional growth
Building lasting client relationships and team success
Leading through major milestones (including tax season!)
Her team's incredible achievement of delivering the most value to clients for multiple quarters
Morgan's advice? Know your strengths AND weaknesses—understanding both is key to continuous growth, both professionally and personally.
Whether you're starting your career journey or looking to level up, Morgan's insights on staying true to yourself while pushing boundaries will resonate with anyone committed to excellence.
25 Nov 2025
From Bankruptcy Court to Tax Law: Lakia' McCline's Amazing Journey at alliant
Meet Lakia' McCline, Senior QC Attorney at alliant! In this episode of The Blue Room Podcast, host Lorraine Ladd sits down with Lakia' to explore her incredible transition from practicing bankruptcy law to leading a team at alliant.
Discover what makes Lakia's team thrive, why she can't live without TikTok, and her secret to staying on top of her game.
Whether you're considering a career in tax law or curious about what it takes to succeed at a dynamic consulting firm, this conversation offers valuable insights into professional growth, mentorship, and finding your voice in a new environment.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of being an active participant in your workplace community
How flexibility and calendar management drive success
What personalities thrive in fast-paced legal environments
Why investment in people matters most
Join us for an inspiring conversation about career transformation, leadership, and making your journey count!
24 Nov 2025
From Engineer to R&D Leader: Grant McNeill on Grit and Growth at alliant
In this episode of The Blue Room, host Lorraine Ladd sits down with Grant McNeill, Associate Director in alliant’s Research & Development practice. With over nine years at alliant, Grant shares how he transitioned from engineering to consulting, what makes R&D work so dynamic, and how his team leverages AI to boost quality and efficiency.
They dive into:
What a day in R&D consulting really looks like (race car parts in the morning, breweries in the afternoon!)
The importance of learning, teamwork, and “friendly competition”
Overcoming the shift from engineering’s step-by-step mindset to big-picture problem solving
Rapid-fire fun: coffee vs. energy drinks, tacos vs. pizza, and more
Advice for career changers: don’t be limited by your past experience
Who thrives on the R&D team: grit, drive, and flexibility
We’re hiring! If you’re a motivated problem-solver who adapts quickly and loves learning, consider joining our R&D practice (R&D Consultants and R&D Associates).
22 Nov 2025
First Job to Associate Director: McKenzie Findley on “Running Into the Fire”
Host Lorraine Ladd sits down with Associate Director McKenzie Findley to unpack what “Education & Awareness” really means at alliant—and how her team drives business strategy to empower sales, elevate acquisitions, and fuel rapid growth.
In this episode:
What Education & Awareness does: sales enablement, better leads, social, email, and marketing collateral
McKenzie’s career journey: first job out of college → two promotions in four years
The mindset that accelerates growth: “run into the fire,” get comfortable being uncomfortable
Culture and perks: onsite gym, strong team bonds, and international collaboration
Rapid-fire favorites: TikTok, sweet snacks, football (Roll Tide!), and… pizza forever
We’re hiring for McKenzie’s team: fun, proactive, ambitious teammates who want to build a career and a work family
Key quotes:
“Everything feels better when you’re winning together.”
“Feel the fear—and do it anyway.”
Interested in joining the team? We’re growing fast—come build with us.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Blue Room conversations!
21 Nov 2025
From Associate to Chief of Staff: Ernesto Zermeno's alliant Story
Join Lorraine Ladd, alliant Director of Talent Acquisition, as she chats with Ernesto Zermeno, Chief of Staff for our Business Development team, on the latest episode of The Blue Room Podcast!
Ernesto shares his incredible journey at alliant, from starting as an associate to becoming a Chief of Staff and now helping with the hiring and training of new associates. He opens up about invaluable lessons learned, his dream office perk (doggy daycare, anyone?), and the advice he'd give his younger self on his first day.
Get ready for some fun rapid-fire questions and insights into what makes his team thrive. If you're hardworking, love to have fun, and want to be the best version of yourself, Ernesto's team is looking for you!
20 Nov 2025
From Fear to Fire: Sara Khalifa’s 5-Year Rise at alliant
In this Blue Room episode, host Lorraine Ladd sits down with Sara Khalifa, Director at alliant, to unpack her 5-year journey from hesitation to high performance. Sara shares how saying “yes” changed her career, the power of investing in people, leading with authenticity, and building high-performing teams.
Highlights:
Overcoming fear of failure and taking the leap
Rapid promotions and shifting from back-end to client-facing
Core values: investment in people and iron-sharpens-iron culture
Lessons for women in leadership: trust your gut and be yourself
Team wins, mentorship, and growing new leaders
Rapid Fire Fun:
Florence, Italy fan
Rodeo over Astros
Coffee forever, sneakers always
Whitney Houston “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” as her life soundtrack
Subscribe for more stories that inspire growth and grit. Your journey is yours—make it count.
17 Nov 2025
Inside alliant's QC Team with Stephen: Tax Law, Trivia & Building Trust
Join host Lorraine Ladd in conversation with Stephen Shropshire, Quality Control Attorney at alliant, as he shares insights into ensuring tax credit compliance, building client trust through transparency, and fostering team culture through competitive trivia nights.
Stephen discusses the evolving landscape of tax law, the importance of delivering honest answers—even when they're tough—and what makes a great QC attorney. From his six-year journey at alliant to his passion for R&D tax credits, discover how this team balances serious tax work with genuine camaraderie.
Whether you're interested in tax law, team building, or career growth in consulting, this episode offers valuable perspectives on professional excellence and workplace culture.
10 Nov 2025
From Engineer to Director: Lauren Morris Rihani’s 8-Year Journey at alliant
Join host Lorraine Ladd as she sits down with Lauren Morris Rihani, a newly promoted Director at alliant, to discuss her remarkable eight-year journey from engineer to leadership. Lauren shares the secrets behind her four promotions, navigating maternity leave while advancing her career, and why leaning into discomfort is key to growth.
In this episode, discover:
- How alliant's investment-focused culture drives professional and personal growth
- The power of mentorship and learning from high performers
- Balancing new motherhood with career advancement
- Behind-the-scenes team celebrations and company culture
- Practical advice for aspiring leaders
Whether you're an engineer considering a career pivot, a professional seeking growth opportunity, or simply curious about what makes a high-performance culture thrive, this conversation offers valuable insights into building a successful career while staying true to yourself.
4 Nov 2025
Enterprise Director Bradley Trangsrud on Building New Practices, Big Wins, and Entrepreneurial Drive
Host Lorraine Ladd sits down with alliant Enterprise Director Bradley Trangsrud to unpack his rapid growth at alliant—five promotions in six years—and how he helped build major practices from the ground up, including ERC and Finance & Accounting Managed Services. Brad shares what the recent promotion felt like, why recognition moments matter, how cross-functional teams win together, and the one non-negotiable trait he hires for: entrepreneurial drive. Plus: the story of his legendary custom suit and his middle-school birdhouse “startup.”
28 Oct 2025
Associate Director Maulik Shah on R&D Consulting, Culture, and his 5 Promotions
In this episode of The Blue Room, alliant Director of Talent Acquisition Lorraine Ladd chats with Maulik Shah, Associate Director in our R&D Practice, about his 8+ year journey at alliant and how he’s earned five promotions along the way. Maulik explains what an R&D consultant does, how our team helps American businesses innovate and grow, and why the people are his favorite part of the job. He also dives into alliant’s culture—especially the “you control your own destiny” mindset—and how it’s shaped his success.
21 Oct 2025
alliant Attorney Tyler Basham on Mentorship, Growth, and Being a New Dad
Join host Lorraine Ladd, alliant’s Director of Talent Acquisition, in The Blue Room as she sits down with Tyler Basham—QC Attorney and Team Lead at alliant. Tyler shares his journey from aspiring litigator to finding his groove in corporate tax, the power of mentorship, and why being open to unexpected opportunities can transform your career. He also talks about life as a new dad, team culture, and what he looks for when hiring for his high-performing group
8 Oct 2025
From Law School to Leadership: Stephanie Guerra’s Journey at alliant
In this episode of The Blue Room Podcast, Director of Talent Acquisition Lorraine Ladd sits down with Stephanie Guerra, Associate Director and Quality Control Attorney at alliant.
Stephanie joined alliant over four years ago, right out of law school, and has already been promoted three times. She credits her success to incredible mentors who’ve guided her both professionally and personally, and she’s paying it forward by sharing her advice with future attorneys.
✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:
How Stephanie built her legal career at alliant
The powerful role of mentorship at work and in life
Why having an open mind is crucial for young attorneys
Her number one piece of advice: Run as fast as you can towards your goals!
If you’re inspired by stories of rapid growth, mentorship, and ambition, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
29 Sept 2025
How Tara Barton Leads alliant’s Raving Fanatic Experience | The Blue Room Podcast | alliant
In this episode of The Blue Room Podcast, Director of Talent Acquisition Lorraine Ladd sits down with Tara Barton, alliant’s Chief Ambassador of the Raving Fanatic Experience.
With over 8 years at alliant, Tara has worn many hats—but her common thread has always been client relations and ensuring every client enjoys an A+++ experience. Recently promoted to a leadership role overseeing the client experience across the firm, Tara shares her journey, insights, and why she believes in the power of earning a seat at the table.
✨ Tune in to learn:
How Tara built her career at alliant
The secrets to creating an unforgettable client experience
Why confidence and speaking up drive success
If you’re passionate about client-first culture, leadership journeys, and owning your path, this episode is for you!
👉 Interested in joining us?
Explore exciting career opportunities on our Careers Site (https://www.alliantgroup.com/careers/) and see how you can be part of the alliant!
Follow us on social media to stay connected:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/alliantgroup (https://linkedin.com/company/alliantgroup)
Instagram: alliantgroup • Instagram photos and videos (https://www.instagram.com/alliantgroup/)
Facebook: facebook.com/alliantgroupLP (https://facebook.com/alliantgroupLP)
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