Barrett Young

Barrett Young is a partner at GWCPA, where he helps business owners transform succession planning from a lingering “I should probably do something about that” into a clear, actionable strategy. With 20 years of experience advising privately held companies, he specializes in working with family-run businesses navigating the real-life complexities of leadership transition, legacy, and persistent innovation.

Barrett’s approach is refreshingly direct. He brings strategy, empathy, and a healthy dose of humor to conversations that are often anything but easy. Known for drilling into the human side of the transfer of leadership, he helps clients move beyond the deal to make decisions they’ll still feel good about at the next family get-together.

He also hosts The Art of Succession podcast, where he interviews business owners who’ve been through the ups, the downs, and  the unexpected that always come with succession. His perspective isn’t theoretical. He’s currently preparing to take the reins of an 80-year-old CPA firm, learning firsthand how to balance respect for tradition with a vision for the future.

When he’s not talking AI or succession planning, Barrett is usually trail running, lifting heavy things, or playing guitar. He’s equally at home in the gym or behind a spreadsheet, and he brings that same mix of grit and focus to helping others build innovative businesses that thrive for generations. Equally at home on a podcast as in front of a crowd, Barrett is known for his clear insights, relatable style, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed on purpose.