Scale + Soul®: Preserving Culture in a High-Growth Firm | A Conversation with Erin McAuley and Julie Spence on Building a “Big, Small Firm”

In the latest episode of Spark Hire’s The Speed to Hire Show, our Chief People Officer Erin McAuley and Head of Talent Acquisition Julie Spence join host Josh Tolan for a conversation on scaling culture, talent, and leadership in a rapidly evolving accounting industry. 

Erin shares how Springline Advisory’s “big, small firm” vision combines the scale and opportunities of a national platform with the local relationships and high-touch culture that define boutique firms. Julie discusses how Springline approaches talent acquisition with a people-first mindset, focusing on relationships, flexibility, and long-term growth rather than transactional hiring.  

Together, they explore how Springline’s Scale + Soul credo guides everything from acquisitions to hiring strategy while preserving human connection and shared values. 

 Whether you’re scaling through growth or rethinking your talent strategy, this conversation offers insight into building a modern, people-first firm with intention.

Listen to the Episode