From Survival Mode to Sustainable Success in Your CPA Firm with Lisa Smith

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Smith who is a functional medicine dietitian, gut-health expert, and founder of Lisa Smith Wellness. We explore the realities of deep stress and the health impacts that so many accounting firm owners quietly carry. We start by talking about the concept of “deep stress,” how it differs from everyday overwhelm, and why professionals who juggle multiple roles often don’t realize their bodies are stuck in long-term survival mode. Lisa breaks down the signs many CPAs ignore: waking up tired, constant tension, reliance on caffeine or wine, disrupted sleep, brain fog, and that ever-present feeling of being “on.”

Timestamps:
03:55: Introducing the concept of deep stress
05:58: How stress impacts sleep and cortisol
07:57: What entrepreneurs consistently overlook in wellness
10:50: Habit change and understanding personal motivators
12:52: Redesigning your life and business through intentionality
16:34: Long-term health implications of unmanaged stress
18:59: Feeling trapped in your business and how to begin unwinding it
23:05: Reducing stress and improving clarity
24:26: Price’s Law, the Pareto Principle, and understanding real productivity
29:14: Pre-tax-season tips for improving energy and well-being
30:46: The “campfire method” for stabilizing daily energy
34:29: Lisa’s book recommendations for leaders and entrepreneurs

Lisa’s Resource Recommendations:

• Prepare Your CPA Firm for A Sale by Brannon Poe [https://poegroupadvisors.com/prepare/]
• Atomic Habits by James Clear [https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299]
• The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson [https://www.amazon.com/Slight-Edge-Turning-Disciplines-Happiness/dp/1626340463]
• Who Not How by Dan Sullivan [https://www.amazon.com/Who-Not-How-Accelerating-Teamwork-ebook/dp/B0867ZJ151]
• Traction by Gino Wickman [https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837]
• The Common Path to Uncommon Success by John Lee Dumas [https://www.amazon.com/Common-Path-Uncommon-Success-Fulfillment/dp/1400221099]
• Journaling Guide: [http://lisasmithwellness.com/the-morning-mindset-journal]

Connecting with Lisa: 

•  Listen to my Pretty Well PODCAST https://apple.co/3Y2IbSZ
•  Visit my Website https://lisasmithwellness.com
•  Read my Wellness BLOG  https://lisasmithwellness.com/blog/
•  Find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/
•  lisa.lsw@outlook.com 

Link to full listing: https://poegroupadvisors.com/practice/sc2038/ 

Firm Highlights:
- Young, energetic owner committed to staying 10+ years to run and grow the firm.
- Selling 70–100% equity, with plans to offer key employees an ownership stake.
- 3+ CPAs on staff and over 20 employees.
- High-net-worth clients with strong loyalty and consistent referrals.
- 78% of services tied to business clients.