The Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Satterley and Joe Woodard

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather speak about major shifts in the accounting profession, including new partnership and franchise models that are democratizing technology and intellectual property for firms of all sizes. They explore how innovation, hospitality-driven client experiences, and intentional generosity can help advisors stand out while navigating talent shortages and industry change. Current events — The 2025 top 100 most influential people in accounting Pilot anounced the launch of a partnership program with local, independent, bookkeeping practices TV/Movie quote of the week — The Diplomat Red Dragon Excellent things we learned — Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect Member spotlight — Ospino Consulting The Woodard Report article of the week — Holiday Generosity Without Turning Your Firm Into a Charity Thank you to our show sponsor, CorpNet! CorpNet is the trusted leader in business formation and compliance services, offering one of the best tools for accountants, CPAs and tax professionals nationwide. The CorpNet Partner Program can 10X your firms revenue by helping clients form a business, register for payroll taxes, maintain compliance and more. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Blake Oliver about his new book, Building a Sustainable Accounting Firm, and the shift from transactional, hourly-based accounting to outcome-driven, productized services. Blake explains how firms can escape the "transactional treadmill" by redesigning pricing, redistributing workload to reduce seasonality, and adopting recurring, standardized service packages that elevate client experience. About Blake Oliver Among many other things, Blake founded Earmark so listeners can earn continuing professional education credits for listening to his shows and many more accounting and tax podcasts. The goal of the Earmark app is to make it easy and fun for fellow CPAs to learn and earn CPE every week. Because if you learn every week, it's easy to get the hours you need without stress. And we could all use a little less stress in our lives. Connect with Blake on LinkedIn Learn more about the Earmark app Learn more about Blake's new book Thank you to our show sponsor, Canopy! Unclunk your firm with Canopy, the fully integrated practice management that helps accountants build the firm they always wanted. The suite includes client and document management, workflow, time and billing, engagements and proposals, and more. Check out getcanopy.com. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Dr. Rico D. Short about his remarkable rise from a single-parent household to becoming a world-class endodontist, author, and speaker, and how faith, mentorship, and identity shaped every step of his journey. They explore how finding your true identity and purpose, rather than comparing yourself to others, can unlock your greatest potential, and how perseverance through personal and professional adversity can transform both your life and leadership. About Dr. Rico D. Short Dr. Short is a board-certified endodontist, author, professor, and international speaker. He just published his 3rd inspirational book, Purpose Full, which can be found on Amazon at this link. His company is Apex Endodontics and he can also be found on LinkedIn. Dr. Short's YouTube channel is at this link Thank you to our show sponsor, Bill, your financial operations platform! Bill is the intelligent way to create and pay bills, send invoices, manage expenses, control budgets and access the credit your business needs to grow all in one platform. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather talk about major updates from Intuit, including its expansion of TurboTax service locations and the introduction of the new Intuit Account Suite. They also explore deeper themes, from how past experiences shape us, to generational perspectives on AI, to how firms can adapt strategically to a changing profession. Current events — Intuit Accounting Suite launch Intuit opening a total of 600 on premises locations throughout the U.S. TV/Movie quote of the week — How to Train Your Dragon IT chapter 2 Excellent things we learned — These 14 colleges offer bachelor's degrees in AI—including one Ivy League school Notion Member spotlight — Auburndale Bookkeeping The Woodard Report article of the week — Setting Up a Business for Spouses: Steps to Take Thank you to our show sponsor, Brex! Brex accounting partners close clients books faster, earn rewards for referrals and attract new customers all on Brex. Brex's integrated platform provides numerous accounting automation benefits, which enable your accountants to focus on premium advisory services, help clients close the books faster and elevate the overall client experience. To become a Brex accounting firm, visit brex.com/partners/accounting to apply. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Keila Hill-Trawick about how boutique accounting firms can thrive by prioritizing deep relationships, proactive communication, and intentional growth. Keila shares how Little Fish Accounting creates a high-touch client experience through streamlined processes, boundaries that protect team capacity, and a focus on year-round partnership rather than transactions. She and Joe also discuss why saying "no" to misaligned clients is essential to delivering consistently excellent service. About Keila Hill-TrawickKeila leads the strategy and vision at Little Fish Accounting, ensuring every client experience is personal, strategic, and rooted in real-world expertise. As a seasoned entrepreneur herself, she understands the unique challenges that come with building and scaling a business with a small, intentional team. Learn more about Keila at BuildToEnough.com Thank you to our show sponsor, Canopy! Unclunk your firm with Canopy, the fully integrated practice management that helps accountants build the firm they always wanted. The suite includes client and document management, workflow, time and billing, engagements and proposals, and more. Check out getcanopy.com. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Shirley Koss about the importance of human connection and vulnerability in the accounting profession. Shirley shares insights from her travels to industry events, where she's noticed how many professionals feel isolated in remote work environments. Together, she and Heather discuss ways to combat loneliness—through authentic communication, intentional outreach, and community engagement—reminding listeners that showing vulnerability and reaching out can strengthen both personal well-being and professional relationships. About Shirley Koss At Woodard, we believe that strong communities drive professional growth. Whether you're a CPA, tax preparer, bookkeeper or another accounting professional, the power of peer connection, continuous education and a strong support network can transform your practice. Shirley's mission is to help you maximize these opportunities, and she's eager to connect with all of you—both current and future members—to share ideas and grow the community. Shirley brings years of experience in building successful communities and ensuring member engagement, and her dedication to the success of professionals is clear. She understands the unique challenges accounting professionals face and is ready to help you navigate those challenges while taking your practice to the next level. Connect with Shirley Koss on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Canopy! Unclunk your firm with Canopy, the fully integrated practice management that helps accountants build the firm they always wanted. The suite includes client and document management, workflow, time and billing, engagements and proposals, and more. Check out getcanopy.com. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather talk about the evolving accounting landscape including Anderson Group's bold IPO and Carbon's acquisition of AIDER AI. What do these moves signal about automation, workflow convergence, and private equity's growing influence? Current events — Tax firm Andersen to file publicly for IPO as soon as this week Karbon acquires Aider to deliver the future of AI-powered accounting and bookkeeping TV/Movie quote of the week — Heather mentioned the movie "The Greatest Showman" Joe mentioned both "Dune Prophecy" and "Lost in Space" Excellent things we learned — Magical AI: the text expander Member spotlight — Beth Whitworth presented by Kim Petro, Practice Advancement Coach at Woodard The Woodard Report article of the week — Confronting Self-Doubt: Accountants' Edge in an AI World Thank you to our show sponsor, Zoho! Zoho is a unique and powerful software suite to transform the way you work, designed for businesses of all sizes, built by a company that values your privacy. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Gail Crosley about how accounting firms can achieve sustainable, profitable growth through strategy rather than chance. Gail breaks down the difference between opportunistic and strategic growth, using her "fishing" analogy to show how narrowing focus, identifying ideal client profiles, and evaluating market conditions lead to lasting success. She also explains how firms can adapt when industries shift and reveals her three key elements of growth. Service, channel, and target can help firms thrive organically rather than through mergers. About Gale Crosley Gale Crosley, CPA, CGMA, is a well-known strategic revenue growth consultant, who has helped almost 500 CPA firms over the past 20+ years. She has worked with their managing partners and other leaders to transform their firms to high growth environments, achieving exceptional organic growth. Nine of the top 20 fastest organically growing firms in the past year are, or have been, her clients. For 18 consecutive years she's been recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting by Accounting Today, and for 16 years selected one of the Top 10 Most Recommended Consultants in Inside Public Accounting's Best of the Best. Connect with Gale Crosley on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Woodard!!! The Woodard membership program will help you build your ideal practice with our coaching, education, community and resources. We'll get you there with strategic direction from experienced pros, access to skill building and resources and a community to continually inspire your practice's transformation. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Kristen Keats about how to bring joy back into accounting. Kristen is a CPA and industry leader, with over twenty years experience serving small businesses and self-employed clients. With Heather, she shares her mission to create more meaningful, balanced, and fulfilling work for accountants by focusing on client relationships, fair pricing, and team connection. Together, they discuss shifting from burnout and billable hours toward a mindset of empowerment, communication, and purpose where both clients and accountants thrive. About Kristen KeatsKristen launched her career at a national accounting firm and owned her own practice for more than eight years. Before founding Breakaway, Kristen served as a partner at a local Portland firm and a senior tax manager at a large regional firm. Kristen is an avid and early adopter of new accounting technologies and an expert on cloud accounting. She is passionate about listening to her clients and gaining a well-rounded understanding of their needs and long-term goals, always striving to make their lives easier. Kristen received her degree from the renowned W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. When Kristen is not advising her clients and leading her team, she enjoys reading, camping, and, most of all, spending time with her two lively teenagers. Connect with Kristen Keats on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Canopy!Unclunk your firm with Canopy, the fully integrated practice management that helps accountants build the firm they always wanted. The suite includes client and document management, workflow, time and billing, engagements and proposals, and more. Check out getcanopy.com. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Jeff about the future of AI in accounting and how predictive models can transform bookkeeping accuracy. Jeff shares how his company, Digits, leverages AI not to replace accountants but to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and give professionals more time for higher-value work. They also explore the difference between generative and predictive AI, the role of accountants in reviewing outputs, and why firms must adapt quickly or risk being outpaced by competitors. About Jeff Seibert Jeff Seibert is the co-founder and CEO of Digits, where he's building the world's first AI-powered accounting platform for startups and small businesses. Jeff is also a frequent presenter on both entrepreneurial and technical topics and has lectured at Stanford, Harvard, MIT, and Tufts, as well as keynoted Scaling New Heights, Twitter Flight, AppsWorld, AnDevCon, EclipseCon, and others. Learn more about Jeff at: JeffSeibert.com Twitter LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Canopy! Unclunk your firm with Canopy, the fully integrated practice management that helps accountants build the firm they always wanted. The suite includes client and document management, workflow, time and billing, engagements and proposals, and more. Check out getcanopy.com. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast