The Modern Firm®

What if you could swap $10 tasks for $10k impact?Host TJ Lewis talks with Dr. Sabrina Starling—“The Business Psychologist,” bestselling author of How to Hire the Best and The 4 Week Vacation®—about escaping hustle culture in modern accounting firms. Citing research on 700+ entrepreneurs, Dr. Sabrina reveals that 90% are burning out and explains how to flip the script by focusing on “$10,000-an-hour activities”: work done in your zone of strength that makes everything else easier or unnecessary. She recounts limiting her own schedule to 25 hours a week, delegating low-value tasks, and using “vacation-testing” to build a business that runs smoothly during a fully unplugged four-week break—demonstrating that Work Supports Life™, not the other way around. Listeners get practical guidance on time-blocking, tracking tasks for delegation, and empowering teams.Links mentioned in this episode:$10,000-an-Hour Activities Chart Where to Find Dr. Sabrina Online (41:00 – 41:20):Profit by Design Podcast Tap the Potential websiteInstagram: @DrSabrinaFacebook: TapthepotentialUpcoming Dr. Sabrina EventsHow to make your time worth $10,000/hr | July 17 at 2-3 p.m. ET.The Modern Firm® is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com/resources/podcasts.Follow Rightworks on social:Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightworksllcLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightworks_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rightworks_TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rightworks_

Join Hector Garcia, a CPA, QuickBooks trainer, and AI thought leader with over 300,000 YouTube subscribers, as he redefines the role of accountants in the AI era. He discusses how empathy and personalization are becoming crucial in an increasingly automated field. The conversation dives into innovative business models like outcome-driven billing and subscription pricing. Hector also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and AI literacy, urging accountants to embrace creativity and communication to thrive in a transformed landscape.

In this episode of The Modern Firm Podcast, host TJ Lewis welcomes back Amy Vetter—CPA, yogi, keynote speaker, and CEO of the B3 Method Institute—for a powerful conversation about one of the most underrated tools in a leader’s toolkit: the pause. As firms navigate the intensity of busy season and beyond, Amy challenges the grind mindset and makes the case for carving out space—mentally, emotionally, and physically—as a pathway to real productivity and fulfillment.Together, TJ and Amy unpack why high-achieving professionals struggle to slow down, how intentional breaks can actually sharpen performance, and what it means to replace work-life balance with true work-life harmony. Whether you lead a team or are simply looking for a healthier rhythm in your workday, this episode offers small, practical shifts that lead to big change—not just for your firm, but for your whole self.Resources and Links:Mel Robbins' book: The Let Them TheoryConnect with Amy Vetter:Websites: amyvetter.com  and businessbalancebliss.com Podcast: Breaking Beliefs LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amyvettercpa/The Modern Firm® is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com/resources/podcasts.Follow Rightworks on social:Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightworksllcLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightworks_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rightworks_

Could engaging your team differently unlock the innovation and change your firm needs to thrive?In this episode of The Modern Firm Podcast, TJ Lewis and Jen Wilson, partner and co-founder of ConvergenceCoaching, LLC, discuss strategies for engaging talent, fostering innovation, and driving meaningful change in accounting firms. They explore how firms can use the post-peak season to reflect, streamline workloads, and rethink traditional processes like deadlines and billing practices.Jen emphasizes the importance of empowering employees by valuing their contributions and fostering a culture of transparency and trust. She shares actionable steps to build innovation-focused teams, leverage professional communities, and align work cycles to reduce strain. Whether you’re a firm leader or team member, this episode provides practical strategies to help your organization thrive.Resources and Links:RightNOW25 conference: https://www.rightworks.com/rightnow2025Rightworks Community: https://rightworkscommunity.circle.so/c/start-here/Connect with Jennifer Wilson:Email: jen@convergencecoaching.comwebsite: https://convergencecoaching.com/LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwilsonprofileThe Modern Firm® is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com/resources/podcasts.Follow Rightworks on social:Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightworksllcLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightworks_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rightworks_

Will Hill, with over 20 years of experience in guiding firms through change, shares invaluable insights on leading purposeful transformations in accounting. He discusses the importance of assessing a firm's current state to set realistic goals and measure success. Transparency and communication are highlighted as tools to reduce resistance to change, while balancing stability with innovation is deemed crucial. Listeners can expect practical strategies for prioritizing initiatives and fostering an innovative mindset to thrive in today’s fast-paced environment.

What does it really mean to be a modern firm in today’s constantly evolving landscape?In this episode of The Modern Firm® podcast, host TJ Lewis sets the stage for the new season. With a focus on innovation and evolution, TJ redefines what it means to be a modern accounting firm—not as a fixed destination, but as an ongoing journey rooted in a growth mindset. He highlights the key pillars that shape modern firms: business model, clients, staff, and technology.Throughout the season, listeners can expect insightful conversations with industry experts on how to navigate change, embrace innovation, and move their firms forward. TJ also shares his experience developing a tool designed to assess and prioritize change, along with key lessons learned in that process. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of community as a way to "find your people," fostering learning, accountability, and support.Resources and Links:RightNOW25 conference: https://events.rightworks.com/event/rightnow2025/rightnow-2025Rightworks Community: https://rightworkscommunity.circle.so/c/start-here/The Modern Firm® is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com/resources/podcasts.Follow Rightworks on social:Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightworksllcLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightworks_

Ted McRae, Director of Demand at Makers Hub and a 30-year veteran in accounting technology, shares insights on knowledge retention in firms. They discuss the low documentation rates in organizations and how AI can capture critical operational knowledge before it walks out the door. Ted emphasizes the transformation to an AI-first mindset, showcasing tools like ChatGPT to improve documentation and security. The conversation highlights the importance of balancing technology with a focus on people and client service for future success.

Bold predictions for 2025 take center stage, highlighting how AI and quantum computing will revolutionize the accounting industry. The conversation dives into tech giants like Apple and NVIDIA, forecasting their roles in shaping customer service with advanced AI solutions. AI's integration promises efficiency in tasks such as payroll and data entry, while personalizing client experiences becomes vital. Emphasizing strong leadership, the hosts discuss how technology can enhance work-life balance, paving the way for a transformative future.

How will AI transform your everyday experiences?   Join John Mitchell and Darren Root as they explore the latest tech innovations and discuss how AI is becoming more personal than ever. From Apple’s newest AI features to essential work-from-home gadgets, discover how these tools are reshaping our daily routines. Learn practical tips for leveraging technology while maintaining security and professionalism in an increasingly connected world.About The Modern Firm® podcast   This episode of The Modern Firm podcast was brought to you by Rightworks. It features Rightworks Growth Strategist, Darren Root, and Rightworks Culture and Workforce Advisor, John Mitchell.  For more episodes, recaps, and resources, visit rightworks.com/resources/podcasts.  *** Follow Rightworks on social:Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightworksllcLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightworks_

Does your firm have a false sense of security?Did you know that 94% of small businesses have experienced a cybersecurity event?  In this episode of The Modern Firm podcast, Mike Ellerhorst, CEO of NTM Advisory, explains why accounting firms are prime targets and shares practical strategies for protecting your business. You’ll learn about the three main entry points hackers use to breach systems and how to build effective security layers to protect your firm, your clients and your reputation. Discover why security isn’t just a technology problem, but a critical business challenge that requires constant attention.This episode of The Modern Firm podcast was brought to you by Rightworks. It was moderated and led by John Mitchell, Culture and Workforce Advisor at Rightworks, and Darren Root, Founder of Rightworks Academy and Growth Strategist for Rightworks, with Mike Ellerhorst, CEO of NTM Advisory, as the guest.For more episodes, recaps, and resources, visit rightworks.com/resources/podcasts. ***Follow Rightworks on social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightworksllcLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightworks_