The Modern Firm®
Rightworks
The hot-topic podcast where firms, thought leaders, influencers, and research nerds converge, collaborate, speak out and dig into common challenges impacting accounting firms. We ask the critical questions on topics that matter—from the pipeline shortage and security threats to the “how–the–hell–can–anyone–keep–up” pace of technology change—and then work to amplify actionable guidance and takeaways for firms. Join TJ Lewis and other dedicated industry champions who all have a single, focused goal: Moving the profession forward.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 13, 2024 • 26min
The intelligent cloud and The Modern Firm® (Ep. 10)
In this episode of The Modern Firm® podcast, Darren Root and John Mitchell explore the intelligent cloud platform. Why is the “intelligent” cloud better than the “regular” cloud everyone’s raved about for so long? Can it really help change—for the better—the way you organize and operate your firm? Join Darren and John for the answers to these questions and more in this don’t-miss installment.
Feb 28, 2024 • 26min
The promise of AI: Freeing up staff to holistically serve clients (Ep. 9)
In this episode of The Modern Firm® podcast, Darren Root and John Mitchell discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) plays an important role in your firm, allowing your staff to focus their time on what matters most—serving your clients holistically.
Feb 14, 2024 • 26min
Accounting Mystery Theater 2024: The Case of the Tangled Tech Stack (Ep. 8)
In this episode of The Modern Firm® podcast, Darren Root and John Mitchell discuss why it’s so important for your firm to simplify, consolidate and vet your technology stack in 2024. They also examine how failing to untangle your tech stack to take charge of your data this year could risk the long-term future of your firm. As a bonus, they lay out the case for how the usual suspect (aka AI) can take your firm from asking your clients what they did, to proactively requesting what you need them to do instead.
Jan 24, 2024 • 21min
The beginning of the conversation: Laying the AI groundwork (Ep. 7)
In this episode of The Modern Firm® podcast, Darren Root and John Mitchell discuss the importance of preparing your firm for the eventual impact of artificial intelligence (AI)—even if you’re an AI skeptic. Darren and John also talk about what you should be doing now to be ready, having the right technology stack to take advantage of AI, and how they themselves are using the technology, along with some concrete examples of the ways accounting firms can use AI to improve their processes and workflow right now.
Jan 3, 2024 • 41min
From proposal to payment (Ep. 6)
In this episode of The Modern Firm® podcast, Davis Bell, CEO of Canopy, joins Darren Root and John Mitchell to talk about why unified firm management systems, rather than individual point solutions, are necessary for the future of the accounting profession. Davis and Darren discuss why scalability, security and reliability are easier to achieve with one system—and why that single system can use your data in ways we never thought possible just a few years ago.
Dec 13, 2023 • 25min
Smart Team Management (Ep. 5)
In this episode of The Modern Firm® podcast, Darren Root and John Mitchell take a candid look at the growing importance of team culture inside a modern firm. John reveals the number one question he hears from firm owners, while Darren muses on the implications of a great culture—or a not-so-great one—for the firm’s business model and bottom line.
Nov 29, 2023 • 22min
Smart Security Management (Ep. 4)
In this episode of The Modern Firm® podcast, Darren Root and John Mitchell discuss Smart Security Management in firms, what you may not realize your clients need from you when it comes to security, and how you can create an ongoing culture of security among your team.
Nov 8, 2023 • 23min
Smart Client Management (Ep. 3)
In this episode of The Modern Firm® podcast, Darren Root and John Mitchell consider the impact of identifying and holistically serving your firm’s ideal clients. Darren and John talk candidly about the challenges a firm faces when it hasn’t yet clearly defined and managed its client list, and they also discuss the power of identifying your ideal client.
Oct 25, 2023 • 24min
Smart Firm Management: Creating the infrastructure for The Modern Firm® (Ep. 2)
In this episode of The Modern Firm® podcast, join Darren Root and John Mitchell for an introspective look at the implications of building a firm based on an intentional infrastructure. Darren and John will share their experiences with hundreds of firms across the country, while Darren also relates real-life stories and lessons from his time running his own firm.
Oct 18, 2023 • 33min
Setting the stage (Ep. 1)
In the first episode of The Modern Firm® podcast, Darren Root and John Mitchell kick things off with a detailed look into what it means to be a modern firm, including the history and evolution of The Modern Firm concept. Darren and John introduce the four pillars of a modern firm and also discuss their plans for the podcast, including what you can look forward to in future episodes.
