The Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Satterley and Joe Woodard

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We empower business advisors to transform businesses. This podcast is your source for information and news you need for your accounting, bookkeeping, or tax practice. Don't forget to check out ScalingNewHeights.com for information about our conference in June. And if you subscribe to this podcast, we will have a special registration offer just for you coming up soon. For more information, please visit https://www.woodard.com/podcast

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 184 - AI at Full Speed: Adapting Before the Future Arrives - The Woodard Report Podcast

    On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Dawn Brolin talk about the accelerating impact of AI on the accounting profession, from secure, specialized AI tools to the emerging potential of quantum computing. They explore why accounting professionals need to move beyond fear and begin experimenting with AI now, sharing practical examples of using tools like Claude and Tax Figure to analyze financial data, strengthen advisory services, and work more efficiently. Current events — EY installed a quantum computer in their Toronto office TV/Movie quote of the week — The Greatest Showman House of the Dragon Excellent Thing We Learned — There are a series of tags you can use that will change the way most GPTs will respond to you. Examples are: TRUTHMODE – forces direct, unvarnished feedback instead of the AI just agreeing with you HUMAN – strips the "AI voice," makes writing sound like a person wrote it HORMOZI – answers like a blunt, ROI focused business coach (style associated with Alex Hormozi) REDTEAM – argues against your idea to stress test it before you commit FUTUREYOU – answers as if it's the version of you who already solved this problem ELI10 – explains it like you're 10 years old, no jargon UNLEARN – flags outdated assumptions or bad advice you're carrying around 80/20 – skips straight to the highest leverage move, ignores the rest SOCRATES – teaches by asking you questions instead of handing you the answer LINDYMODE – sticks to long proven approaches, filters out hype and fads The Woodard Report article of the week — Accounting Pros Now Have a Voice at the AI Table Thank you to our show sponsor, Rightworks! If you're coming out of tax season wondering how to make next year better, RightWorks has everything your firm needs to do exactly that. Most accounting firms are juggling scattered apps, dealing with ongoing security risks, and relying on manual workarounds all on top of serving your clients. RightWorks takes that off your plate. One secure workspace for all your apps and tools. Enterprise Great Security managed for you and the AIM productivity tools built specifically for accounting firms. Whether you have an IT team or not, whether you have five employees or 45, RightWorks grows with your firm and keeps you ready for whatever comes next. RightWorks, it's all right here. Learn more at RightWorks.com. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

  2. Aug 5

    Episode 183 - Beyond Pricing: Drucker, Branding, and the Soul of Business - The Woodard Report Podcast

    On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Ron Baker about Peter Drucker's most influential ideas, including the rise of knowledge work, the importance of effectiveness over efficiency, and the need for businesses to pursue future opportunities instead of clinging to the past. They also explore how accounting firms can use distinct brands to separate commoditized services from high-value advisory work as well as why religious leaders offer valuable insights into purpose, dignity, stewardship, and the moral role of business. About Ron Baker Ronald J. Baker began his CPA career with KPMG in 1984. He is the co-founder of THRESHOLD and co-host of The Soul of Enterprise podcast. A renowned speaker and author, he has written eight best-selling books, including Firm of the Future, Implementing Value Pricing and Time's Up. He has educated over 450,000 professionals worldwide and has been named among Accounting Today's Top 100 Most Influential People. A graduate of San Francisco State University, he is also a faculty member of the Professional Pricing Society and a Disney University alumnus. HBR interview with Jerry Seinfeld The Soul of Enterprise clergy episodes Father Robert Sirico Rabbi Daniel Lapin Mustafa Akyol Peter Drucker GPT interview Thank you to our show sponsor, Puzzle! Puzzle replaces manual quickbooks workflows with AI-driven books built for review, approval, and audit-ready accountability. Learn more at puzzle.io. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

  3. Jul 29

    Episode 182 - AI-Ready Accounting: Transforming Firms Before the Market Does - The Woodard Report Podcast

    On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Peter McCarroll about why accounting firms must treat AI adoption as a strategic business transformation rather than simply adding new software tools. Peter explains the pricing pressures threatening traditional compliance work, the need to redesign firms around advisory value and human relationships, and how reusable AI instructions and skills can help teams turn individual experimentation into shared, repeatable processes. About Peter McCarroll Peter McCarroll is a Chartered Accountant (NZ), CPA (Canada), and the founder of The AI Accountant — the only AI training and implementation platform built exclusively for CAS practices. He runs a full-service accounting practice at Fuel Accountants, where he has spent the past two years deploying AI across real client workflows. Peter helps accounting firms move from experimentation to operational transformation — not with theory, but with systems built inside a working practice. The AI Champion's Field Guide: What to Do Now, What to Ask For Learn more about The AI Accountant Learn more about Fuel Accountants Connect with Peter on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Bill! 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

  4. Jul 22

    Episode 181 - Moving Upmarket (and Making Business More Human) - The Woodard Report Podcast

    On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather talk about Xero's move into the midmarket, why accounting firms may find greater opportunity above the AI disruption zone, and how empathy can defuse difficult client conversations. They also discuss how personal transformation can lead to a healthier, more successful practice. Current events — NJ Considers Pet tax credit Xero targets Australia's medium-sized businesses with launch of Ultra TV/Movie quote of the week — Outcome House of the Dragon Excellent Thing We Learned — As AI replaces search, all roads lead to authority Member spotlight — David Williams of CPB Solutions The Woodard Report article of the week — The "Ask Deb" series begins this week! Thank you to our show sponsor, Digits! Digits is the world's first agent general ledger, accounting software that works for you. Built from the ground up for the AI era, Digits automates bookkeeping in month and shifting your team from data entry to review and advisory. Visit digits.com to get started today. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

  5. Jul 15

    Episode 180 - From Compliance to Capacity: Building an AI-Enabled Accounting Firm - The Woodard Report Podcast

    On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Jan Haugo about how accounting firms can move beyond experimenting with AI and begin using it to transform workflows, increase profitability, and create more capacity for strategic advisory services. Jan shares practical approaches for overcoming security concerns and uncertainty, including her "pain, problem, prompt" method, while emphasizing the importance of firmwide training, strong governance, and leadership-driven adoption. They also explore how AI can help accountants become more thoughtful, empathetic advisors by freeing them to focus on the goals and challenges that matter most to their clients. About Jan Haugo Jan Haugo Vuicich is the founder of SmartAccountant.AI, an AI training and implementation company built for accounting professionals, by someone who spent years doing the actual work. She was named to MSN's Top 10 AI Leaders to Follow in 2026 and co-authored Intuit's AI Certification curriculum. Before any of that, she was running a small accounting practice, finishing her degree over a decade as a single mom, and logging 70+ hour weeks. That history is what makes her training different. She is not teaching from the outside. She built her frameworks from inside the same workflows her clients are trying to fix. Through SmartAccountant.AI, Jan runs the SMART Method Bootcamp, a foundational AI training program that has seen 100% adoption among participants, along with done-with-you training and direct AI implementation for firms ready to make real operational changes. She works with solo practitioners through mid-size accounting firms across the country, and the work is the same regardless of firm size: help owners and their teams reclaim their time, price their services at the level the work actually deserves, and build practices that hold up outside of tax season too. Learn more about SmartAccountant.AI Connect with Jan on LinkedIn Thank you to our show sponsor, Rightworks! For more information about RightWorks, please visit Rightworks.com.  Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

  6. Jul 8

    Episode 179 - Change Is the Environment - The Woodard Report Podcast

    On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather speak about Microsoft's latest quantum computing and AI developments, and what those shifts could mean for accounting professionals. They also connect lessons from TV, April Rinne's book Flux, and Donna Reed's article on client conversations to the importance of adaptability, empathy, and intentional decision-making in advisory work.  Current events — Microsoft's New Quantum Chip Aiming for Useful Machine in 2029 Microsoft Build 2026: Be yourself at work TV/Movie quote of the week — The Boroughs House of the Dragon Excellent Thing We Learned — Insert live valuations of stocks, currency or geographical information right in Excel Change Is Not an Event—It's the Environment (from April Rinne's book, Flux) Member spotlight — Connect with Diane Dana on LinkedIn The Woodard Report article of the week — The Quiet Question that Improves Every Client Conversation 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

  7. Jul 1

    Episode 178 - Current Trends, Human Connection, and the Future of Advisory - The Woodard Report Podcast

    On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather speak about emerging developments shaping the accounting profession, including the consolidation of New England CPA societies, Pilot's shift from a local partnership model to AI-powered bookkeeping software, and how firms can use automation to elevate, not replace, their advisory services. They also explore the importance of healthy client boundaries, lessons from popular TV shows, recent IRS penalty relief opportunities, and why uniquely human qualities like navigating uncertainty and building relationships remain essential in an AI-driven future. Current events — 5 New England State CPA Societies merge to form "New England Society of CPAs" Pilot is taking a software approach to bookkeeper empowerment called Meridian TV/Movie quote of the week — Schitt's Creek Half Man Excellent Thing We Learned — IRS may owe millions of taxpayers refunds for pandemic-era penalty relief Member spotlight — Steve Roderick of Roderick's Payroll The Woodard Report article of the week — Law Firm Bookkeeping Is Not Regular Small Business Bookkeeping Thank you to our show sponsor, Puzzle! Puzzle, the next generation firm, AI-powered, human-led. Puzzle replaces manual quick books workflows with AI-driven books built for review, approval, and audit-ready accountability. Learn more at puzzle.io Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

  8. Jun 24

    Episode 177 - From Startup Founder to Autonomous Bookkeeping: How Pilot Built the Future of Accounting - The Woodard Report Podcast

    On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Jessica McKellar about her journey from studying computer science at MIT and building successful software startups to founding Pilot, a bookkeeping and accounting technology company. Jessica shares how Pilot evolved from solving the financial back-office challenges faced by entrepreneurs into a platform and explains how automation, AI, and value-based pricing are reshaping the economics of accounting firms. She also introduces Meridian, Pilot's new platform that enables autonomous bookkeeping, month-end close processes, and AI-assisted accounting workflows designed to help firms scale while improving both client and employee experiences. About Jessica McKellar Jessica McKellar is the co-founder and CEO of Pilot. She started the company with a simple conviction: small business owners shouldn't have to be their own bookkeeper, accountant, and financial advisor all at once. Today, Pilot serves more than 3,500 businesses, from neighborhood restaurants and retail shops to growing service businesses, helping owners get books off their plates so they can focus on what actually grows their company. Before Pilot, Jessica founded two other companies that were acquired by Oracle and Dropbox. She holds 3 degrees from MIT. Jessica also teaches programming at San Quentin State Prison and advocates for hiring formerly incarcerated people. She believes that excluding talented workers based on their records doesn't make business sense, and that second chances belong in the workplace too.  Learn more about Meridian from Pilot Connect with Jessica 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.

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We empower business advisors to transform businesses. This podcast is your source for information and news you need for your accounting, bookkeeping, or tax practice. Don't forget to check out ScalingNewHeights.com for information about our conference in June. And if you subscribe to this podcast, we will have a special registration offer just for you coming up soon. For more information, please visit https://www.woodard.com/podcast

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