The Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Satterley and Joe Woodard

On this episode Joe Woodard is interviewed by Matt Tate, CEO of Decimal, about how accounting and bookkeeping firm owners can scale past the “messy middle” and into million-dollar practices. Joe emphasizes defining an ideal client, building outcome-driven service offerings, and pricing based on value rather than effort. He breaks down the path to $1M as achievable with just 32 right-fit clients, and explains how process, tech, outsourcing, and mindset shifts—especially moving from technician to business owner—are key to scalable success. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast [https://www.woodard.com/podcast]

On this episode Heather speaks with Jennifer Wilson, Partner and Co-Founder of ConvergenceCoaching®, LLC, about the sweeping influence of private equity (PE) in the accounting profession and what it means for firm culture, leadership, and client relationships. Jennifer explains how PE’s drive for rapid growth and profit could clash with accounting's traditional values, which prioritize people and community alongside shareholders. They explore the challenges of integrating firms, managing change, and preserving trusted client relationships in an evolving landscape. About Jennifer WilsonJennifer Wilson is a nationally recognized accounting profession thought leader and speaker advocating for future leaders and driving firm innovation. You can connect with Jennifer at jen@convergencecoaching.com [jen@convergencecoaching.com] as well as on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwilsonprofile/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/jenniferleewilson2], X/Twitter [https://x.com/JenLeeWilson], and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jenniferwilsonccllc]. Thank you to our show sponsor, Anchor! Anchor is the free-to-use and easy-to-trust platform reinventing how accounting firms handle proposals, invoices and payments, all for the same $5 per transaction since day one. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast [https://www.woodard.com/podcast]

On this episode Joe and Heather speak about conquering the email inbox using the “Zero Inbox” lifestyle and how it transforms both productivity and peace of mind. Joe walks listeners through a practical, judgment-free system based on David Allen’s productivity method using the four D's—Delete, Delegate, Do, and Defer—while Heather shares real-world encouragement for anyone overwhelmed by digital clutter. Referenced during the show: * David Allen says, "You can have a mind like water if you will place everything into a system that you trust and you check regularly that is prioritized and is on time horizons." * Getting Things Done [https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity-ebook/dp/B00KWG9M2E] by David Allen (catch him at Scaling New Heights) TV and Movie Quote: * Heather quoted Batman Begins * Joe quoted The Matrix: Reloaded Book of the Week: * Good to Great by Jim Collins [https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others-ebook/dp/B0058DRUV6/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0] Favorite Social Posts: * Heather mentioned Erin Reese on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ebbearceo_question-if-someone-has-been-at-the-same-activity-7327716325202505729-1TX4/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAXedSkBMXnjcprLFi9yEPHOOrYTcnr7NC4] * Joe mentioned Brenda C. CPA on X/Twitter [https://x.com/bsuecannon/status/1927348573412139084] The Woodard Report Article of the Week: * Transforming SOPs from a Burden to a Competitive Advantage [https://report.woodard.com/articles/transforming-sops-from-burden-to-competitive-advantage-opawr-ombwr] by Brandy Jordan 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 [https://www.getcanopy.com/]. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast [https://www.woodard.com/podcast]

On this episode, Heather speaks with Damon Pike from BDO about how businesses, especially accounting professionals, can advise clients on managing the complexities of current tariffs. Damon highlights the critical need for companies to meticulously track customs duties. He also stresses the importance of keeping accurate documentation and understanding the timeline for filing refund claims in the event of tariffs being invalidated, though he advises small firms to seek expert partners for these specialized and time-consuming processes. About Damon Pike Damon founded the Customs and International Trade Services (CITS) group within BDO's International Tax practice in 2019. With 36 years of experience helping multinational companies navigate the complex rules governing the cross-border movement of goods and services, he now serves as the Technical Practice Leader for the firm’s CITS team to support their mission of providing end-to-end global consulting services for all aspects of import/export planning and compliance. 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. 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 [https://www.woodard.com/podcast]

On this episode Joe speaks with Heather about identifying and removing toxic clients who undermine accounting and advisory practices. Joe shares a vivid metaphor—likening bad clients to termites in a home—and outlines a checklist to help firms define their ideal client profile based on profitability, behavior, scalability, and alignment with firm systems. TV and Movie Quote: * Heather quoted Thelma and Louise * Joe quoted Presumed Innocent Book of the Week: * The Everyday Hero Manifesto [https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Hero-Manifesto-Robin-Sharma/dp/1443465356] by Robin Sharma Favorite Social Posts: * Heather mentioned Candy Bellau on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/candicejohnsonkramerica_burnout-doesnt-always-look-like-exhaustion-activity-7320038605752520704--7z8?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAXedSkBMXnjcprLFi9yEPHOOrYTcnr7NC4] * Joe mentioned The Soul of Enterprise on X/Twitter [https://x.com/asktsoe/status/1911932601931067810] The Woodard Report Article of the Week: * Say Less, Lead Better: Coaching in Real Life [https://report.woodard.com/articles/say-less-lead-better-coaching-in-real-life-wimawr-wmwr] by Brandy Jordan 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. 10X your firm’s 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 [https://www.woodard.com/podcast]