Episode 155 - Try the Train: New-Year Tech, Big Hope, and the Power of “No” - The Woodard Report Podcast
The Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Satterley and Joe Woodard
Release Date: 01/14/2026
The Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Satterley and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe speaks with Dr. Sabrina Starling about how business owners can reclaim time and increase profitability by focusing on high-value work, empowering their teams, and adopting a “$10,000 hour” mindset. They explore common missteps like failing to delegate, overcomplicating services, and misunderstanding client needs, while emphasizing the importance of human connection in an AI-driven world. The conversation also highlights strategies for hiring A-players and building a business that supports life, not the other way around. About Dr. Sabrina...
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On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe talk about the rapid evolution of AI, highlighting new developments like Xero’s partnership with Anthropic and the growing role of AI agents in business operations. They explore how AI is shifting from simple assistance to performing complex tasks, while emphasizing the continued need for human oversight, judgment, and ethical responsibility. The conversation also balances excitement with caution, urging professionals to adopt AI strategically while staying informed about its risks and limitations. Current events — TV/Movie...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Satterley and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe talk about the surge in accounting firm mergers and acquisitions alongside major industry shifts, including Microsoft entering the accounting space with AI-driven platforms. They explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping work by replacing tasks, not entire jobs, while emphasizing the growing importance of human judgment, relationships, and adaptability. Current events — 14 Firm Acquisitions in the last 30 days (see the bottom of the show notes for a full list) Microsoft sponsors Scaling New Heights for the first...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Satterley and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe talk about recent developments in AI-powered audit tools, shifting software strategies, and what these changes mean for accounting firms of all sizes. They also explore lessons from pop culture on leadership and workplace culture, emphasizing the importance of aligning actions with stated values. The conversation rounds out with insights on emerging AI protocols and how firms can better structure both their work and client relationships for long-term success. Current events — TV/Movie quote of the week — Excellent...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Satterley and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with April Rinne about how our early life experiences shape our relationship with change and how fear versus hope influences how we respond to uncertainty. They explore April’s concept of a “flux mindset,” including practical strategies like embracing a portfolio career and learning to “run slower” to navigate today’s fast-paced, AI-driven world. The conversation highlights how accounting professionals can build resilience and adaptability by reframing change as an opportunity for growth. About April Rinne April Rinne is...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Satterley and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe discuss the growing threat of AI-powered financial scams and practical steps firms can take to protect themselves and their clients. They also explore major shifts in the accounting technology space, including platform-driven CAS models, AI misconceptions, and evolving firm strategies. Current events — TV/Movie quote of the week — Excellent things we learned — Member spotlight — The Woodard Report article of the week — Thank you to our show sponsor, Woodard! The Woodard membership program will help...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Satterley and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe discuss new research on global AI adoption and what it means for accounting firms, highlighting how early adopters are gaining strategic advantages while others risk falling behind. They explore recent funding surges in AI-powered accounting tools, practical considerations for implementing AI within firms, and the importance of governance, strategy, and financial independence in adapting to rapid technological change. Current events — TV/Movie quote of the week — Excellent things we learned — Member...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Satterley and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe discuss new research on AI adoption in the workplace, highlighting the growing wage and opportunity gap between AI-fluent professionals and those who are not. They also explore major shifts in the accounting tech landscape, including month-end automation, evolving pricing strategies, and competitive convergence among software platforms. Current events — TV/Movie quote of the week — Excellent things we learned — Member spotlight — Dave Eshbach of CleanSlate Financial Services The Woodard Report article of the...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Satterley and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe discuss the launch of the AI Native Accounting Foundation (including its first award at Scaling New Heights) and what BotKeeper’s abrupt shutdown signals about the rise and fall of “tech-driven bookkeeping” first movers. They explore why the future is “human-first, AI-enabled,” arguing firms must shift from selling bookkeeping/tax prep to building advisory skills and wisdom-driven judgment that AI can’t replace. Current events — TV/Movie quote of the week — Excellent things we learned — Member spotlight...
info_outlineThe Woodard Report Podcast: Featuring Heather Satterley and Joe Woodard
On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather speaks with Amanda Aguillard about her path from discovering accounting at 16 to building a cloud-based firm, launching the peer-driven Accounting Salon community, and becoming COO at Padgett. They discuss how Padgett helps firms implement standardized systems to reduce decision paralysis and build a business that isn’t dependent on the owner. About Amanda Aguillard, CPA Amanda Aguillard was only 16 years old when she realized she wanted to become a CPA, and she’s used that passion to encourage innovation in the...
info_outlineOn this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Joe and Heather speak about early-2026 accounting and tech happenings, including new CPE training for Intuit Enterprise Suite, and why leaning into AI skills can create outsized professional value.
Current events —
- Introduction to Intuit Enterprise Suite Training
- Rapid AI adoption with growing AI skills requirements
TV/Movie quote of the week —
Excellent things we learned —
- Mind Magic: The Neuroscience of Manifestation and How It Changes Everything
- The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results
Member spotlight —
The Woodard Report article of the week —
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