What if you could work fewer hours, serve better clients, and double your revenue just by changing how you price your services? In this episode of The Modern Firm Podcast , business coach and pricing strategist Loren Fogelman joins us to tackle one of the toughest challenges firm owners face: raising rates and shifting away from the hourly model. Loren explains why pricing conversations feel so intimidating and how courage—not confidence—fuels change. She shares the benefits of value pricing, a ...
Aug 20, 2025•50 min•Ep. 41
High-performing accounting firms charge premium fees—often double the industry average—and their owners are working fewer than 40 hours a week. In this episode of The Modern Firm Podcast, Ryan Lazanis (founder of Future Firm) shares insights from his 2025 Modern Firm Report on how smarter pricing translates to less stress and more freedom. Discover why the most successful firm owners focus on building a strong team and delegating effectively, and how packaging services around client outcomes ins...
Aug 07, 2025•46 min•Ep. 40
In this episode of The Modern Firm Podcast , TJ sits down with Roman Kepczyk, Director of Firm Technology Strategy at Rightworks and one of the profession’s most respected tech consultants. Together, they explore what’s top of mind for firms at the midpoint of 2025—from the accelerating adoption of AI and the emergence of agentic workflows, to the evolving cybersecurity threats and the continued impact of private equity across the profession. Roman shares practical insights drawn from his extens...
Jul 23, 2025•48 min•Ep. 39
In this special on-site episode from the RightNOW 2025 conference in Nashville, Gary Vaynerchuk joins us for a candid, fast-paced conversation right after his keynote. We cover everything from creating effective content with minimal effort, to why firms are struggling to hire, to the real implications of AI. Gary shares the personal story behind his lifelong goal of buying the New York Jets—and why purpose and grit matter more than ever in business. In this episode: Why consistent, simple conten...
Jun 24, 2025•37 min•Ep. 38
In this episode recorded live at the RightNOW Conference in Nashville, innovation expert and bestselling author Josh Linkner joins us to talk about what it really means to innovate in the modern accounting firm. Josh shares how everyday creativity —not billion-dollar breakthroughs—is the key to progress, how to cultivate a culture of innovation by removing fear and encouraging small experiments, and how firms can work with AI rather than compete against it. We also dive into his “Find a Way” fra...
Jun 11, 2025•29 min•Ep. 37
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...
May 28, 2025•43 min•Ep. 36
What if the future of accounting isn't about being faster or smarter—but more human? In this episode of The Modern Firm Podcast, host TJ Lewis sits down with Hector Garcia, CPA, YouTuber, and AI thought leader, to explore what it means to be an AI-enhanced accountant. They unpack the shift from traditional number crunching to a more human-centered, tech-savvy role—where accountants use AI to personalize client experiences, automate reporting, and step into true advisory. Hector emphasizes the ri...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 35
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 wh...
Apr 09, 2025•38 min•Ep. 34
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 emphas...
Apr 02, 2025•55 min•Ep. 33
Is your firm equipped to lead purposeful change and foster innovation in today’s fast-moving world? In this episode of the Modern Firm Podcast, we dive into the critical elements of leading purposeful change and fostering an innovative mindset within accounting firms. Our guest, Will Hill, shares over 20 years of expertise in helping firms adapt and thrive. We discuss key themes like assessing your firm's current state, setting clear goals with measurable success metrics, and aligning change ini...
Mar 11, 2025•48 min•Ep. 32
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 c...
Feb 24, 2025•19 min•Ep. 31
Is your firm prepared to retain critical knowledge when long-term employees leave? Welcome to The Modern Firm® podcast, moderated by John Mitchell, who is joined by Ted McRae, Director of Demand at Makers Hub and a 30-year veteran of the accounting technology industry. In this episode, John and Ted tackle the pressing issue of knowledge retention in accounting firms. With only 23% of firms regularly documenting their processes, Ted shares practical insights on how AI can help capture and preserv...
Jan 22, 2025•32 min•Ep. 30
What will transform the accounting profession in 2025? Join John Mitchell and Darren Root as they share their bold predictions and insights for the coming year. From Apple’s AI integration to quantum computing breakthroughs, discover how emerging technologies will reshape client service and workplace dynamics. Learn why strategic technology adoption combined with strong leadership could create unprecedented opportunities for firms to enhance both efficiency and work-life balance. About The Moder...
Jan 08, 2025•29 min•Ep. 29
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 ...
Dec 11, 2024•25 min•Ep. 28
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. Dis...
Nov 20, 2024•30 min•Ep. 27
Are you leaving money on the table when it comes to your firm’s value? This episode serves up a fresh take on succession planning with industry leaders Todd Steinberg and Chris Tabb. These experts shed light on why most accounting firms are caught off guard when planning for the future. They share insider knowledge on everything from location to client mix that’ll catch the eyes of potential buyers. And if you thought private equity was just for the big firms, think again–these guys explain how ...
Nov 13, 2024•31 min•Ep. 26
Welcome to The Modern Firm® podcast, with guest moderator Dr. Kristy Short, Senior Director of Content Strategy for Rightworks, who is joined by Roman Kepczyk, Director of Firm Technology Strategy for Rightworks. In this episode, Kristy and Roman navigate the psychology behind technology purchasing decisions in accounting firms and the common barriers firms face—cultural resistance, cost concerns and risk aversion—when considering major tech investments. Whether you’re a tech-savvy accountant or...
Oct 23, 2024•38 min•Ep. 25
Welcome to The Modern Firm® podcast, hosted by guest moderator Dr. Kristy Short, Senior Director of Content Strategy for Rightworks, who is joined by Dr. Molly Boddy, Director of Product Marketing at Rightworks. In this episode, Kristy and Molly tackle the vital topic of security in the accounting profession. Molly, an expert in security and compliance, outlines the biggest threats facing firms today—from data breaches to reputational risks—and discusses the importance of staying compliant with ...
Oct 09, 2024•29 min•Ep. 24
Welcome to The Modern Firm® podcast, hosted by Darren Root, Growth Strategist for Rightworks, founder of Rootworks (now Rightworks Academy) and an accounting firm owner for over 30 years, and John Mitchell, Culture and Workforce Advisor for Rightworks. In this episode, Darren and John host a captivating conversation with Amy Vetter, CPA, CEO of The B3 Method Institute and certified yoga instructor, who shares her inspiring journey of combining yoga principles with her accounting career. They div...
Sep 25, 2024•25 min•Ep. 23
In this episode of The Modern Firm® podcast, join moderator Dr. Kristy Short as she interviews Jennifer Wilson, co-founder and partner of ConvergenceCoaching, to discuss the National Pipeline Advisory Group's groundbreaking efforts in solving the talent pipeline challenges in the accounting profession. They discuss the need to make the academic experience more engaging with innovative strategies that include real-life case studies, technology integration and involving practitioners in the classr...
Sep 18, 2024•31 min•Ep. 22
Welcome to The Modern Firm® podcast, hosted by Darren Root, Chief Strategist for Rightworks, founder of Rootworks (now Rightworks Academy) and an accounting firm owner for over 30 years, and John Mitchell, Culture and Workforce Advisor for Rightworks. In this episode, guest moderator Kristy Short, Senior Director of Content Strategy for Rightworks, interviews Jody Padar, a renowned CPA, author and influencer in the accounting world, known for her brand, The Radical CPA. They discuss Jody’s views...
Sep 11, 2024•35 min•Ep. 21
Welcome to The Modern Firm® podcast, hosted by Darren Root, Growth Strategist for Rightworks, founder of Rootworks (now Rightworks Academy) and an accounting firm owner for over 30 years, and John Mitchell, Culture and Workforce Advisor for Rightworks. In this episode, Darren and John are joined by two special guests from GKM, Viji Sudhakar and Todd Steinberg. They delve into the origins and evolution of GKM, while highlighting the critical role outsourcing plays in resolving capacity issues for...
Aug 28, 2024•34 min•Ep. 20
Welcome to The Modern Firm® podcast. In the latest episode, host John Mitchell, Culture and Workforce Advisor for Rightworks, interviews Tiffany Caponigro, Rightworks Academy coach, about the "retention revolution" and its impact on firm culture and staff retention. Tiffany highlights the significance of moving from a reactive to a proactive approach in managing staff well-being, focusing on creating a supportive and engaging work environment. They discuss the lingering effects of the Great Resi...
Aug 14, 2024•39 min•Ep. 19
Welcome to The Modern Firm® podcast, hosted by Darren Root, Chief Strategist for Rightworks, founder of Rootworks (now Rightworks Academy) and an accounting firm owner for over 30 years, and John Mitchell, Culture and Workforce Advisor for Rightworks. In this episode, John and Darren explore the challenges and strategies for adapting to a post-pandemic work environment. They emphasize the need for firms to shift from outdated routines to more efficient practices better suited for remote work, in...
Jul 24, 2024•23 min•Ep. 18
Welcome to The Modern Firm® podcast, hosted by Darren Root, Chief Strategist for Rightworks, founder of Rootworks (now Rightworks Academy) and an accounting firm owner for over 30 years, and John Mitchell, Culture and Workforce Advisor for Rightworks. In this episode, Darren and John discuss the fact that accounting firm owners say that less than 60% of their clients fit the firm‘s ICP (ideal client profile), and why defining that profile is essential for a firm’s long-term success. *** The Mode...
Jul 10, 2024•19 min•Ep. 17
Welcome to The Modern Firm® podcast, hosted by Darren Root, Chief Strategist for Rightworks, founder of Rootworks (now Rightworks Academy) and an accounting firm owner for over 30 years, and John Mitchell, Culture and Workforce Advisor for Rightworks. In this episode, Darren and John discuss what everyone in the accounting profession has been talking about for years: advisory services. But are advisor services more than just an add-on to compliance work? And where do CAAS, PAAS and TAAS (oh, my!...
Jun 26, 2024•22 min•Ep. 16
Welcome to The Modern Firm® podcast, hosted by Darren Root, Chief Strategist for Rightworks, founder of Rootworks (now Rightworks Academy) and an accounting firm owner for over 30 years, and John Mitchell, Culture and Workforce Advisor for Rightworks. In this episode, Darren and John welcome Terry Offenberger, CPA and Managing Shareholder of Hammerman, Graf, Hughes & Company, Inc. , to discuss an introverted accountant’s biggest nightmare: conversations that build client relationships. Terry...
May 22, 2024•28 min•Ep. 15
Welcome to The Modern Firm® podcast, hosted by Darren Root, Chief Strategist for Rightworks, founder of Rootworks (now Rightworks Academy) and an accounting firm owner for over 30 years, and John Mitchell, Culture and Workforce Advisor for Rightworks. In this episode, Darren and John take a deep dive into The Modern Firm Maturity Continuum and walk through the five levels of maturity that occur on the path toward becoming a modern accounting firm. You may be surprised where 59% of firms fall on ...
May 08, 2024•22 min•Ep. 14
In this episode of The Modern Firm® podcast, Darren Root welcomes Joel Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of Rightworks. Darren and Joel review some results from the 2024 Rightworks Accounting Firm Technology Survey and offer insights into the tech firms are—and aren’t—taking advantage of. They also introduce The Modern Firm Maturity Continuum, where firms classify themselves in one of several categories. Is your firm a Follower? A Contender? A Leader? Or do you fall somewhere else on the continuum...
Apr 29, 2024•31 min•Ep. 13
How do accounting firms use the cloud and other tech to smooth the points of friction in their collaboration processes? In this episode of The Modern Firm® podcast, Darren Root and John Mitchell reflect on the surprising results of a new Rightworks survey that answers that question (hint: most firms don’t). But Darren and John are ready with some scenarios (spoiler: don’t miss John’s Chipotle analogy) that make a killer case for the use of the intelligent cloud and a one-click login for your fir...
Apr 10, 2024•29 min•Ep. 12
