In this candid episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman reflect on their journey of recording 300 episodes and the evolution of their business and podcasting space. From recording in garages and spare rooms to stepping into a studio, they explore what it means to give yourself permission to grow, invest in yourself, and up-level without guilt. They also discuss the importance of visibility, personal development, and the often-unspoken struggles faced by women in business, particularly bookkeepers.

Jo and Zoe share personal stories, mindset shifts, and practical insights about overcoming imposter syndrome, measuring ROI on personal investments, and the significance of fun and authenticity in business. They also introduce a new direction for the podcast that includes more community involvement and storytelling.

What Listeners Will Learn

Why it’s important to give yourself permission to invest in your growth.

How mindset affects personal development and business visibility.

The real return on investment in personal and professional up-levelling.

How to navigate guilt when stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Why authenticity and fun are essential for long-term business success.

How Jo and Zoe plan to include the community in future podcast episodes.

Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction and studio setup

1:20 – Why up-levelling can feel uncomfortable

3:30 – Permission and worthiness as bookkeepers

5:00 – The hidden costs and returns of investing in yourself

6:40 – Evolving podcast dynamics and energy

8:00 – Personal growth and relationship development

9:00 – Gamifying business visibility (LinkedIn example)

10:00 – Comparison, imposter syndrome, and community perception

11:20 – Creating content that resonates with your audience

12:40 – The story behind recording their audiobook

14:30 – Supporting others through business transformation

15:30 – Inviting the community into the podcast

16:30 – Introducing the idea of bookkeeping agony aunts

17:30 – Sharing stories and opening up the conversation

18:20 – Final thoughts and how to get involved

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not “allowed” to take the next step in your business, this episode is your sign to give yourself permission. Reflect on where you can up-level without guilt and know that growth doesn’t need external validation.

📧 Got a story, question, or dilemma to share? Email us at [email protected] with “Podcast” in the subject line — we’d love to include your experiences in future episodes!

🎧 Subscribe to The Bookkeepers' Podcast, leave a review, and share the show with your fellow bookkeepers.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

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Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

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Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo and Zoe are joined by financial planner Bella Clark to explore how bookkeepers can evolve into trusted business partners for their clients by building relationships with financial advisors. Bella shares her journey from a recruitment career in Canary Wharf to becoming a financial planner, offering holistic financial advice to business owners, especially women.

Together, they discuss the misconceptions around financial knowledge in the bookkeeping industry, the emotional barriers to financial planning, and practical steps bookkeepers can take to deepen their client relationships. Bella also shares personal anecdotes and client stories that highlight the transformational impact of understanding both business and personal finances.

This episode is packed with insight into how bookkeepers can add value, build confidence in financial conversations, and create a supportive network that helps clients prepare for both the expected and the unexpected.

🎯 What You Will Learn

How bookkeepers can collaborate with financial planners to support clients holistically

Why understanding both business and personal finances is essential for long-term planning

Key financial protections self-employed business owners often overlook

The emotional side of money and how to create safe, judgement-free financial conversations

The importance of regular client check-ins and fact-finding as a service standard

Practical steps to identify when a client might benefit from financial advice

The impact of pensions, children’s savings, and future-focused planning

How to become “the expert who knows the experts” by building a referral network

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

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Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

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Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman go behind the scenes of building bookkeeping businesses as new mums, sharing honest reflections on parenting, burnout, and self-employment.

Recorded live at the Festival of Accounting and Bookkeeping, this TMI-style episode peels back the curtain on juggling VAT returns while breastfeeding, feelings of imposter syndrome despite having qualifications, and the emotional and physical toll of trying to “do it all”.

Jo shares the early days of her career, including attending accountancy college around full time work, setting up her business, and losing her confidence after a difficult personal loss. Zoe talks about starting out without experience in practice and how lack of confidence led her to re-take qualifications she already had.

This heartwarming, sometimes hilarious, and deeply relatable episode shows the reality of running a business around family life—and why prioritising yourself can lead to better outcomes for everyone.

What Listeners Will Learn:

The real challenges of growing a business while parenting young children

How imposter syndrome shows up, even with multiple qualifications

Why confidence is critical to marketing, pricing, and growth

The benefits of subcontracting early on in your bookkeeping career

How sharing your story and being honest can build deeper connections

The importance of building a business around your values and ideal clients

Signs of burnout and why putting yourself first helps everyone else too

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

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Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

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Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

The Bookkeepers' Podcast: To Do Lists and Strip Clubs

Live at the Festival of Accounting and Bookkeeping

In this special live-recorded episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman take the stage at Day Two of the Festival of Accounting and Bookkeeping (FAB) to talk all things event planning, productivity, and how not to end up in a strip club. Sharing personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and plenty of laughs, Jo and Zoe offer their top tips for getting the most out of professional events — from travel logistics and mental load to safety, networking, and using events for marketing.

Listeners are encouraged to think intentionally about what they want to achieve from attending an event, how to look after themselves while there, and how to follow up strategically when they get home. Whether you’re a seasoned conference-goer or prepping for your first industry event, this episode is packed with practical advice — and a few cautionary tales.

🎧 You Will Learn:

How to prepare for a conference to reduce overwhelm and decision fatigue.

Why treating yourself like your own butler can be a game changer.

What to prioritise during an event: speakers, software demos, and networking.

The power of writing “to-do’s” instead of just taking notes.

How to use events to generate social media content and demonstrate credibility.

Tips for staying safe and looking after your well-being while attending conferences.

Why scheduling follow-up time post-event is essential for real ROI.

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About us

We help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build businesses they love that work for them. Find out about working with us at: 6figurebookkeeper.com

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Find out more at: https://www.xero.com/uk/campaign/new-partner-programme/?utm_source=6FB&utm_medium=podcastnotes&utm_campaign=Q2

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Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

This isn’t your typical episode of The Bookkeepers’ Podcast – we recorded it live in front of an audience at the Festival of Accounting and Bookkeeping… and got very real about money baggage, growing up, glow-ups, and the awkward stories that shape how we show up in business.

If you've ever:

✅ Felt weird about charging what you're worth

✅ Made financial decisions based on fear or old beliefs

✅ Thought someone rich must be a drug dealer (yep, we said it 😅)

...you are absolutely going to feel seen in this episode.

🎙 In this episode:

👉 How childhood experiences shape our relationship with money

👉 The awkward money moments we’ve had as partners

👉 Why bookkeepers struggle to charge properly (hint: it’s not about pricing)

👉 Hilarious stories about bad earrings, frozen credit cards, and Target bags

👉 Why your money mindset may be silently holding you back

💥 We also share real listener stories of undercharging, overgiving, and finally finding the confidence to turn it all around.

💡 Resources

We talked about a few tools, platforms, and brands in this episode—here’s a handy list so you can check them out for yourself. Some of these are affiliate links, which means if you decide to sign up, we might earn a small thank you (at no extra cost to you!). We only recommend things we genuinely use and love.

🧾 Software / Tools Mentioned

Xero – Sponsor of The Bookkeepers' Podcast: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

GoCardless – For direct debit and payment automation https://https://gocardless.com/?utm=6figurebookkeeper

Stripe – For payment processing and fees https://stripe.com/gb?utm=6figurebookkeeper

Apron – New expenses card for business https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0g1sgB0

Adfin – For payment automation https://www.adfin.com/?utm=6figurebookkeeper

✨ Want more support?

Join us inside The Bookkeepers’ Bootcamp and get the confidence, community and strategies you need to grow a practice you LOVE.

👉 www.6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

🎥 Watch on YouTube & Subscribe!

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman explore one of the most frequently asked questions in their community: how do you get bookkeeping work experience when no one will give you a chance without it? They introduce Hey Monika, their brand-new AI-powered software designed to help bookkeepers gain realistic, practical experience – no clients required.

Jo and Zoe share the journey that led them to develop Hey Monika, from recognising the challenges within their 6 Figure Bookkeepers’ Club community to co-creating a completely new kind of solution. They explain how the tool works, how users can benefit from practical, scenario-based training, and why it's already proving to be a game-changer for everyone from complete beginners to experienced professionals looking to build confidence in new areas.

You’ll also hear the behind-the-scenes of building a tech product from scratch, the value of community-driven development, and why Hey Monika is much more than just a training platform – it's a mentor, a practice hub, and a safe space to learn.

What Listeners Will Learn:

Why work experience is a universal challenge for bookkeepers at all stages

How Hey Monika simulates real client interactions in a safe, AI-powered space

What makes this tool unique from traditional CPD and training programmes

The power of community in product development

How Jo and Zoe balanced building software while running the 6 Figure Bookkeeper

What to expect from future scenarios and how to get involved as a founding user

Try Hey Monika

Want hands-on, practical bookkeeping experience without real-life clients? Join the waitlist for Hey Monika, our AI-powered work experience platform for bookkeepers. Learn more and sign up: heymonika.com

About our Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Xero. Learn more about their new partner programme at: xero.com/uk/?utm_source=6fb

Disclaimer

The information in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as advice. Please seek professional advice before acting on any content from this podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on this content.

In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman are joined by Nicola Roke, Founder and Director of Danton HR, a commercially-minded HR firm for SMEs. Nicola has recently expanded the business with training programmes, an Edinburgh franchise, and increasing the Danton team. Nicola has been running the family business for 7 years with her husband, Duncan, joining as Director to head the training arm.

Nicola shares practical advice on how bookkeepers and small business owners can manage people with confidence. From getting contracts in place to building a great culture, Nicola takes the fear out of hiring and helps you avoid common HR pitfalls.

We chat about:

✅ When it’s the right time to hire

✅ The first steps to take when you’re ready to build a team

✅ How to handle tricky conversations and staff issues

✅ HR essentials every small business needs to know

✅ How to create a great place to work as you grow your business

If you’re ready to grow and want to get hiring right from day one, don’t miss this episode!

🔗 Connect with Nicola here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaroke/

🙌 Connect with Jo and Zoe on Instagram @6figurebookkeeper

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman are joined by Ilya Radzinsky, CPO and Founder of TaxDome, the all-in-one platform designed to help bookkeepers and accountants simplify, automate, and grow their practices.

If you’re tired of juggling different software tools, chasing clients for paperwork, or feeling buried in admin, this conversation will show you a better way. Ilya shares how TaxDome brings everything together in one powerful platform—making it easier for bookkeepers to manage their workflow, get paid faster, and scale their businesses.

We talk about:

✅ Why automation is key to growing a profitable bookkeeping business

✅ How to simplify client communication and document collection

✅ The must-have tools inside TaxDome for bookkeepers and accountants

✅ How to systemise your processes and save hours every week

✅ Why using an all-in-one platform can reduce overwhelm and increase profit

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to work smarter—not harder!

🔗 Book a free demo with TaxDome at https://taxdome.as.me/schedule/376f24e7

🙌 Connect with Jo and Zoe on Instagram @6figurebookkeeper

Please note AI helped us to write these show notes.

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About us

We help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build businesses they love that work for them. Find out about working with us at: 6figurebookkeeper.com

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Find out more at: https://www.xero.com/uk/campaign/new-partner-programme/?utm_source=6FB&utm_medium=podcastnotes&utm_campaign=Q2

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Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Zoe Whitman is joined once again by Osmaan Sharif, business coach and mindset expert. If you’ve ever felt stuck in self-doubt or struggled to take the next big step in your business, this conversation is for you.

Osmaan shares powerful strategies to help bookkeepers and accountants shift their mindset, overcome imposter syndrome, and build businesses they love. Expect practical tips and mindset hacks that will boost your confidence and help you take consistent action.

We chat about:

✅ Why mindset is the key to business success

✅ How to overcome fear and self-doubt

✅ The habits successful bookkeepers use to stay motivated

✅ How to get clear on your goals and make them happen

✅ Practical ways to step into your CEO role with confidence

If you’re ready to stop playing small and start believing in what’s possible, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and ready for action!

Work with us:

💡 Join THE BOOKKEEPERS' COLLECTIVE for full access to:

✔ CPD Accredited Training on Practice Foundations & Business Growth

✔ Pricing & Passive Income Training

✔ Marketing & Personal Brand Training

✔ Sales & Client Attraction Strategies

✔ Expert Guidance on Legal, Insurance, Financial Planning & More

✔ 14+ Hours of Live Sessions Per Month

🔗 Sign up today: 6FIGUREBOOKKEEPER.THINKIFIC.COM

About Our Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Xero. Find out more about their New Partner Programme:

🔗 https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figure-offer

Subscribe & Stay Connected

🔔 Follow The Bookkeepers’ Podcast for weekly episodes!

⭐ Leave a review to help more bookkeepers find us.

📲 Join the conversation in our free Facebook group: The 6 Figure Bookkeepers' Club

🎧 Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

👉 See you next week!

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Zoe Whitman chats with Max Tapsall from Mimo—an exciting money in, money out solution that’s helping bookkeepers get paid faster and manage client payments with ease.

If you’ve ever found yourself chasing invoices or struggling to keep on top of who’s paid and who hasn’t, this episode is for you. Max explains how Mimo simplifies the payment process, giving you time back to focus on growing your business (and spending less time on admin!).

We cover:

✅ How Mimo helps bookkeepers and accountants streamline payments

✅ The benefits of offering easy payment options to clients

✅ How Mimo improves cash flow and reduces awkward payment conversations

✅ Why getting paid on time is key to a stress-free business

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, this is a must-listen if you want to make your payment processes smoother and get paid on time, every time.

🔗 Find out more about Mimo here: https://www.mimohq.com/?utm_source=6figurebookkeeper

🙌 Connect with Max Tapsall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-tapsall/

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About us

We help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build businesses they love that work for them. Find out about working with us at: 6figurebookkeeper.com

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Find out more at: https://www.xero.com/uk/campaign/new-partner-programme/?utm_source=6FB&utm_medium=podcastnotes&utm_campaign=Q2

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Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.