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. She recounts limiting her own schedule to 25 hours a week, delegating low-value tasks, and using “vacation-testing” to build a business that runs smoothly during a fully unplugged four-week break—demonstrating that Work Supports Life™, not the other way around. Listeners get practical guidance on time-blocking, tracking tasks for delegation, and empowering teams.

Links mentioned in this episode:
$10,000-an-Hour Activities Chart 

Where to Find Dr. Sabrina Online (41:00 – 41:20):

• Profit by Design Podcast 
• Tap the Potential website
• Instagram: @DrSabrina
• Facebook: Tapthepotential

Upcoming Dr. Sabrina Events

• How to make your time worth $10,000/hr | July 17 at 2-3 p.m. ET.

The Modern Firm® is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com/resources/podcasts.

Follow Rightworks on social:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightworksllc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightworks_
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rightworks_
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rightworks_

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 rising importance of empathy and explains how accountants can lead with creativity and emotional intelligence in an AI-driven world.

The conversation also tackles the business model shifts AI may spark—from subscription-based pricing and outcome-driven billing to new approaches for compensating talent. Ethical considerations and the growing need for AI literacy round out the discussion. This episode offers concise, practical guidance for firms aiming to stay relevant and thrive in an evolving landscape.

Resources and links:
Exactly What to Say by Phil M Jones
The Four Conversations by Blair Enns
Implementing Value Pricing by Ron Baker

Connect with Hector:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hectormgarciacpa/
Youtube: youtube.com/@HectorGarciaCPA

The Modern Firm® is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com/resources/podcasts.

Follow Rightworks on social:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightworksllc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightworks_
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rightworks_

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 why high-achieving professionals struggle to slow down, how intentional breaks can actually sharpen performance, and what it means to replace work-life balance with true work-life harmony. Whether you lead a team or are simply looking for a healthier rhythm in your workday, this episode offers small, practical shifts that lead to big change—not just for your firm, but for your whole self.

Resources and Links:
Mel Robbins' book: The Let Them Theory

Connect with Amy Vetter:
Websites: amyvetter.com  and businessbalancebliss.com
Podcast: Breaking Beliefs
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amyvettercpa/

The Modern Firm® is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com/resources/podcasts.

Follow Rightworks on social:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightworksllc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightworks_
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rightworks_

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 emphasizes the importance of empowering employees by valuing their contributions and fostering a culture of transparency and trust. She shares actionable steps to build innovation-focused teams, leverage professional communities, and align work cycles to reduce strain. Whether you’re a firm leader or team member, this episode provides practical strategies to help your organization thrive.

Resources and Links:
RightNOW25 conference: https://www.rightworks.com/rightnow2025
Rightworks Community: https://rightworkscommunity.circle.so/c/start-here/

Connect with Jennifer Wilson:
Email: [email protected]
website: https://convergencecoaching.com/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwilsonprofile

The Modern Firm® is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com/resources/podcasts.

Follow Rightworks on social:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightworksllc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightworks_
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rightworks_

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 initiatives with both staff engagement and seasonal demands.

Discover how transparency and effective communication can reduce resistance to change and why balancing stability with innovation is essential for success. We'll also explore practical strategies for prioritizing change initiatives, managing capacity, and adopting a structured process to implement meaningful improvements year-round. Whether you're looking to innovate or simply refine your approach to change, this episode offers actionable insights for building a truly modern firm.

Resources and Links:
RightNOW25 conference: https://www.rightworks.com/rightnow2025
Rightworks Community: https://rightworkscommunity.circle.so/c/start-here/
The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon: Find it on Amazon

Connect with Will Hill:
Email: [email protected]
website: willhillconsults.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wghill/

The Modern Firm® is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com/resources/podcasts.

Follow Rightworks on social:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightworksllc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightworks_
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rightworks_

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 can expect insightful conversations with industry experts on how to navigate change, embrace innovation, and move their firms forward. TJ also shares his experience developing a tool designed to assess and prioritize change, along with key lessons learned in that process. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of community as a way to "find your people," fostering learning, accountability, and support.

Resources and Links:
RightNOW25 conference: https://events.rightworks.com/event/rightnow2025/rightnow-2025
Rightworks Community: https://rightworkscommunity.circle.so/c/start-here/

The Modern Firm® is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com/resources/podcasts.

Follow Rightworks on social:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightworksllc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightworks_

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 preserve critical operational knowledge before it walks out the door with departing employees.

They explore the evolution from the World Wide Web era to today's AI-first era, discussing how tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity can help firms create better documentation, enhance security protocols, and free up time for higher-value activities. Tune in for actionable advice on transitioning to an AI-first mindset while maintaining focus on what matters most: people and client service.

The Modern Firm® is produced and owned by Rightworks. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps and more at rightworks.com/resources/podcasts.

Follow Rightworks on social:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rightworks_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rightworksllc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightworks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightworks_