Change Is the Environment

In Episode 179 of The Woodard Report Podcast, Joe Woodard and Heather Satterley sat down to discuss AI, quantum computing, human judgment, and the steady work of building a stronger accounting practice.

Quantum computing moves closer to business reality

Heather opened the current events discussion with Microsoft’s Majorana 2 quantum chip. Microsoft says the chip uses a new material stack that swaps aluminum for lead and is part of the company’s goal to deliver a scalable quantum computer by 2029.

The conversation focused less on the technical novelty alone and more on what quantum computing could mean once paired with artificial intelligence. Joe described AI as the mind, data as the knowledge, and hardware as the brain. In that context, quantum computing could give AI a much more powerful foundation.

Heather also noted that quantum still carries significant limitations, including stability and cooling demands. For accounting professionals, the takeaway was not that quantum computing is ready to reshape practice operations tomorrow. The larger point was that technology continues moving faster than many business owners expect.

Microsoft AI and the changing competitive landscape

Joe continued the technology discussion with Microsoft’s newer AI developments. Microsoft announced a family of seven new in-house MAI models in June 2026, expanding its AI strategy beyond reliance on other major model providers.

This is an important shift for accounting professionals because Microsoft already has an accounting platform through Dynamics. Joe raised the question of whether a stronger Microsoft AI offering could make Dynamics worth another look for practices that may not currently live in that ecosystem.

TV and movie quote of the week

Heather shared a line from The Boroughs: “Some things can’t be fixed, only felt.” The quote led into a broader discussion about leadership, client relationships, and emotional awareness.

Heather explained that business owners often get caught in a constant fixing mode. They try to solve every client issue, team issue, or practice challenge immediately. That instinct can be useful, but it can also keep a bad situation going too long.

Joe connected the idea to assessing the facts on the ground. Leaders sometimes have to pause, understand what is actually happening, and choose a more intentional response. The conversation emphasized that feelings should not control every decision, but they should not be ignored either.

Joe’s quote came from House of the Dragon: “The idea that we control the dragons is an illusion.” He used the line to talk about the relationship accounting professionals have with technology.

For decades, practices have built careers around powerful platforms, from desktop accounting software to cloud solutions to AI tools. Those tools create opportunity, but they also create dependency. Joe compared major technology platforms to dragons that professionals can ride, but not truly control.

The message was not to avoid technology. The message was to stay aware. Practices need to use AI and software intentionally while recognizing that vendors, platforms, and markets can shift in ways they cannot fully predict.

Excellent thing learned

For Heather’s excellent thing learned, she shared a useful Excel feature that allows users to insert live stock, currency, and geographic data directly into a worksheet. After entering a stock ticker, currency code, or location into a cell, users can select the appropriate data type from the Data tab and pull in connected data cards.

excel stocks

Heather noted that the feature can update automatically, giving users a more dynamic worksheet instead of a static set of numbers.

Joe also shared a concept from April Rinne’s book Flux: “Change is not an event, it’s the environment.” The quote stood out because many professionals still think of change as something that happens, gets managed and then ends.

Heather added that people often like the change they choose, but struggle with the change they did not choose.

Member spotlight

Patricia Hendrix joined the episode to spotlight Woodard member Diane Danna. Patricia described Diane as an example of long-term practice advancement, not through one major leap, but through steady implementation over time.

She joined Woodard in 2019 and has continued investing in her development. Joe shared that she transformed her business from a bookkeeping company into a controllership services practice while navigating major family responsibilities. Patricia noted that Diane started without clear processes or a defined plan, then steadily worked through each area of the practice.

The Woodard Report article of the week

Heather closed the episode by highlighting a Woodard Report article by Donna Reed: The Quiet Question That Improves Every Client Conversation. This article focuses on empathy, slowing down, confidence, and the very human skills that make advisory work effective.

Heather and Joe discussed how small behaviors can change the tone of a client conversation. Speaking too quickly can raise anxiety, facial expressions can affect trust, and pausing before responding can help a professional avoid reacting too quickly.

Joe connected the idea to parenting, explaining that he has learned to hold his facial reaction when his daughter brings something difficult to him. The same principle applies to client conversations. A client may need to feel heard before they are ready for advice.

The bigger lesson

Episode 179 moved between quantum chips, AI models, television quotes, Excel tips, and member growth stories, but the central message stayed consistent. Technology is moving quickly, and accounting professionals must keep learning. At the same time, the most valuable parts of advisory work remain deeply human.

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Thank you to our show sponsor, Zoho!

Zoho is a unique and powerful software suite to transform the way you work, designed for businesses of all sizes, built by a company that values your privacy. For more information about Zoho, please visit woodard.com/podcast.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and edited by a human.