From Floods to Foundations: Industry Heroes and Strategic Moves

In episode 133, The Woodard Report podcast is introducing a fresh, new podcast format that combines fun banter, breaking industry news, strategic insights, and real-life inspiration from the Woodard community. If you haven't listened in a while, this is THE week to check it out!

A fresh format for a new era

We're super excited about our newly refreshed podcast format kicking off this week! The show has a more dynamic feel and is infused with a fast-paced yet thoughtful look at what's going on in the accounting world and beyond. 

“Well, Heather, we're here for the newly reimagined Woodard Report podcast,” says Joe Woodard. So if you're a listener, just know, hang on, we're going to be doing things very differently from this point forward."

Accountants as heroes

Heather opens with a powerful story about Scott Ruskin, a former KPMG accountant who helped rescue more than 165 people during flooding in Texas. This real-world heroism showcases the humanity and leadership potential within the accounting profession.

“It was one of those moments that reminds you how much of a difference people in this profession can make—inside and outside the office,” Heather says.

Tech headlines: Xero acquires Melio

Joe discusses Xero’s $2.5 billion acquisition of payments platform Melio, suggesting it’s a strategic counter to Intuit’s decision to remove Melio from QBO. He explores how this move signals increased competition and consolidation within the accounting technology space.

"And I just felt like what a great story to start us out with the current events to have someone within our industry that really is, you know, leading humanitarian efforts and making a difference in the world."

From Star Trek to self-awareness

In a deeper reflection, Joe and Heather dive into the emotional science behind anger—sparked by recent episodes of Star Trek. They explore how anger often masks fear, sadness, and shame, and how unresolved emotions can disrupt both personal and professional growth.

"We're taught, right, as children to suppress those feelings, that those feelings are bad, that anger, impatience, things like that are bad feelings and we need to push them down."

AI in action: tools of the week

In the "excellent thing I learned this week" segment, both hosts spotlight how they’re using AI tools like ChatGPT:

• Heather used it to build complex Excel formulas and a Gantt chart for a software development project.
• Joe leveraged call transcripts and ChatGPT to generate an impactful sales proposal in a fraction of the usual time.

"It took what would normally be about a two or three hour project for this kind of custom proposal and turn it into a 20 or 30 minute project."

Quick challenge: two truths and a lie

Listeners are invited into a rapid-fire quiz segment with surprising facts and insights from recent headlines—including IRS guidance on reasonable compensation and updates to the child tax credit.

Member spotlight: Diane Dana

Joe highlights Woodard member Diane Dana, who has transitioned from a QuickBooks ProAdvisor into a strategic controller and advisor for high-revenue clients. Her story is a powerful example of scaling both services and confidence.

“She is now offering controllership services... and she's taking on multi-million dollar clients... to guide the client's journey and to protect that journey in very meaningful ways.”

Resource roundup: productivity for the distracted

The episode closes with a nod to Kara Kennedy’s article, “10 Simple Productivity Tips for the Chronically Distracted.” Joe and Heather emphasize the relevance of these tips—especially for professionals navigating neurodivergence or common workplace distractions.

“If you are someone that easily gets distracted and you're looking for ways to really hone in and get into that focus zone, I strongly recommend that you click the link and go read Kara's article.”

Listen to the full episode and subscribe to The Woodard Report Podcast

🎧 Listen to the full episode at woodard.com/podcast.

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Thank you to our show sponsor, CorpNet!

CorpNet is the trusted leader in business formation and compliance services, offering one of the best tools for accountants, CPAs, and tax professionals nationwide — the CorpNet Partner Program. 10X your firms revenue by helping clients form a business, register for payroll taxes, maintain compliance, and more.

This article was generated by AI and reviewed and edited by a human.