Now that tax season is over, many accounting professionals find themselves caught between relief and recalibration. The April 14, 2025, Woodard Roundtable provided a timely opportunity to explore this transition, with practitioners sharing how they’re reflecting on recent challenges and preparing for what’s ahead.
Facilitated by Lamont Nesbitt and Kim Petro, the discussion opened with an energy check: “What kind of energy are you coming into today with?” Participants’ responses revealed a shared fatigue—some directly tied to tax season, others stemming from broader pressures that often accompany this time of year, such as client expectations, workload fluctuations, and persistent backlogs.
A key theme that emerged was the power of candid reflection. One member described this season as “the worst since I’ve owned my own firm,” noting that the experience prompted a hard look at her business model—from pricing to processes. Rather than dwell on the frustration, she shared a determination to improve, bolstered by support and ideas from the Woodard community.
The importance of this kind of self-assessment was echoed by other attendees. While some in the group don’t directly handle tax preparation, they still experienced the ripple effects of a demanding first quarter. Whether it was the mental toll of early mornings or the frustration of unmet goals, many agreed that it’s critical to understand the root causes of fatigue—beyond just blaming “tax season.”
As Lamont pointed out, it’s not just about being tired, but why: “Did I not get enough sleep? Was I mentally overloaded? Did I let boundaries slip?” These questions lead to actionable insights that can shape better decision-making in the future like keeping better schedules, having clear and written out agreements with our clients and simply saying, no.
Perhaps the most energizing part of the conversation came when the group was challenged to share their wins. In under three minutes, the chat filled with responses:
These successes weren’t just feel-good anecdotes—they were proof points of systems, preparation, and intentionality. One member, for instance, credited a recent hire with increasing her firm’s capacity not just operationally, but mentally and emotionally. “It created emotional and mental space,” she shared, highlighting the profound impact of building the right team.
Another member added another perspective, recounting how she swiftly onboarded a new medical client through QuickBooks and delivered on time, despite inheriting a poorly set-up file. Her success came down to preparation and professionalism—and was rewarded with upfront payment and a long-term client relationship.
Participants were encouraged to record these wins, not just to preserve the memory, but to counterbalance the tendency to focus on what went wrong. As Lamont put it, “The weakest ink beats the best memory every day.” Writing it down ensures that growth—no matter how incremental—is acknowledged and can be built upon.
Another rich discussion centered on boundaries—especially in moments when they’re tested. One member shared a win of raising prices for a client with expanding scope and receiving no pushback. “That’s epic,” said Lamont, affirming the importance of sticking to well-defined terms of engagement. Many admitted to moments where boundaries slipped under pressure, with Lamont acknowledging his own: “Every now and then there’s a reminder, and I go, ‘Why did I do that?’”
This led into a broader conversation about accountability. Another member shared how her personal assistant acts as her “boss,” calling each morning to review the day’s priorities and keeping her grounded. “She works for me, but I say she’s my boss,” she explained. This dynamic, while playful, underscores the seriousness of having someone who holds you to your commitments—something many attendees recognized as essential for consistency and growth. Our leaders here and other places refer to that as an aspect of Servant Leadership.
The overarching takeaway from the roundtable was clear: many of the wins participants shared were the result of decisions made months ago. Hiring, pricing, client expectations—these are not tasks tackled in April; they are strategic moves seeded well in advance.
Adding a successful team member was one such example. “It wasn’t an accident,” Lamont noted. “She knew what she was looking for.” That clarity—about what you need, where you're going, and how you’ll get there—is what sets firms up to not just survive tax season but thrive well beyond it.
The conversation on April 14 wasn’t just about transitioning out of tax season—it was about redefining how professionals in the accounting space plan, reflect, and grow. Whether through celebrating wins, reevaluating systems, or recommitting to boundaries and leadership, the group demonstrated that resilience comes not just from effort, but from intentionality.
As the calendar moves forward, this spirit of reflection and readiness will serve the Woodard community well. The past few months brought challenges—but they also brought momentum. Now it’s time to make it SO!