👟 From Heels to Converse: The Advisory Revolution | Madeline Reeves

Madeline Reeves shares how Advisory Amplified is reimagining accounting conferences with community focus, practical advisory content, and a women-led, inclusive approach. Summary Today I’m speaking with Madeline Reeves, Founder & CEO of Fearless Foundry, creator of Advisory Amplified. In this episode, we talk about . . . Reinventing accounting conferences through a six-city U.S. tour focused on practical advisory content and community building. Challenges with traditional conferences and the need for real-world application. Advisory vs. CAS: Clarifying the terminology and implementation. Empowering women and underrepresented voices in accounting events. Localised content and community connection via hometown hosts. Practical tools and strategies for implementing advisory services. Workbook-based workshops with real, actionable takeaways. Partnering only with vendors who deliver educational (not salesey) content. Launching a virtual version of Advisory Amplified on November 18. Vision for future global expansion and continued grassroots connection. 🌟 Advisory Amplified Sponsors Fathom – Financial analysis and management reporting tool for accountants and business owners. Ignition – Client engagement and billing platform that automates proposals, contracts, and payments. Karbon – Practice management software for accounting firms, streamlining tasks, emails, and workflows. Relay – Online business banking designed for accountants and small businesses, with integrated financial controls. OnPay – Payroll and HR software for small businesses, handling wages, tax filings, and benefits. Fearless Foundry – Creative consulting firm that helps entrepreneurs and organisations with branding, marketing, and strategy. 🧰 Apps & Tools Mentioned: Avalara, QuickBooks Online Accountant (QBOA), TSheets, Hubdoc,  Abacor, Firm360, Taxfyle Timestamp  00:00 – Welcome Madeline Reeves: Advisory Amplified rethinks accounting events. 02:05 – From Avalara to Advisory Leader: Madeline’s tech-to-advisory journey. 06:10 – Why Advisory Amplified Exists: Gaps in traditional conferences. 09:30 – Real Talk: Advisory in the US vs. Global: What's missing in America. 13:25 – Designing Inclusive Conferences: Women-led by design, not default. 17:15 – The Power of Representation: All-female AI panel moment in Chicago. 20:40 – Tools Driving the Advisory Shift: What tech supports real advisory? 23:55 – Advisory Tech Stack Talk: Practical sessions with partner input. 27:10 – From Random Acts of Consulting to Service Lines: Productizing advisory. 30:35 – AI + Advisory Integration: Using AI for better client conversations. 34:00 – Hands-On Learning With Workbooks: Goodbye chicken scratch notes. 37:15 – Building Community with Local Flavour: Hometown hosts & local vendors. 41:05 – Sponsors with Substance: No sales pitches—only educational value. 44:25 – The Value of Diverse Perspectives: Unlocking new ideas through inclusion. 47:00 – Advisory Mindsets & Skills: Let go of perfection, focus on listening. 50:15 – Stop Selling, Start Serving: Grow advisory with current clients. 53:10 – Advisory Amplified Goes Virtual: November 18 launch details. 55:30 – Global Ambitions + The Bus Dream: What's next for the conference. 58:00 – Final Thoughts: Building a future-focused, community-powered industry. Contact details:   Madeline Reeves: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinefearless/ Fearless Foundry: https://www.fearlessfoundry.com/ Advisory Amplified: https://www.advisoryamplified.com/  Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/  Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/  YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting  X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU