The Wize Way

Someone once told Ed Chan he should write a checklist. He was working 100 hours a week, so his answer was the obvious one. Where was he supposed to find the time?Everything that eventually got him out looked like that. The checklist. Training the hire. Writing the policy. All of it sat in the pile he would get to once things calmed down, and things never calmed down. Ed explains what changed his thinking, and how far it took him.✅ Why the work that never feels urgent is the only work that changes anything✅ The question that decides whether your next hire should be a junior or a senior✅ Why the money objection to hiring comes down to how you read your own numbers✅ What happens to write-offs and turnover when people sit in the wrong seats✅ The deep and narrow team structure, and why adding more people rarely fixes a workload✅ How to hand work over when you are certain nobody will do it to your standard✅ The exercise Ed used to sort every single thing he did into one of four placesEd does not work in the firm anymore, and it still runs. This is how that happened.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Have you ever lost a great team member out of nowhere, with no warning signs and no explanation that made sense?In this episode, Raul takes us inside the Wize Hub for a full walkthrough of the tools built to stop that from happening. From the team NPS to the career and energy audits, he shows how firm owners can get a true 360 view of how their people are really feeling, long before a resignation letter lands on the desk.You'll learn:✅ How to track your team NPS monthly and what the score is actually telling you✅ How the career audit uses AI to identify whether someone is a Grinder, Minder or Finder, and whether they're in the right seat✅ Why the energy audit and life wheel help employees feel valued, especially in remote teams✅ How the different access levels keep sensitive information private until an employee chooses to share it✅ How to build a complete staff profile covering strengths, weaknesses, revenue capacity, and your ideal charge rateRaul shares a real client story about a firm owner who kept training great people only to watch them leave, and how one small change turned that pattern around.If you've ever assumed your team was fine because nobody said otherwise, this episode is your reminder that the problems you can't see are the ones that cost you the most.This is a visual walkthrough, so if you want to see inside the Wize Hub as Raul clicks through each section, tune in to the episode on YouTube.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Every hire that goes wrong can usually be traced back to one step someone decided to skip. Not because they were careless, but because they were busy and it seemed like the step that mattered least.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Dani breaks down how to run a proper recruitment process without a recruitment team: working out who you actually need, getting the job ad written in minutes, screening properly, and testing before you commit.You'll learn: ✅ How to decide whether your next hire should be an admin or an accountant ✅ The four transferable skills that matter more than qualifications ✅ Why hiring admins from outside the accounting industry often works better ✅ How to use AI to create job ads, interview guides, and job offers in minutes ✅ The job sites worth posting on for local and offshore roles ✅ How LinkedIn headhunting builds your talent pipeline before you need one ✅ Why pre-screening, reference checks, and testing are the steps you never skipHiring on your own takes more time, but done right, it does not have to mean settling for less.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

There is a version of your pipeline where every lead has a clear next step and someone responsible for it. Getting there takes 30 minutes a week.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Thomas walks through the sales meeting rhythm Wize teaches firm owners to run with their client managers, and why it works better than any CRM or automation your firm could buy.✅ Why the purpose of a sales pipeline is focus rather than reporting✅ The difference between a lead and a prospect and why the distinction changes how you follow up✅ Why chasing a clear no is worth as much to your firm as chasing a yes✅ The six questions that turn a short sales meeting into the most useful half hour of your week✅ Why client managers stop selling to existing clients and what that costs you✅ How a thin top of funnel is what makes your team sound desperate on discovery calls✅ Why a no-blame culture is the thing that finally gets your team comfortable with salesIf leads keep going quiet and nobody can tell you why, this is the rhythm to build your pipeline around.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Somewhere in your firm, there's a desk where every problem ends up. Maybe it's yours. Maybe it's your senior manager's. Either way, the work slows down every time a question lands on it.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Kristy breaks down the PUB Meeting, the Daily Productivity Unblocker. One structured hour a day where blockages get cleared, questions get answered, and your team learns to solve problems instead of passing them up the chain.You'll learn: ✅ What the PUB Meeting is and how it picks up where your daily huddle leaves off ✅ How to run it at two levels: one for your senior managers, one for your production team ✅ How to turn every blockage into micro-training that lifts your whole team ✅ Why recording these sessions gives you a training library for every future hire ✅ How to tell whether a struggling team member has a confidence gap or a competency gap ✅ The simple checklist that stops your team coming to you without doing the thinking first ✅ How to withdraw from the day-to-day without your senior manager inheriting the bottleneckIf your firm feels out of control, there's a meeting missing from your day. The PUB is probably it.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Hiring in a panic is one of the most expensive things an accounting firm can do. And most firms do not even realise they are doing it until the damage is already done.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Dani walks through the hiring mistakes that hurt firms the most, why they keep happening, and the practical prevention strategies that change how you approach every hire from here on.You'll learn: ✅ Why small firms feel bad hires harder than larger ones ✅ The three hiring scenarios that cost firms the most time and money ✅ Why a culture mismatch can be more damaging than a skills gap ✅ How to run interviews that feel like conversations and still get the information you need ✅ What real reference checks actually sound like ✅ Why your probation period is only useful if you are willing to act on it ✅ How to define your non-negotiables before you start looking so you stop compromising under pressureIf you have ever found yourself hiring someone just to fill a gap and paying for it months later, this episode gives you the framework to make sure it does not happen again.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

The noise around AI is getting louder, and most firm owners are not sure what to believe. In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Ed Chan draws on 40 years in the industry to cut through the noise and tell you exactly what AI means for your firm, your team, and your client relationships.You'll learn: ✅ How every major technology shift has played out in accounting and what it means for AI ✅ Why the relationship with your client is still your most valuable and most overlooked asset ✅ How to lead a team that is anxious about being replaced ✅ Why communication is now the most important skill you can develop in your firm ✅ The difference between visible and invisible money and how to invest in both ✅ How to protect the trust you have spent years building as automation increasesIf you have been feeling uncertain about where AI fits in your firm, this episode will settle a lot of that noise.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

How much time would you get back if your meetings actually worked?In this episode, Kristy walks through the daily huddle, the simple meeting Wize teaches firm owners to run with their team every day, so you can build a quick daily touchpoint that keeps your team aligned and nothing slips through the cracks between conversations.You'll learn:✅ Why the daily huddle is one of the simplest habits that changes how a firm runs✅ The difference between something you unblock right in the huddle and something that needs its own follow-up: the PUB meeting (production unblocking meeting)✅ How to know when it's time to hand the huddle off to your production manager✅ Why rotating who hosts the huddle keeps the team engaged and brings fresh energy to the room✅ How daily huddles build real connection across remote and hybrid teams✅ What changes in your firm's production line once the daily huddle becomes a habitThis is a real look at how one accounting firm built a daily rhythm that keeps the whole team aligned, told by a mentor who has been running daily huddles for years.If you've ever wanted your team to walk into each day already knowing exactly what to work on and where things stand, this episode will change the way you think about your team's daily rhythm and what happens once that habit takes hold.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

What does it actually look like to run a meeting system that keeps your firm moving without everything falling through the cracks after every conversation?In this episode, Thomas walks through the full meeting framework Wize teaches firm owners, from the daily huddle to the annual planning meeting, so you can build a clear cadence that keeps your team aligned and your action items from disappearing into thin air.You'll learn: ✅ Why the daily huddle is one of the most powerful change management tools in your firm ✅ The difference between a daily huddle and a productivity unblocker, and why both matter ✅ How to know when an agenda item has outgrown your weekly tactical ✅ Why the monthly board meeting is the backbone of your operational rhythm ✅ How one well-run annual planning meeting can reduce chaos for the rest of the year ✅ Where to store and track action items so nothing gets lost between meetingsIf you've ever walked out of a team meeting with a full list of action items and watched half of them quietly disappear by the following week, this episode will change the way you think about your meeting structure and what happens after each one wraps up.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

What does it actually look like to run a job interview that tells you whether someone is the right fit for your firm — before you make a decision you can't easily undo?In this episode, Dani and Kristy break down the questions that go beyond the resume and what the answers actually reveal about a candidate, so you can walk into every interview with a clear process and walk out with the information you need to hire with confidence.You'll learn: ✅ Why a 5-minute pre-screen call can save you hours in your hiring process ✅ The questions to ask at every stage — and what to listen for in the answers ✅ How to handle the salary conversation without derailing the process ✅ What a candidate's answer about leaving their last role actually tells you ✅ Why each role requires a different type of person — and how your questions should reflect that ✅ How to involve your team lead in the interview without overcomplicating it ✅ The remote work questions most firm owners skip — and why they matterIf you've ever walked out of an interview feeling confident about a candidate and then regretted the hire weeks later, this episode will change the way you approach your hiring process — and the questions you ask in it.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

You have tried the ads. You have posted on social media. You have handed it to an agency. And yet here you are, still wondering why the leads aren't coming.In this session, the Wize team breaks down exactly what it takes to build a marketing plan for your accounting firm that doesn't just look good on paper but actually gets executed week after week.✅ Why 5% of your revenue should be dedicated to marketing and what that looks like at every firm size ✅ How to identify who you are actually attracting before you spend a single dollar reaching them ✅ Why consistency beats strategy every time and how to pick the marketing channel you will actually stick to ✅ The SEO approach that generated 58,000 monthly website views and still holds without being touched for two years ✅ Why outsourcing your marketing without a strategy first is one of the most common and costly mistakes firm owners make ✅ How to study your own client base to build a data-driven marketing plan that actually convertsIf you have been spending money on marketing and wondering why it isn't moving the needle, this session is your reminder that the right plan, the right channel, and the discipline to execute consistently can change the trajectory of your firm faster than you think.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

When Melanie and her dad started One Stop, everything looked good on paper. But somewhere between the vision and the reality, things started to crack. What came next was a decision that changed everything, and a lesson most firm owners only learn the hard way.✅ Why the external partnership model was costing them clients and what they did about it ✅ What it looks like to have a coach who has already walked the same path ✅ How stopping trying to figure it out alone and just working a proven plan changed the game ✅ Why losing control of the client experience was the wake-up call that changed everything ✅ Why bringing in an external third party changed the way the whole family business operated ✅ What freedom actually looks like when you build the firm around your life and not the other way aroundIf you have been holding everything together and wondering when you get to step back, this episode is your reminder that the right system and the right support can fix what feels broken faster than you think.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Somewhere between setting the goal and achieving it, something breaks down. And it's almost never what you think it is.In this conversation, Jamie sits down with Bren Ward for an honest look at what it actually takes to close the gap between where you are and where you want to be, and why the answer is simpler than most people think.✅ Why the knowledge gap is the real reason people stay stuck, and where to go find it ✅ How surrounding yourself with the right people shortcuts years of costly trial and error ✅ Why motivation is overrated and what replaces it when you get this right ✅ The three-step framework behind every person who has ever made lasting change ✅ How to stop managing your goals and start becoming the person who already has them ✅ Why your calendar is the truest reflection of what you actually want from your lifeIf you have been working hard and still wondering why things aren't moving, this episode is your reminder that the right knowledge, the right people, and the right identity can change the trajectory of your life faster than you think.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

What does it actually look like to build a hiring process for your accounting firm that finds the right person every time, without expensive software, without guesswork, and without starting from scratch every time a role opens up?In this session, Dani and Kristy from the Wize team break down exactly how to take the chaos out of hiring, whether you are doing it yourself or working with a talent team, and why a clear process will always beat an expensive platform.✅ Why AI screening tools can quietly eliminate your best candidates before you ever see them ✅ How a simple scorecard takes the emotion out of comparing candidates and why that changes everything ✅ The hiring mistake Kristy made that cost her a client manager in two days, and what she does differently now ✅ Why software experience should almost never be the reason you say no to a great candidate ✅ How your capacity planner tells you exactly who to hire before you even start looking ✅ The reference check tool worth paying for, and why it catches what interviews almost always missIf you have been bringing people on and hoping for the best, wondering why it keeps going wrong, this episode is your reminder that the right process and the right support can change the way you hire faster than you think.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

From 3 people to 18. From one city to 10 states. From doing all the work to building a team that runs without you. Jeremy Eckert from Trail CPA has done what most firm owners are still trying to figure out, and in this episode, he breaks down exactly how it happened.In this conversation, Jeremy sits down with us for an honest reflection on what it really takes to grow a remote accounting firm at speed, make the right hires at the right time, and gradually step back from the day-to-day without the wheels falling off.✅ Why building remote from day one gave Trail CPA an edge most firms are still chasing ✅ What nearly doubling in size two years in a row actually feels like from the inside ✅ The hiring decision that changed everything and why they almost didn't make it ✅ Why getting both partners aligned was the real turning point in their growth journey ✅ How following a proven framework saved them from years of costly trial and error ✅ What work-life balance actually looks like when you stop being the one holding everything togetherIf you have been grinding through tax season after tax season, wondering when things will get easier, this episode is your reminder that the right system and the right support can change the trajectory of your firm faster than you think.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

200 episodes. 21,950 downloads, over 40 countries. And it all started with a simple idea to help accounting firm owners build better businesses and better lives.To mark this milestone, Bren Ward sits down with Jamie Johns for a candid reflection on the lessons that have shaped the Wize Way, the ones that matter most right now, and the mindset that separates firm owners who break free from those who stay stuck.✅ What a 40km hike through the Grampians has to do with building a better business ✅ The one lesson that keeps showing up after 10 years and thousands of coaching calls ✅ Why the loudest voices in business right now might be leading you the wrong way ✅ The talent conversation most firm owners are still getting wrong ✅ The simplest thing you can do today to start getting your time back ✅ Where freedom actually comes from, and it is not where most people thinkIf you have been waiting for the right moment to stop, take a breath, and look at where you are standing, this is that episode. Tune in to hear Jamie and Bren reflect on what has changed, what has stayed the same, and why the next summit you climb might be closer than you think.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Avoid the mistake of thinking that working harder is the path to freedom, or you will keep trading your time for money while the business stays completely dependent on you.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Ed Chan sits down with Bren Ward to unpack the real reason most accounting firm owners never buy back their time. It is not a systems problem or a staffing problem. It is a thinking problem. Ed shares the exact withdrawal journey he used to remove himself from every division of his firm, the mindset shifts that made it possible, and why delegation without training is just abdication in disguise.You'll learn: ✅ Why working harder is the trap and what balance sheet thinking looks like instead.✅ The step-by-step withdrawal journey from admin all the way to the board.✅ Why perfectionism is the silent killer of delegation and how to get past it.✅ How to see your next hire as an investment, not an overhead.✅ The difference between delegation and abdication, and why it determines whether you scale.✅ What AI actually means for your time and the future of your firm.If you have ever told yourself it is just faster if you do it, this episode will change the way you think about your role in the firm.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Avoid the mistake of collecting timesheet data and doing nothing with it, or you will keep running a firm that feels busy but cannot tell you whether it is actually profitable.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Thomas breaks down the metrics that sit beneath your Fab Five and shows you how to use them to diagnose exactly where your firm is leaking money.✅ What recoverable rate actually means, and why it is becoming the most important KPI in your firm ✅ The difference between tracking write-ons and write-offs and truly understanding what they are telling you ✅ Why your WIP balance is one of the clearest signals your capacity is under pressure ✅ How to use your capacity planner to pinpoint whether your problem is team structure, charge-out rates, or cost of goods sold ✅ Why offshoring is no longer optional if you want to hit 40% cost of goods sold ✅ Current onshore and offshore salary benchmarks for senior accountants, and how the market has shifted in the last 12 monthsIf you have the data but are not sure what to do with it, this episode gives you the framework to turn your timesheet numbers into real decisions that protect your margins and drive your firm forward.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Avoid the mistake of posting a job ad before you know what you are actually looking for, or you will either attract the wrong people entirely or watch great candidates talk themselves out of applying before they even reach out.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Danny Bray breaks down exactly what makes a job ad work, and what quietly kills your chances of finding the right person before the process even begins.✅ Why too much information in your job ad is driving the right candidates away before they apply ✅ The unrealistic expectations hiding in most accounting firm job ads, and how to set requirements that attract quality over volume ✅ Why prioritising software experience over core skills is one of the most common and costly mistakes firm owners make ✅ How a clear, specific job title changes who sees your ad and who applies ✅ The six elements every strong job ad needs to stand out in a crowded market ✅ Why an advert video is no longer optional, and how to create one that works across multiple roles over time ✅ How transparency around salary, flexibility and working arrangements saves you from wasting time on the wrong conversationsIf you are tired of posting ads and getting either nobody or the wrong people, this episode gives you a practical framework to write job ads that attract the right candidates from the very first line.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Avoid the mistake of blaming the market every time a hire does not work out, or you will keep repeating the same costly cycle without ever fixing the real problem underneath it.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Ed Chan sits down with Bren Ward to cut through the noise on what is actually driving the people challenge in accounting firms right now.✅ Why AI will not make accountants redundant, and the historical proof that efficiency gains have always created opportunity rather than unemployment ✅ The real reason you cannot find good people, and why its less related to labor shortage than you think.✅ Why flat team structures are the root cause of most hiring failures, and what a deep and narrow team blueprint looks like instead ✅ How hybrid and remote work can maintain or even lift productivity when you stop managing by feeling and start managing by numbers ✅ The BPO versus direct hire debate, and why Ed is a firm believer in the direct offshore model ✅ Why chasing unicorn candidates is costing you more than you think, and what a championship team structure delivers instead ✅ How to tailor your recruitment and testing process to the specific role you are hiring forTune in to hear where Ed stands on AI's real impact on the profession, how recruitment has shifted from the traditional model to where it needs to be today, and why getting your team structure right is the foundation everything else is built on.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Avoid the mistake of rushing into a hire without a clear process — or you'll end up paying the price with bad hires, wasted time, and the whole exhausting cycle starting over again.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, the Dani Bray breaks down their proven step-by-step hiring blueprint so you can find the right person every time.✅ The capacity planner that tells you exactly what role to hire for before you post a single ad ✅ Why a candidate scorecard removes emotion from the process and leads to smarter decisions ✅ The red flags hiding in resumes, career history forms, and reference checks that most owners miss ✅ How integrity analysis and personality testing take the guesswork out of hiring ✅ The onboarding process that sets your new hire and your firm up for long term successIf you're tired of hiring on gut feel and hoping for the best, this episode is your playbook for building a team that actually works.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Scaling your firm requires more than just generating leads, the services you offer determine whether growth is actually possible. If your model is built around high-end advisory work that only you can deliver, there's a hard ceiling on how far you can go.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Wize Growth mentor Jamie Johns breaks down how to build a service model designed for scale:✅ Why advisory-heavy firms plateau and what to pivot to instead✅ The #1 most scalable service in accounting (hint: it's not what most owners expect)✅ How to use the Wize Monetisation Sheet to audit your service lines and identify growth bottlenecks✅ The "ideal client" reframe that makes hiring, marketing, and scaling dramatically easier✅ Real examples from niched firms already cracking the code on scalable, recurring revenueIf you're ready to stop building a business that depends entirely on you and start building one that can grow beyond you, this episode is essential listening.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Building a thriving accounting firm is impossible without the right systems - but most firm owners are still creating SOPs from scratch, one painful document at a time.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Kristy and the Wize Team break down the real secret to scaling your firm without chaos and it all comes down to building a centralised policy factory.✅ Why having an SOP for your SOPs is the most important system you'll ever create ✅ The simple impact vs. ease framework for knowing which SOPs to tackle first ✅ How to delegate SOP creation so it's never all on the firm owner ✅ The tools top firms are using to build, store and share SOPs (Loom, Scribe, ClickUp and more) ✅ How to onboard new team members so they're productive from day oneIf you're a firm owner tired of things falling through the cracks, frustrated by inconsistent team performance, and ready to finally step back from the day-to-day, this conversation is a must-listen.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Remote work sounds like the dream but without the right communication rhythms and cadences, even the best accounting teams fall apart.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Dani and the Wize Team break down the real secret to making remote and hybrid work actually work and it all comes down to communication rhythms and cadences.✅ Why senior staff thrive remotely but juniors struggle (and what to do about it) ✅ The simple meeting cadences that keep remote teams connected and accountable ✅ How to onboard remote staff without losing culture or productivity ✅ The open Zoom room strategy that replaces the office "water cooler" instantly ✅ How to handle data security, trust, and time zones without the overwhelmIf you're a firm owner trying to attract top talent, reduce staff turnover, and build a team that works seamlessly from anywhere in the world, this conversation is a must-listen.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

You're doing everyone else's job but your own. Client requests pile up, tasks that should belong to your team keep landing on your desk, and no matter how hard you work, the list never gets shorter.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, we break down a powerful delegation framework that helps firm owners finally get the right work to the right hands:✅ Why 80% of what you do daily probably isn't your job as CEO ✅ The "task bucket" exercise that reveals where your firm's work really belongs ✅ The difference between delegating and deleting — and why both matter ✅ How to stop micromanaging and start setting outcomes that empower your team ✅ Why simplicity is the most underrated efficiency gain in your firmIf you're ready to stop being the bottleneck in your own business and start building a firm that runs without you, this one's for you.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Is your team “busy” but still out of sync, because nobody has a simple daily rhythm to align priorities and surface issues early?Most firm owners try to fix productivity with bigger meetings, more tools, or more chasing. The result is the same: scattered communication, silent bottlenecks, and leaders carrying the mental load of the whole firm. A Daily Huddle solves that by creating a short, repeatable moment where the team reconnects every morning.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, the Wize coaching team breaks down how 15 minutes a day can reset alignment, improve follow-through, and build a calmer operating rhythm, sharing practical insights on:✅ Why the huddle must stay short and structured.✅ The three questions that keep everyone aligned: what’s on today, what roadblocks are you facing, and who can help ✅ How daily huddles reinforce your team structure by keeping work and communication in the right lanes ✅ Why owners must show up early to cement the habit, before handing it off with confidence ✅ A simple add-on that stops “quick questions” from derailing the dayIf you want a team that feels aligned, accountable, and clear every day, and a firm that runs smoother without you needing to be everywhere at once, this conversation is essential listening.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Is your firm suffering unnecessary churn because you’ve lost real connection with your staff?Most firm owners try to grow their teams without ever building the connection rhythms that actually keep people engaged. The result? Surprise resignations, scattered communication, and leaders stretched thin trying to hold everything together.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, the Wize coaching team breaks down how just 30 minutes a week can transform retention, performance, and clarity across your firm, sharing practical insights on:✅ Why weekly one-on-ones (through your leadership chain, not all on you) are critical to retention ✅ How to structure simple, repeatable one-on-ones around wins, goals, productivity, and development ✅ The meeting rhythm that creates calm: daily huddles, weekly manager touchpoints, and monthly all-hands ✅ How to build real connection so issues surface early, not through surprise resignations ✅ Practical ways to scale communication as your team grows, without burning yourself outIf you want a team that feels supported, aligned, and accountable, and a business that doesn’t depend on you being everywhere at once, this conversation is essential listening.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Are you tracking dozens of numbers but still unsure how your firm is really performing? More data does not equal more clarity. What matters is knowing which five metrics actually drive decisions.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Wize Mentor Thomas breaks down the Fab 5, the five high-level KPIs every firm owner should be watching if they want clarity, control, and sustainable growth:✅ Why revenue and profitability only matter when viewed through the right lens ✅ How fees won and lost reveal your future hiring needs months in advance ✅ The hidden story behind WIP, lockup, and cash flow ✅ Why client and team NPS quietly drive referrals, retention, and performance ✅ How to use benchmarks to spot problems early without getting buried in numbersIf you want to stop tracking everything and start focusing on what actually moves your firm forward, this conversation will give you a practical framework to lead with confidence.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Are you keeping track of the metrics that actually drive profit and control… or getting sidelined by vanity metrics that make you feel busy?In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Thomas breaks down the Fab 5 KPIs and why they’ve been refined over the last 10–15 years into a simple scoreboard that gives firm owners a full-spectrum view of how the business is really performing.You’ll learn:✅ Why output metrics matter more than input metrics (and how to spot the difference) ✅ The Fab 5: Revenue, Profitability, Lockup, Sales, and NPS, and what each one reveals ✅ Why write-ons / write-offs is often the hardest KPI to track, but the most powerful for protecting margin ✅ How KPI patterns tell a story and help you diagnose what’s actually happening inside the firm ✅ The monthly manager meeting rhythm that turns KPIs into ownership, accountability, and calm leadershipIf you want to stop tracking numbers for the sake of it, and start using a KPI dashboard that makes decisions obvious, this episode is a must-listen.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Most firm owners don’t hit a growth ceiling because they lack talent in their team.They hit it because they haven’t built ownership in their team yet. The result? Managers who stay dependent. Performance conversations that feel emotional. And a firm that can’t scale because everything still rolls back up to the owner.In this Wize Coaching Call, Tim breaks down the simplest (and most powerful) lever to create alignment and accountability in your firm: a monthly strategic meeting built on objective KPIs — plus the “no bypass” rule that stops you from accidentally sabotaging your leaders as they grow. Inside the session, you’ll learn:✅ Why most firms hit a real ceiling around $500k–$1M revenue (and what actually breaks through it) ✅ The monthly KPI rhythm that builds ownership mindset in client managers ✅ How to coach performance through the “story behind the numbers” (without personal conflict) ✅ Why “no bypass” is the hidden skill behind scalable leadership and real delegation ✅ The metrics that reveal whether your firm is truly healthy: revenue, productivity, write-offs, lockup, growth, and NPS If you want a firm that grows beyond your personal capacity — and a team that performs without constant rescue — this is a must-listen. ________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Most firm owners try to scale by tracking more numbers yet still feel stuck in the weeds. The result? KPI overload, inconsistent results, and a business that still depends too heavily on the owner.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, we unpack how SOPs are the missing link between KPIs and real performance. Not as paperwork, but as the operational muscle that turns targets into daily behaviour. Drawing from a live Wize coaching session, this conversation explores:✅ Why KPIs fail when systems don’t support them ✅ How SOP ownership drives accountability for results ✅ The link between micro-training and consistent KPI outcomes ✅ How to get buy-in so teams act on the numbers, not just report themIf your KPIs look good on paper but don’t change how work gets done, this is a must-listen.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Most firm owners think leadership is about driving harder, fixing problems faster, and holding everything together themselves.But real freedom doesn’t come from doing more, it comes from lifting others to lead.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Jane Pollard shares an honest reflection on leadership, legacy, and what changes when a firm owner stops centering the business around themselves and starts building people instead.You’ll hear Jane unpack:Why leadership is about impact, not controlThe mindset shift from serving clients to developing leadersWhat it means to paint a future your team can’t yet seeHow building yourself first creates a better life for everyone around youWhy it’s never “too late” to lead differently - or more meaningfullyIf you’re building a firm and wondering what your work is really for, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, success, and the legacy you’re creating through your team.This is one for firm owners who want their business to mean something, not just run.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Most firm owners think pricing is a “numbers problem”… so they copy what the last accountant charged, slap on a fixed fee, and hope it works out.The result? Scope creep, shrinking margins, and a team that’s flat-out busy while the profit quietly disappears.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Bren Ward sits down with Jamie Johns to break down the Wize approach to pricing, including:✅ Why COGS % is the KPI that decides whether you live or die ✅ The real truth about value pricing vs fixed fees vs time billing (all can work, if you do it right) ✅ The 4-step pricing playbook to price jobs with confidence ✅ Why timesheets aren’t “dead” - they’re your efficiency and accountability dashboard ✅ How to increase fees without shocking clients (and why annual rises matter)If you want pricing that protects profit, sets expectations, and scales with your team, this conversation is a must-listen.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Most firm owners try to improve performance by pushing harder, hiring more, or firefighting their way through the week. But the real bottleneck isn’t effort - it’s the lack of structure. Without clear systems and consistent meetings, your team is left guessing, and you end up carrying the weight alone.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, we break down how effective meetings become the backbone of your SOPs and your leadership.You’ll learn:✅ Why meetings are the fastest way to uncover missing SOPs ✅ How 1:1s help new hires settle in and reveal process gaps ✅ The role meetings play in accountability, delegation, and culture ✅ How structured rhythms give you visibility across every part of the firmIf you’re ready to stop running your business in the dark and start leading with clarity and confidence, this episode is a must-listen.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Most firm owners try to “scale the business” by working harder or hiring faster - but never fix the structural ceiling that keeps them stuck. The result? Constant firefighting, team bottlenecks, unpredictable results, and a firm that can’t run without them.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, we break down the real blueprint behind building a scalable, self-running firm - the same principles used inside $7M practices. You’ll learn:✅ Why growth stalls when there’s no deep-and-narrow team structure ✅ How weak SOPs and unclear roles quietly destroy capacity ✅ The two divisions that determine whether you scale or spin your wheels ✅ Why the Fab 5 is the only KPI system that shows whether your firm is truly healthy ✅ The mindset shift every owner must make to step out of the day-to-dayIf you’re ready to stop doing more and finally build a business that grows without you, this episode is a must-listen.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Most firm owners hear the noise about AI and panic. They’re told their jobs are disappearing and the industry is on borrowed time. But the reality is simpler: AI isn’t replacing accountants,  it’s reshaping how firms think, make decisions, and deliver value.In this episode, Brenton Ward and Thomas Phabmixay break down what AI actually does in a firm, why it’s more “translation engine” than threat, and how it can scale judgement, not just automate tasks. Thomas shares how he uses AI inside his own practice to analyse work, improve communication, and speed up decision-making and why the biggest wins come when AI is woven into workflows so the team barely notices it’s there.You’ll learn:✅ Why “AI will replace accountants” is a myth that’s been repeated for decades✅ How AI turns financial and client data into instant insight✅ Where AI creates real leverage in a firm’s workflow✅ Practical ways firms can use AI today without building custom tools✅ Why critical thinking matters more than ever in an AI-enabled worldIf you’ve been overwhelmed by the hype or unsure where to start, this conversation gives you a grounded view of how AI can strengthen your firm, not threaten it.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Firm owners don’t realise they’re building a business that depends on them because they never truly delegate. They hand off tasks thinking they’re freeing themselves but without training, clarity, and follow-up, the work boomerangs right back, and the cycle of overwhelm continues.In this episode, Ed Chan breaks down the difference between delegation and abdication. He explains why doing 100 percent of a task or giving it away with no guidance keeps owners stuck, stressed, and unable to scale. And he shares the 20% Rule he used to reduce his workload, build a high-performing team, and grow a firm that runs without him.You’ll learn:✅ Why doing work from start to finish destroys productivity and growth✅ How abdicating (instead of delegating) creates inconsistency and rework✅ Why investing time in training is the only path to real freedom✅ How to balance P&L thinking with “balance sheet thinking” that builds capability✅ The right way to decide whether to hire an admin, a senior accountant, or a juniorIf you’ve ever felt like training takes too long, or worried that delegating will slow things down, this episode will change the way you think about leadership — and the role you’re meant to play in your firm.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

 Most firm owners don’t realise they’re the most expensive employee in their own business.They jump into client work thinking they’re helping — but every time they do, the firm’s most valuable time is spent on the least leveraged task.In this episode, Ed Chan breaks down why firm owners should never be billable. He explains how doing client work turns your time into the most expensive cost in the business — and why your real value lies in coaching the team, not doing the work.You’ll learn:✅ Why the owner’s time is the most expensive line item in the firm✅ How doing billable work kills profit and scalability✅ What a “deep and narrow” team structure looks like (and why it works)✅ How to shift from doing to directing — like a coach, not a playerIf you’ve ever felt trapped in client work or wondered how to step back without losing control, this episode will change the way you think about your time — and your role. ________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Most firm owners don’t realize they’ve built habits that keep them trapped inside their own business.They’re working harder, staying later, and solving every problem themselves - but every time they step in, they take the job back.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Ed Chan breaks down the #1 habit that’s holding firm owners back - bypassing their team. He explains why every time you answer a client directly or fix an issue for your staff, you’re actually stopping your business from working without you.You’ll learn:✅ Why the “No Bypass Policy” is the hardest rule to follow but the one that sets you free✅ How to stop being the bottleneck in your own firm✅ The mindset shift that turns chaos into calm✅ Practical ways to retrain yourself (and your team) to lead, not doIf you’re serious about scaling a business that runs without you, this conversation will hit home.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Most firm owners try to “fix the business” by working harder, staying later, and holding everything together with sheer willpower.But if you’re the bottleneck… no amount of effort will set you free.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, we are joined by Megan Sexton, owner of MJO Bookkeeping, and she shares a raw and powerful journey from burnout to freedom through hiring and building a trusted offshore team.✅ The wake-up call that made her rethink everything✅ The messy middle of failed hires, doubt, and holding on too tight✅ How one great hire became the cornerstone of her transformation✅ The life-changing impact of getting out of the bottleneck and reclaiming time with her familyIf your business currently depends on you to function, this conversation is a must-listen.🎧 Listen to Megan’s story and see what’s possible when you finally let go.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Most firm owners try to “fix the business” without ever fixing the real ceiling that’s holding them back. The result? Burnout, endless busyness, and a business that feels more like a cage than freedom.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Gay Hendricks, best-selling author of The Big Leap, shares powerful insights on:✅ The Upper Limit Problem that keeps even successful people stuck✅ How stored emotions and limiting beliefs sabotage growth✅ What life looks like inside your Genius Zone (and why most never get there)✅ The simple daily commitment that can unlock extraordinary resultsIf you’re ready to stop hitting invisible ceilings and start operating in your zone of genius, this conversation is a must-listen.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Most firm owners think SOPs are about writing endless manuals. The result? Overwhelm, wasted effort, and documents no one reads.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Thomas unpacks:✅ Why SOPs should solve problems, not just document processes ✅ The large/medium/small framework that keeps your team out of “SOP hell” ✅ How policies like “No Triangles” and “No Bypass” protect culture and accountability ✅ The daily huddle rhythm that keeps communication sharp and projects on trackIf you’re ready to stop drowning in checklists and start building SOPs that actually scale your firm, this episode is for you.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Onboarding That Boosts RetentionMost firm owners treat onboarding as a checklist. The result? Confused hires, wasted training, and early staff turnover.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Dani Bray unpacks:✅ Why onboarding starts before day one (and how pre-boarding builds trust) ✅ The 30/60/90-day structure that sets hires up for success ✅ How daily huddles and end-of-week check-ins accelerate confidence ✅ The role of culture, career paths, and training in long-term retentionIf you’re ready to stop “winging it” with new hires and start building a team that sticks, this episode is for you.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Marketing That Actually Works for AccountantsMost firm owners treat marketing like an expense, not an investment. The result? Stop-start campaigns, wasted dollars, and no real flow of quality leads.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Jamie Johns breaks down how to:✅ Keep your marketing consistent so momentum builds ✅ Use niche positioning to attract clients who value expertise ✅ Define what a “quality lead” really is ✅ Measure ROI with simple metrics that guide smart decisionsIf you’re ready to stop gambling on marketing and start turning it into a predictable growth engine, this one’s for you.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Stop Talking Tactics. Start Leading Strategy.Most firm owners turn board meetings into long tactical checklists. The result? Burnout, disengaged leaders, and no real progress toward growth.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Thomas breaks down how to:✅ Keep board meetings purely strategic (not firefighting) ✅ Use a 90-day plan to drive clarity and action ✅ Track the Fab 5 KPIs that give you peace of mindIf you’re ready to stop micromanaging and start leading with vision, this one’s for you.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Struggling to keep your best people?In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Dani and Kristy reveal how to:✅ Build career pathways that retain A-players✅ Spot the red flags driving staff away✅ Create a culture where top talent thrivesIf you want to protect your investment in people and keep them engaged long term, don’t miss this one.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Thinking about acquiring another firm?In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Jamie Johns unpacks the 10 critical things to look for in a potential acquisition  and the red flags that should make you walk away.Joined by Tim and Kristy & Dani, Jamie shares:✅ The four ways to grow your firm (and why M&A is the fastest one)✅ The biggest mistakes first-time acquirers make✅ Why cultural fit matters more than price✅ How to structure a retention deal that protects your downsideIf you’re looking to grow fast without the stress of scaling chaos, this episode is your M&A masterclass.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Is your firm stuck because every client wants to talk to you?That’s not loyalty, that's a business bottleneck. In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Ed Chan unpacks: ✅ Why owners become the bottleneck in client relationships✅ The hidden cost of flat teams (where one person does everything)✅ How to build a Client Minding Team that frees you to scale✅ Transitioning client trust without damaging relationshipsIf you’re tired of being “the only one clients will deal with,” this episode will show you how to get your time back, without losing client trust.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Most firms think growth means chasing new clients. But your next big revenue leap is already sitting in your existing client base.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Ed Chan unpacks how to:✅ Monetise existing clients without feeling “salesy”✅ Use a Monetisation Sheet to uncover hidden revenue✅ Build a referral system that brings in A-class clients✅ Avoid scaling chaos by fixing your foundation firstIf you’re spending on ads while ignoring your current clients, this episode will shift your mindset and show you a smarter way to grow.________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

The problem with most firm owners is that they work harder than their business.If your profit margins aren’t hitting 25%, there’s a reason — and it starts with your team structure and capacity planning.In this episode of The Wize Way Podcast, Brenton Ward, Ed Chan, and Jamie Johns reveal:✅ How to separate your effort from the business’s performance✅ The ideal team productivity % by role (Finders, Minders, Grinders)✅ How to build in spare capacity so you can scale without burning out✅ Why tracking the right KPIs changes everythingWhether you're stuck in the grind or scaling fast - these numbers are non-negotiable. #TheWizeWay #AccountingPodcast #BookkeepingBusiness #CapacityPlanning #WizeMentoring #ProfitFirst #AccountingFirmOwner #TeamStructure________________  PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:   1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Map for FREE - Find out the 101 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here 2. Need to hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here 3. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here