The Smarter Accountant Podcast (Dawn Goldberg, CPA)

Have you ever taken one of those personality tests—like DISC, Myers-Briggs, or the Enneagram—and thought, “Well, that explains why I do what I do”?

But let me ask you - Do you think your personality is set in stone, or is there room for change?
 
In this week’s podcast episode, I’m exploring the surprising truth about how your personality isn’t as fixed as you might think. 

I'm diving into why those labels from personality tests—like “Introvert” or “Perfectionist”—might be holding you back, and how you can start to reshape who you are over time.

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Your Personality is Not Set in Stone
✅ The Role of Your Brain in Shaping Personality
✅ Becoming the Architect of Your Personality
✅ Overcoming Obstacles to Change
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Showing That Your Personality Isn’t Permanent
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about changing your personality if you want to.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast HERE

We all know that criticism is an unavoidable part of life, especially in professional fields like accounting.  

But, whether you're on the receiving end of a formal review or providing feedback to others, the process can often be uncomfortable and awkward. 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• Mark's Story: Struggling with criticism.
• The brain's response to criticism.
• Subjectivity and past experiences.
• Retraining your brain's response
• Distinguishing criticism from feedback.
• Becoming a Smarter Accountant - the art of handling criticism.
   

So, are you ready to learn about the secret to dealing with criticism?  Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion.

You can also read the full show notes HERE

So, what does it mean to be a Smarter Accountant?

The reason I chose this as the first episode is that when you become a Smarter Accountant, you’ll see through the lies you’ve been telling yourself about what is “normal” for accountants. You’ll be able to have the accounting career, business and life you want.

Once you learn what I’m going to teach you each week on this podcast, you’ll gradually be able to see how much control you have over things in your work and personal life and how to achieve any goals you’ve set.

Time and time again, my coaching clients tell me, “You do know that this is life-changing, right?”. To which I answer time and time again, “I know! That’s why more accountants need to know this”.  And it’s why I believe this podcast will be so helpful for you.

The truth is that no one is teaching you how your brain works and how you are underutilizing it.

Listen in as I explain what you need to know to become a Smarter Accountant.

You can also read the full show notes HERE

As an accountant, you most likely agree that learning never stops in our profession. We are constantly on the hunt for new knowledge, updated regulations, and innovative tools to refine our craft.

But let me ask you a question - Have you ever considered that in your pursuit of knowledge, there might be things you need to unlearn, especially when it comes to time management?
 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• Unlearning The 9 to 5 Mentality
• Unlearning The Downside Of Multitasking
• Unlearning Perfectionism
• Unlearning Technology Time Wasters
• Unlearning The Procrastination Cycle
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the top 5 things for accountants to unlearn. 

If better time management is something you’re interested in, I suggest taking The Smarter Accountant Time Management Personality Quiz.  You’ll gain some valuable insights into your particular time management personality and how to leverage that to get more done in less time.

Simply go to www.thesmarteraccountant.com/personality-quiz and as a bonus, you’ll also receive “The Ultimate Time-Saving Guide for Accountants.”  This guide is a must-have for any accountant who wants to improve their time management.

You can also read the full show notes HERE

Have you been trying to find some sort of harmony between your work life and your personal life?  Do you feel overwhelmed trying to balance it all?

I’m sure a lot of us can agree that having a successful accounting career is already challenging but when you add the fact that we’d like to have a life outside of work as well, it can become very daunting.    

In this episode I want to explore two approaches - work-life balance and work-life integration - in a way you may not have considered before.  

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ Understanding Work-Life Balance 

✅ Exploring Work-Life Integration

✅ Pros and Cons: Work-Life Balance vs. Work-Life Integration

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Strategies For Achieving Either Work-Life Balance Or Work-Life Integration

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the pros and cons of work-life integration versus work-life balance.  

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant 5-minute quiz HERE

Once the holidays pass, it’s that time of the year again, where performance evaluations take center stage. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your accounting career, the year-end review is like the grand finale of your work-year performance.

But here's the thing – I’m not just going to be talking about the review itself; I’m going to be diving into how important it is to understand your accountant brain when it comes to year-end reviews, feedback, and criticism.  
 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ The Impact of Year-End Feedback for Accountants

✅ Your Brain as the Feedback Filter

✅ Your Brain’s Role In Deciphering Feedback Versus Criticism

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: How To Navigate Year-End Reviews
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about your brain's role in navigating year-end reviews. 

Have you taken The Smarter Accountant Quiz yet?  You can take it HERE.

Do you know your time management personality as an accountant?  You can find out HERE.

You can read the full show notes HERE

Have you ever noticed how often you catch yourself complaining throughout the day? Maybe it's about the traffic during your morning commute, the mountain of paperwork on your desk, or perhaps even the occasional issue with the weather. 

Are you aware that your brain is wired to find faults, to identify potential threats, and to, in a way, complain? 

It's a natural survival mechanism, but what happens when this tendency seeps into your daily conversations, especially at work?

If you can relate, this episode is for you!

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• Why we complain.
• Why it's a problem.
• How to stop or become more purposeful.
• The Smarter Accountant Way: How to not let complaining affect your intelligence.
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the surprising way complaining affects your intelligence.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

Have you ever felt like something wasn't fair? It happens to all of us, and figuring out why we feel that way can teach us a lot about ourselves.

How does thinking something is unfair make you feel? Does it affect your mood or how you act? Sometimes, feeling that things are unfair doesn't just stay in that one moment; it can sneak into how we feel and act in other parts of our lives.

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• Why Things Seem Unfair
• What Happens When Things Seem Unfair
• What To Do When Things Seem Unfair
• Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Asking Powerful Questions
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about what to do when things seem unfair. 

You can read the full show notes HERE

Have you taken The Smarter Accountant Quiz yet?  It only takes 5 minutes!  You can take it HERE.

If time management is important to you, take The Smarter Accounantt Time Management Personality Quiz HERE. 

As smart accountants doing smart things, we can unfortunately get stuck in the habit of overthinking.  

When not addressed, this can quietly slip into our work and personal lives, making it harder for us to grow professionally and personally.

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ The Impact of Overthinking On Your Accounting Career

✅ Identifying Common Signs of Overthinking

✅ Strategies to Stop Overthinking

✅ Overcoming Overthinking Challenges

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Sharpening Your Decision-Making Skills to Overcome Overthinking
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about overcoming overthinking for a smarter accounting career. 

Have you taken The Smarter Accountant Quiz yet?  It only takes 5 minutes!  You can take it HERE

You can read the full show notes HERE

This is one of those episodes that every accountant needs to listen to.

Why?

Because I focus on helping you make your accounting career easier and more sustainable. 

I say this all the time, but you've worked hard to become an accountant—now it’s time to make it easier to BE an accountant.  

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Mistake #1: Assuming that Stress and Overwhelm are Par for the Course 

✅ Mistake #2: Working Off A To-Do List and Not Having Effective Time Management 

✅ Mistake # 3: Prioritizing The Wrong Things

✅ Mistake #4: Ignoring a Lack of Confidence or Imposter Syndrome

✅ Mistake #5: Not Setting and Sticking to Boundaries

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Avoiding The 5 Mistakes

✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the 5 mistakes to avoid if you want an easier accounting career.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Podcast HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

Do you ever doubt if you truly deserve the recognition and compensation you're seeking? 

Do you find it tough to ask for a raise or increase your client fees?

As financial professionals, we're crucial in shaping the financial health of individuals and businesses. But here's the issue - even though we’re valuable to others, many of us struggle to recognize our own financial value.

The truth is, it's not just about our credentials or where we work; it's about how our brains interpret these factors.

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ The Brain's Influence On Financial Value 

✅ The Consequences of Undervaluing Yourself Financially

✅ Strategies for Owning Your Financial Value

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Overcoming Brain-Related Challenges

✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about owning your financial value and worth.  

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

How do you currently feel about your work environment as an accountant, whether you're a leader or an employee?

Have you noticed any specific challenges or issues in your workplace that affect your job satisfaction or productivity?

Do you believe that creating a better work environment is solely the responsibility of the organization, or do you recognize your own role in shaping it?
 

Whether you are a boss or an employee, you do have control over creating a better work environment.
 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• Creating a better work environment: When you are a Boss/Leader.
• Creating a better work environment: When you are an employee.
• Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Creating the best work environment you can.
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about creating a better work environment.

You can read the full show notes HERE

Do you ever feel like your life is just a never-ending series of decisions? From handling client needs to figuring out what’s for dinner, it can get pretty overwhelming, right? 

As accountants, we’re constantly bombarded with choices to make, both big and small. It's part of the job, but sometimes it feels like it never stops.

I don't know about you, but even though I'm capable and organized, there are days when I just wish someone could take a few decisions off my plate. Just think about it – wouldn’t it be amazing if you didn’t have to decide on every little thing?

But as my mentor says,  “If you’re not taking the time to make intentional, conscious decisions about your life, don’t be surprised when your life isn’t what you want it to be.”

Because her words have had such an impact on my life, I want to share three decisions that every accountant needs to make wisely.  By focusing on the right decisions, you can create a ripple effect that leads to greater fulfillment and success, both professionally and personally. 

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Decision #1: Who You Spend Your Time With
✅ Decision #2: How You Make a Living
✅ Decision #3: How You Manage Your Health
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Wisely Making The 3 Decisions
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the 3 decisions every accountant needs to make wisely.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

Have you ever wondered what it takes to have a sustainable accounting career?

Are there things you’re currently struggling with as a CPA?

Have you thought that there’s got to be an easier way but not sure what that is?

Reflecting on my 30+ year career in public accounting, there are three pivotal aspects that, if I had known about them earlier, could have made my journey as a CPA easier.

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• #1 - Stress is optional.
• #2 - Effective time management is essential.
• #3 - Work-life balance is attainable.
• Bonus - Brain management is the secret to an easier, more sustainable career.
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the top 3 things I wish I knew before becoming a CPA.

If you haven't taken The Smarter Accountant Quiz yet, you can take it HERE.

You can find the full show notes HERE.

Have you ever wanted to do something new but found yourself hesitating before taking a leap, saying, "It’s probably not going to happen, so why bother," or "I don’t know if I can do it"? 

Well, join the club!

As accountants, it's practically in our job description to play it safe. 

But here’s the thing: what if playing it safe is the very thing holding us back from unlocking our full potential?  

What if the thing you want is just one nail-biting decision away?

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ The Comfort Zone Valve 

✅ Navigating The Fear Of Failure

✅ The Downsides Of Failing Ahead Of Time

✅ Practical Tips to Stop Failing Ahead of Time

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Overcoming The Habit of Failing Ahead of Time
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about overcoming the habit of failing ahead of time.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

As accountants, we work hard, we've got all the education, skills and qualifications, yet sometimes our income doesn't seem to match up with what we know we're capable of. 

Have you ever felt that frustration?

And then there's the whole issue with not really valuing ourselves enough. 

For example, we might be great at what we do, but when it comes to negotiating salaries, increasing our rates, or even acknowledging our own worth, it's as if we freeze up. 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ Understanding Underearning 

✅ Three Prominent Factors

✅ Your Brain’s Role In Underearning

✅ Practical Steps To Stop Underearning

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Ending The Underearning Cycle
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the surprising reasons why you are underearning and how to stop.  

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

In this episode, you'll discover why understanding how your brain works is crucial for your success as an accountant, both professionally and personally.
 

You may be wondering, what does brain science have to do with accounting? As I explain in this episode, it has everything to do with it. 

By gaining insights into how our brains function and learning effective strategies to manage them, we can make better decisions, recognize cognitive biases, improve communication, manage stress and workload, and master the art of time management (to name just a few).

The best part is that I break down complex topics into simple, easy-to-understand concepts. Whether you're a seasoned accountant or just starting your career, this episode will provide you with practical insights that can transform your approach to accounting.

I also share powerful testimonials from my coaching clients who have experienced remarkable transformations by learning to manage their brains. Their stories highlight the immense potential that lies within each of us when we harness the true power of our minds.

So, are you ready to become a Smarter Accountant? Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and unlock the place where brain science meets accounting.

If you want to see how your accountant brain currently measures up, I suggest you take The Smarter Accountant Quiz.  It’s the starting point to see if and how you are underutilizing your accountant brain.

It only takes 5 minutes and you can check it out at www.thesmarteraccountant.com

How often do distractions, be it emails, notifications, or constant interruptions, impact your work as an accountant? 

Can you recall a recent instance where you lost valuable time due to these distractions?

Imagine a workday where you accomplish more in a few focused hours than you usually do in an entire day. How would that feel? 

What could you achieve with that kind of productivity?

If you can relate, this episode is for you!

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• Understanding deep work.
• The impact of distractions.
• Overcoming distractions and embracing deep work.
• Deep work and skill development.
• Your brain’s role in making deep work possible.
• The Smarter Accountant: Building a deep work culture in accounting firms.
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the skill of mastering deep work and boosting your productivity.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

Are you constantly stressed, overwhelmed, and feeling like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of unproductive habits? 

Does your workday leave you mentally exhausted, unable to manage your time effectively, and struggling to keep up with your responsibilities?

If so, you’re not alone. Many accountants find themselves trapped in what I call “Accounting HELL.

But what is Accounting HELL?  Listen in as I explain.

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ Breaking Bad Habits 

✅ Letting Go Of Your Ego

✅ The Most Important Thing You Could Learn

✅ Overcoming Laziness

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Getting Out Of HELL
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about falling into accounting HELL.  

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

As an accountant, you most likely believe you know how to handle other people’s money and finances. But let me ask you a few questions:

• How do you feel about money? 
• What is your relationship with your money?
• Do you know how to money (yes as a verb)?
   

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• Your relationship with money.
• Your brain's role in making money.
• The "time plus effort" perception.
• Making a shift with brain management.
• Becoming a Smarter Accountant - money mindset mastery.
   

So, are you ready to learn about money mindset mastery?  Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion.

You can read the full show notes HERE

We all experience those days when motivation seems impossible, but what happens when those uninspired days turn into weeks and months? 

Navigating through extended periods of low motivation can be particularly challenging, especially for accountants.
 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ Understanding The Motivational Triad

✅ The Pleasure Principle in Accounting

✅ The Pain Avoidance Instinct

✅ The Conserving Energy Motivator

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Using The Motivational Triad To Your Advantage
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the importance of The Motivational Triad.  

You can read the full show notes HERE.

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE.

Have you ever felt like you're racing against the clock? Like you're trying to do a million things, but there just isn't enough time? It happens to most of us.

Think about the last time you had a loooong list of things to do. Did you ever wonder why it felt so overwhelming even before you got started? Is there more to it than just having lots of things to do?

Sometimes, we try to make everything absolutely perfect, spending tons of time on tiny details. Or on the other hand, we might procrastinate and then beat ourselves up afterward.  Do any of those sound familiar?

And how about this: your schedule is jam-packed with things to do, but you still can't get it all done in a day. Ever felt that way?

If you can relate, this episode is for you!

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• Hidden Truth #1 - The Power of Simplification.
• Hidden Truth #2 - Managing Perfectionism.
• Hidden Truth #3 - Embracing Realistic Time Management.
• The Smarter Accountant Way: Managing Your Brain For Better Time Management.
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion unlocking the hidden truths of better time management.

You can read the full show notes HERE.

If you're ready to become a Smarter Accountant, you can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed or anxious in your role as an accountant?

Have you or your colleagues ever felt pressure to conform to certain expectations or norms within the accounting profession?

How do you personally manage stress and anxiety in your professional and personal life?

The truth is that no matter how much we’ve normalized stress and anxiety in our lives, mental health is a vital aspect of our well-being, and in the accounting profession, it's a challenge that needs attention.
 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ Understanding Anxiety

✅ The Overworking Dilemma

✅ Fitting Into The "Accountant Mold"

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Practical Steps for Anxiety Management
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about accountants and anxiety. 

You can read the full show notes HERE.

If you haven't taken The Smarter Accountant Quiz yet, you can take it HERE.

Have you ever thought about wanting to be in charge of your own work? Do you ever daydream about a time when you don't have to answer to anyone else but yourself?

If so, you're not alone. Nowadays, more and more people are thinking about becoming self-employed, where they can make their own decisions about their careers. 

The thing is, when you make the leap from being an employee to being your own boss, it's like building a new version of yourself. But as I’ve shared on this podcast before, our brains prefer the familiar, so stepping into the unknown can be unsettling. 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ The Importance Of Brain Management 

✅ Understanding Brain Management As An Entrepreneur

✅ Making the Transition From Employee To Entrepreneur Smoother

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Making a Successful Transition From Accounting Employee to Entrepreneur

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about making the transition from accounting employee to entrepreneur.  

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

Do you ever wonder why some accountants are good at managing their time while others struggle? 

Do you find yourself delaying tasks even when they're important?  

As the Get Sh*t Done Coach for Accountants, I'm proud to say that time management is one of my specialties. 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• Time drama.
• Your brain's role in time management.
• The power of the prefrontal cortex.
• The effect of stress on time management.
• The brain's reward system.
• Resolving cognitive dissonance.
• The benefits of becoming a Smarter Accountant.
   

So, are you ready to reduce learn about your brain's role in time management? Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion.

You can also read the full show notes HERE

As mentioned on the podcast, you can take the Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by a long to-do list but can't seem to find the motivation to tackle it? 

Or do you start your day with the best intentions, but as the hours tick by, you find yourself procrastinating, avoiding the tasks that matter most, and feeling frustrated with your lack of progress?

It's like there's an invisible barrier between you and your goals, leaving you wondering why you can't just get started and make things happen. 

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Understanding The Tool, The Model 
✅ Thoughts Create Feelings, Feelings Drive Actions 
✅ The Practice of Observing Your Own Thinking
✅ Identifying Common Reasons Accountants Aren’t Taking Action
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Examples Of Taking Action
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the reason why you aren't taking action.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

So be honest - have you ever double-checked your work, then triple-checked it, just to make sure there are no mistakes? Or maybe you’ve stayed late at the office, not because you were behind, but because you wanted everything to be perfect? 

If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with perfectionism.

I’ll admit that as a Professional Certified Coach for Accountants, I have definitely been guilty of bashing perfectionism.  I’ve waved my judgmental finger at our tendency to strive for perfection and get an A on our tests.

But then I dug a little deeper and realized that there’s more to perfectionism than meets the eye.  In fact, there are two types of perfectionism that you'll want to understand better.

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Understanding Perfectionism 
✅ Your Brain’s Role In Perfectionism
✅ The Surprising Pros of Perfectionism in Accounting
✅ The Unfortunate Cons of Perfectionism in Accounting
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Striking A Balance
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the pros and cons of perfectionism.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

Do you ever find yourself staring at a seemingly endless to-do list, wondering how on earth you'll get it all done? 

Or maybe you've experienced the frustration of wanting to finish a task sooner rather than later but end up waiting until the last minute?

If you can relate, you're not alone.  In the fast-paced world of accounting, the struggle with time management and procrastination is shared by most of us, whether we’re in public or private accounting.  
 

I want you to know that it’s not your fault.  It has nothing to do with your capabilities and everything to do with your accountant brain. 
 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ Understanding What Motivates You 

✅ Brain Management For Time Management

✅ Why Is Parkinson's Law Important?

✅ The Benefits Of Parkinson's Law

✅ Applying Parkinson's Law

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Parkinson's Law In Action
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about how accountants can successfully use Parkinson's Law.  

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Time Management Personality Quiz HERE

In this episode I talk about something that might seem a bit unconventional for our line of work but trust me, it's crucial for our success – who is taking up space in our minds. 

You know, people from our past and the people we interact with day in and day out.

They all play a significant role in shaping our accounting careers, whether we realize it or not.

Imagine your life is a room, and everyone you’ve ever met is in your room. You’ve got supportive and reliable people and you’ve got the ones who drain your energy, cause unnecessary drama, and clutter your space.

The key is - no one ever leaves your room; ever.  

Every person you’ve ever met is still in your room, so the key is that you’re going to want to make sure you’re designating where everyone is allowed to be in your room.

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ Understanding Your “Room” 

✅ Evaluating Your Professional Relationships

✅ Designing and Organizing Your “Room”

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Being Clear About “Who’s In Your Room”
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about how the concept of "Who's In Your Room?" 

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

Let’s be honest, most of us would rather discuss numbers than ourselves. 

But when it comes to job interviews, being able to articulate your skills, experiences, and fit for a role is essential. 

And it's not just about impressing your potential employer—it's about evaluating if the company is the right fit for you, too.

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Your Brain’s Role In The Interview Process
✅ Preparation for the Interview
✅ A Better Type of Interview Prep
✅ Managing Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
✅ My Secret Weapon - Managing The Interviewer’s Mind
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Nailing That Job Interview
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about how to nail that job interview.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

Have you ever considered advancing in your accounting career or possibly going out on your own, only to have it feel like an uphill battle? 

It turns out, our brains might be playing a bigger role in that struggle than we realize.

As accountants, we're all about professional growth and chasing those financial milestones, but our brains have a funny way of prioritizing safety over ambition. 

They're wired to keep us in our comfort zones, even if that means missing out on opportunities for success.
 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ The Comfort Zone Trap 

✅ Fear Of Failure

✅ Imposter Syndrome

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Managing Your Brain So You Can Advance In Your Accounting Career
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about why your brain does not want you to advance in your accounting career.  

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

Whether you’re in public or private, chances are you’ve experienced last minute requests more times than you can count.

It’s a common dilemma for us, especially when deadlines are tight, expectations are high, and the pressure to produce can sometimes feel overwhelming.

But here’s the thing: while last-minute requests may be an inevitable part of the job, they don’t have to throw you off course or send you into a tailspin of stress and anxiety. 

With the right strategies and mindset, you can learn to navigate these situations with confidence, professionalism, and yes, even a sense of calm.
 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ Understanding Your Brain's Role in Navigating Last-Minute Requests 

✅ Dealing With The Emotional Turmoil

✅ A Four-Step Process To Help Handle Last Minute Requests

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Handling Last Minute Requests Successfully

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about how to handle last minute requests. 

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Podcast HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

As a CPA in public accounting for over 30 years, I know first hand about stress and stressful busy seasons. But, while stress and overwhelm have become normal in the accounting profession, it doesn't mean it's necessary. 

When you understand the cause, you have the power to change the effect.  First, you need to understand your brain's role in stress and some secrets to having a stress-free busy season.

In this episode, you'll discover: 

• The intriguing root causes of stress.
• The unique role of our lower, primitive brain in perceiving threats (even in non-life-threatening situations like work emails and deadlines).
• Why understanding how your brain works is crucial for your success as an accountant.
• My 3 secrets for having a stress-free day or a stress-free tax season.
   

I promise you, no other podcast, webinar, or continuing education course is teaching accountants what I teach on the podcast: the truth behind stress and how to reduce it.  

You can read the full show notes HERE

Whether you're in public or private accounting, on a scale of 1 - 10, how busy are you?  Have you noticed that busyness is almost like an expected part of the job, almost as normal as having a computer or a calculator?

Do you feel like being busy has become a badge of honor, a way to showcase your hard work and dedication?
 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ The Busyness Illusion

✅ Why Language Matters

✅ The Power of Intentional Thoughts

✅ Rewiring Your Brain For Productivity

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: How To Win The Battle With Busyness
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about winning the battle with busyness. 

As mentioned on the podcast, you can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

If you're struggling with any aspect of being an accountant, you can schedule a free 30-minute coaching session HERE

This episode is all about dealing with the place where we spend one-third of our time and what to do when it’s a toxic work environment.  

I believe this is important because too many of us our dreading not only Monday mornings, but Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

These days, complaints about toxic workplaces are on the rise. In fact, recent studies highlight the significant issue of toxic work environments, especially among accountants.

But have you ever wondered what to do in a toxic work environment situation?  Let me help you out.

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Why You Might Be Dreading Your Job 
✅ Understanding Your Relationship with Your Job 
✅ Your Brain's Role In Dealing With a Toxic Work Environment
✅ What to Do When You Work in a Toxic Work Environment
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: How I Dealt With a Toxic Work Environment
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about how to deal with a toxic work environment.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

Have you ever experienced moments of doubt about your abilities, even when your track record suggests otherwise?

Have you ever felt like you're just waiting for someone to realize that you don't truly belong or deserve your achievements?

If this resonates with you, just know that you're not alone. 

Research has shown that many accountants and finance professionals grapple with imposter syndrome, often driven by the analytical and perfectionistic nature of our work.

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• Adam's Story: Issues with self-doubt.
• The truth about self-confidence, self-doubt, and Imposter Syndrome.
• Why you need to understand cognitive dissonance.
• Understanding Imposter Syndrome.
• Our brain’s role in self-doubt and a lack of self-confidence.
• Becoming a Smarter Accountant
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about tackling Imposter Syndrome and self doubt.

You can read the full show notes HERE

First, let me share that I love helping accountants with time management because I know first hand how it feels to never seem to have enough time.

Believe me, I've been there too, buried under my workload, tax returns, and looming deadlines, wondering how to squeeze more hours out of the day.

But here’s the hard truth: time management is NOT taught correctly to accountants.  In fact, we’re typically given work to do, maybe a budgeted amount of time to do it, but not shown how to actually manage our time.

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ Secret #1 - Your Time Management BFF 

✅ Secret #2 – Sticking To It

✅ Secret #3 - The Gift Of Focus

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Creating More Time
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the 3 secrets to creating more time.  

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download the Podcast Guide HERE

Are you someone who often finds themselves struggling with productivity, despite putting in long hours and working hard? 

You know how they’re always saying work smarter, not harder? What does that even mean?
 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• Jeff's Story - Unraveling the Challenges of Productivity.
• Scheduling results, not actions.
• The problem with to-do lists.
• Becoming a Smarter Accountant.
• Signs of cognitive overload.
• Harnessing the power of the brain-productivity connection.
   

So, are you ready to reduce learn about the brain-productivity connection? Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion.

And if you don’t yet know your productivity score, you’re going to want to check out  the “Get Sh*t Done Quiz for Accountants.”  You can take it at https://thesmarteraccountant.com/productivity-quiz/.

You can find out your productivity score and get tips and information on how to get more done in less time, save yourself 5 hours a week, and learn what does and doesn’t work.

You can also find the full show notes HERE

As accountants, we’re all familiar with investments and assets, looking for options that promise the highest returns. 

With people looking to us for advice, we typically do not take investing lightly.

Whether it’s investment like mutual funds, Treasury bonds, or real estate, besides a Certified Financial Planner, the public often turns to us, their accountant, for investment advice.  

We typically offer them suggestions that make the most sense based on the tax law and their short and long-term goals.

But do you know the investment with the greatest ROI for you as an accountant?  You'll definitely want to check out this episode for the answer. 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ The Investment With The Greatest ROI 

✅ Realizing The Returns

✅ Examples Of Accountants Who Made The Investment

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Strategies For Making The Investment With The Greatest ROI
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the investment with the greatest ROI for accountants.  

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant 5-Minute Quiz HERE

Have you ever found yourself feeling like you woke up on the wrong side of the bed?  

Where everything and everyone is annoying and you just don’t have the motivation to do anything?  

As we manage deadlines and family responsibilities, there are days when everything feels a bit "off."  

Days where a dark cloud seems to be following us.

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ Your Brain’s Role In Your Bad Mood 

✅ The Quick Fix

✅ The Shift Fix

✅ The Helpful Fix

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Getting Out Of A Bad Mood
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the 3 simple things you can do to get out of a bad mood.  

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

Have you ever found yourself hesitating to set ambitious goals or try new things because of the fear of failing? Or giving up before you know you should?

If so, you're not alone, but I have some good news for you!

In this week’s podcast episode, I’m diving into a topic we all face but rarely talk about: failure. But not just any failure—I'm talking about the difference between escape fails that hold you back and worthy fails that propel you forward. 

By the end of this episode, you'll see failure in a whole new light. You’ll learn how to identify when you're holding yourself back with escape fails and how to embrace worthy fails as essential stepping stones on your journey to success.

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ The Fear of Failure

✅ The Hidden Value in Failure

✅ Your Brain's Role in Escape Fails vs. Worthy Fails

✅ Understanding Escape Fails Better

✅ Understanding Worthy Fails Better

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Knowing The Difference Between An Escape Fail And A Worthy Fail

✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the difference between an escape fail and a worthy fail.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, comparing your life to the seemingly perfect lives of others? 

Or maybe you’ve compared your achievements, relationships, or appearance to those of your peers, feeling like you don't measure up? You're not alone.

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• The psychology of comparison.
• The negative effects of social comparions.
• Healthy versus unhealthy comparison.
• Becoming a Smarter Accountant.
• What you can do.
• Harnessing the power of the brain-productivity connection.
   

So, are you ready to escape the compare and despair trap? Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion.

You can also read the full show notes HERE

Have you ever found yourself standing at the crossroads of a decision – big or small?

Whether it's choosing to pursue a new job, navigating the complexities of work-life balance, or even deciding what to have for dinner, decisions are an integral part of our daily lives. 

Yet, it's not uncommon to experience a wave of doubt and regret after making a choice.

In this episode, I discuss: 

✅ Understanding The Snow Globe Effect

✅ Snow Globe Moments

✅ Navigating the Snow Globe - What to Do About It

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Successfully Handling The Snow Globe Effect
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the snow globe effect.  

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant 5-minute quiz HERE

You can purchase "The Smarter Accountant" book HERE

Have you ever been in a situation where you had to make a choice, and it felt like you were lost in a maze of uncertainty?

Why is it that we can confidently follow traffic rules but struggle with something as simple as picking a meal? 

The reason is that decision-making can be complicated, and we often find ourselves caught in a web of doubt and hesitation.

Unfortunately, the fear of making the wrong decision can lead to confusion, and sometimes, we end up not making any decision at all.

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• The origin of confusion.
• Tackling decisions in advance (the "before" stage).
• Avoiding regret (the "after" stage).
• Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Mastering the art of making better decisions
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about how to master the art of making better decisions.

You can read the full show notes HERE.

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE.

As accountants, we’re experts at solving financial problems, but what happens when we face personal challenges? 

Whether it’s juggling deadlines, managing client expectations, not having enough time, or balancing work and family life, it can feel overwhelming.

In this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing a powerful tool that will help you approach both personal and professional challenges with clarity and confidence.

This episode will show you how to shift your perspective and tackle problems head-on, using a tool that you can apply immediately.

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ The Formula Behind Every Solution
✅ Getting Started With Solving Any Problem
✅ The Brain’s Role in Problem-Solving
✅ Using The Formula To Rewire Your Brain for Better Problem-Solving
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Learning To Solve Any Problem
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about solving your problems with more ease and control.

And thank you for being a part of this community. Let's all learn to solve our problems so we can have more sustainable accounting careers.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

What if I told you that a seemingly simple question could be the key to unlocking your full potential as an accountant? Are you curious?

Good! Because in this episode, I’m going to unravel the mystery behind this important question that most of us accountants tend to brush aside. 
 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• The most important question.
• The brain's impact on emotions.
• The power of self-awareness.
• Emotional Intelligence in accounting.
• Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Practical tips
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the most important question every accountant needs to ask, every day.

If you haven't already taken the Smarter Accountant Quiz, you can take it HERE.

As accountants, we are smart people doing smart things.  But when was the last time you really assessed how effective you are?  

You might be juggling the demands of your accounting career and managing your personal life, but is the life you're living the balanced, successful, and happy one you dream of? If you’re being completely honest, I’m going to bet the answer is no.

That’s why I think it's time for us all to take a look at our personal and professional effectiveness. 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ How To Recognize Ineffectiveness In Your Life 

✅ The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Accountants

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Accountants In Action

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the 7 habits of highly effective accountants. 

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

This episode is all about a topic that many of us deal with but often keep to ourselves—social anxiety. As accountants, the pressure to perform and maintain professionalism can heighten these feelings, making social interactions challenging.

Consider the following:

• Have you ever felt your heart race and your palms sweat at a company event or client meeting? 
• Do you find yourself worrying about how others perceive you during networking events or presentations? 
• Do you often replay social interactions in your mind, wondering if you said or did the right thing? 

If so, you’re not alone. Many accountants experience social anxiety in various professional and personal settings. 

The truth is that understanding and managing social anxiety involves recognizing these triggers and developing strategies to cope with them. 

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Social Anxiety Triggers For Accountants 
✅ The Causes of Social Anxiety
✅ Your Brain's Role in Social Anxiety
✅ Strategies to Manage Social Anxiety
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Handling Social Anxiety
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about handling social anxiety as an accountant.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

Take a second and think about some of the things you’ve been avoiding:

• Having a difficult conversation
• Making that doctor or dentist appointment
• Doing your own budget or taxes
• Starting that new exercise routine
• Firing that difficult client
• Starting that complicated project
• Organizing your inbox
   

The problem is that failing to address our tendency to avoid only adds unnecessary stress to our lives. 

Let’s face it, accounting is already demanding; we don’t need to make it even more difficult on ourselves by giving into avoidance. 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ Common Reasons For Avoidance For Accountants 

✅ Your Brain's Role in Avoidance

✅ A Step-by-Step Approach For Overcoming Avoidance

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Overcoming Avoidance
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about overcoming avoidance.  

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, the challenges of being an accountant are real, and they deserve an open dialogue. 

While there are countless resources on general career advice, I’m here to address 3 particular skills that will help make you a better accountant.  

I'm here to share insights and strategies that resonate with all accountants, recognizing the shared experiences that connects us.
 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ Skill #1 - Improve Your Time Management And Productivity

✅ Skill #2 - Improve Your Analytical Skills

✅ Skill #3 - Improve Your Confidence

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant - Putting The 3 Skills Into Practice
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the 3 skills that will make you a better accountant. 

You can read the full show notes HERE

If you haven't taken The Smarter Accountant Quiz yet, you can take it HERE

Ever feel like you’re juggling a million things at once, both at work and at home? You’re not alone. 

We’ve all been there—trying to keep up with an endless list of tasks, only to end up feeling overwhelmed and stretched too thin. 

But what if doing less could actually help you achieve more?

In this episode, I dive into why we tend to take on too much and, more importantly, how you can start regaining control. 

If you’ve been feeling like you’re constantly running on a treadmill, this episode is your invitation to step off and find a smarter way.

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Why We Try to Do Too Much
✅ The Brain Science Behind Focus
✅ The Role of Time Management in Effective Focus
✅ How to Achieve More by Focusing on Less
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Learning To Achieve More By Focusing On Less
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about how to achieve more by focusing on less.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

How many hours have you lost to your inbox this week? If you’re like most accountants, the answer might surprise you. 

Have you ever considered how much time slips away as you manage email after email, especially when you’re already juggling client demands and deadlines?

In fact, on average, professionals spend over 11 hours a week on emails alone. Imagine what you could accomplish if you could reclaim even a fraction of that time!

In this week’s podcast episode, I’m diving deep into the habits that make inbox management such a challenge and, more importantly, how you can turn it around.

Ever wonder what it would feel like to start your week with a clear, organized inbox that doesn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed? Tune in to this episode and find out how to make that a reality. 

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ The Brain Science Behind Inbox Overload
✅ Three Email Habits Getting In Your Way
✅ How to Take Back Control of Your Inbox
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Getting Control Of Her Inbox
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the inbox makeover every accountant needs.

And thank you for being a part of this community. Let's all learn how to have happier, more sustainable accounting careers.  We deserve it!

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

Have you ever questioned how much longer you can keep doing what you're doing?  If you've found yourself feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or simply worn out from the demands of accounting, you're not alone.

Unfortunately, burnout is a common issue that many accountants face, and it’s time we address it head-on.

In this episode I'm diving deep into understanding burnout, its signs, and practical strategies to overcome it. 

Here are a few questions to consider before tuning in: 

• Have you noticed a decline in your energy levels, even after a full night’s sleep?
• Do you often feel anxious or irritable without any clear reason?
• Is it becoming harder to concentrate or remember things?
• Are you finding less joy in activities that you used to enjoy?
• Have you been more susceptible to colds or other illnesses lately?

If any of these questions resonate with you, this episode is for you. Burnout is more than just feeling tired—it’s a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion that can severely impact your productivity and overall well-being.

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Understanding Burnout 
✅ A Tragic Story Of The Effects Of Burnout
✅ Your Brain’s Role In Burnout
✅ Practical Strategies to Reduce Burnout
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Transforming Burnout To Balance
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about accounting without the burn.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

Ever find yourself crossing things off your to-do list all day but still feeling like you’re falling behind? 

Do you ever wonder if you’re really getting the right things done, or just staying busy without making progress?

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and that’s exactly what I’m tackling in my latest podcast episode.

In this week's episode, I dive into some of the biggest misconceptions about to-do lists that I see accountants struggle with every day. 

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Not Everything On Your List Is Yours To Do
✅ Your Brain Gets Automatically Overwhelmed By To-Do Lists
✅ Crossing Things Off Your To-Do List Is NOT Time Management
✅ Not All Hours Are Created Equal
✅ If You Don’t Know How to Manage Your Mind, You Don’t Know How to Manage Your Time
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Getting A Better Handle On Time Management
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about everything you need to know about to-do lists.

And thank you for being a part of this community. Let's all learn to take manage our time better so that we can have sustainable accounting careers.

You can read the show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

You worked hard to become an accountant, but have you ever wondered if there's a way to be both successful and happy in your career?

Do you ever feel like you're stuck in the grind, always chasing more without really enjoying the success you're working so hard for?

In this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing a story that changed the way I look at work and life.

My mentor, who’s one of the most successful businesswomen I know, revealed something in a multi-millionaire mastermind group that stunned the room. 

And, let me tell you, her secret had nothing to do with working more hours or harder days. 

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ The Thing Most Accountants Ignore At A Cost To Themselves
✅ The Brain Science Behind Happy, Successful Accountants
✅ Using The Secret Weapon
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Becoming a Happy, Successful Accountant
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the hidden secret behind happy, successful accountants.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

As a CPA and a Professional Certified Coach for accountants, I've witnessed firsthand how the quality of questions impacts decision-making, time management, problem-solving, and overall effectiveness.  

Basically, the questions we ask affect how we feel which then affects what we do or don’t do.

Here’s the problem: most of those questions are pretty lousy. 

They’re like those annoying pop-up ads that clutter your screen when you’re trying to look up something – distracting, unhelpful, and downright irritating.

Think about it: when you ask yourself a question, you’re basically sending your brain on a mission to find an answer. In fact, your brain is like a Google search bar.

But depending on the quality of that question, your brain’s going to come back with either a helpful or unhelpful answer. 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ Dead-End Questions 

✅ Powerful Questions

✅ Incorporating Powerful Questions

✅ Using a Powerful Question To Have An Easier Career

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Accountants Asking Better Questions
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about asking better questions.  

You can read the full show notes HERE.

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE.

Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about a happier work life while stuck in a meeting or at your desk?

Have you ever felt like you're on the verge of quitting your job due to unhappiness?

On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with your current job? What would it take to move that number closer to a 10 without leaving your job?

If you can relate, this episode is for you

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• Common reasons for discontentment in accounting jobs.
• Understanding the role of your brain in job satisfaction.
• Why we feel the way we feel.
• The Smarter Accountant way: How to feel better at work.
• Additional tips to create a happier work life
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about how to be happier at work without quitting.

If you haven't taken The Smarter Accountant Quiz yet to see if you are underutilizing your accountant brain, you can take it HERE.

In this episode, I want to talk about something that affects us all: handling other people's opinions. 

This topic is important because, let's face it, we're constantly bombarded with what others think, whether it’s about us or everything around us.

Think about it: whether it's a client questioning your expertise or a friend criticizing your career choices, everyone has opinions and sometimes they can really get under your skin. 

But here's the thing - knowing how to handle other people’s opinions can make all the difference in how we feel and how we navigate our professional and personal lives.

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ Handling Other People's Opinions of You 

✅ Your Brain’s Role In Handling Other People’s Opinions Of You

✅ Handling Other People’s Opinions of Everything Else

✅ Curiosity Instead Of Condemnation

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Effectively Handling Other People’s Opinions
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about how to handle other people's opinions. 

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

As the demand for skilled accountants continues to grow, individuals from various backgrounds are stepping into the field, each with their unique strengths and qualities. 

One often overlooked group bringing invaluable skills to the table is introverts.

Contrary to the common belief that success in the business world hinges on extroverted traits, as introverts we possess a distinct set of strengths that are not only beneficial but crucial in the accounting profession. 

As a classic introvert myself, I have a lot to share on this subject.
 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ Understanding Introversion In The Accounting Profession

✅ Building a Strong Foundation

✅ Navigating The Workplace As An Introvert

✅ Excelling In Introvert-Friendly Roles

✅ Professional Development For Introverts

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Overcoming Introvert Challenges
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the introvert's guide to a successful accounting career.  

You can read the full show notes HERE

To find out if and how you are underutilizing your accountant brain, take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

Have you ever felt like everything is piling up, and no matter how hard you try, it feels impossible to stay on top of it all? 

Do you ever catch yourself thinking, “I should have it all together by now,” but instead, you’re juggling more than you can handle?

If so, you’re not alone—and this week’s podcast episode is just for you.

In the latest episode, “How to Be Okay When Things Aren’t,” I’m sharing practical steps on how to navigate those tough moments when it feels like everything is going wrong.

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Understanding How Your Accountant Brain Processes Emotions
✅ The Pitfall of Forcing Positivity
✅ Steps to Take When Life Isn’t Going Your Way
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: My Story Of Being Okay When Things Aren’t
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about how to be okay when things aren't.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

We've all been there—those moments when we realize we've made a mistake and the wave of stress and self-doubt that follows. 

As accountants, the pressure to be perfect can sometimes make these moments feel overwhelming. But here's the truth: mistakes happen to everyone, and what really matters is how we handle them.

That's why I want to dive into the realities of making mistakes in our profession. 

The less ashamed or frustrated we are when we make a mistake, the easier it will be for us to bounce back from one.

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Understanding the Pressure of Perfection
✅ 9 Reasons Why Mistakes Happen
✅ The Brain’s Role in Dealing with a Mistake
✅ How to Bounce Back After Making a Mistake
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Successfully Bouncing Back From A Mistake
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about when you need to bounce back from a mistake.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

We've all been there, right? Faced with a choice, a chance, a path unknown, and then that nagging voice of doubt creeps in. It's that skeptical inner critic whispering, "What if it doesn't work out?" or "Is it really worth the risk?"

But here's the thing – some of the most remarkable achievements in life come from taking those leaps of faith, embracing the unknown, and saying, "Yes" to the possibilities.

Think about it. That new job opportunity you hesitated on? That business idea you kept on the back burner? Those adventures you postponed for later? Skepticism may have held you back from seizing those moments when they were right in front of you.

Sure, it's human nature to be cautious. We want to protect ourselves from potential failure or disappointment. But what if, just what if, those moments of skepticism are actually opportunities dressed in uncertainty?

If you can relate, this episode is for you!

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• Understanding healthy skepticism.
• The belief that skepticism always reveals truth.
• The brain’s role in skepticism.
• The cons of skepticism.
• Overcoming limiting beliefs.
• The Smarter Accountant approach: Striking the balance.
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the pros and cons of healthy skepticism.

You can read the full show notes HERE.

Have you taken The Smarter Accountant Quiz yet?  You can take it HERE.

Have you ever wanted to work less but still get everything done without stress and overwhelm?

Are you unsure of how you can make that dream a reality, especially as an accountant?  

I've been working a 30-hour workweek for decades and I'm sharing some of my secrets.

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• The Myth Of Longer Hours
• The Neuroscience Behind Productivity
• Intentional Time Management
• Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Creating a 30-Hour Workweek
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about my secrets to a 30-hour workweek. 

Have you taken The Smarter Accountant Time Management Personality Quiz yet?  You can take it HERE.

In our fast-paced world of accounting, the idea of boredom might seem strange, even laughable. 

But what if I told you that boredom could be your secret weapon for even greater productivity?

Or that it could be the answer to solving a problem you've been grappling with? 

Intrigued? You should be!

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Understanding Boredom 
✅ Assessing Boredom: Problem or Opportunity? 
✅ Strategies for Handling Boredom
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Effectively Handling Boredom
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the hidden power of boredom.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

This week's episode dives into a topic we’ve all encountered: gossip. But this isn’t just about idle chatter—it’s about how gossip might be affecting you more than you realize, especially as an accountant.

Whether you realize it or not, there are some surprising ways that gossip can impact your mind, your relationships, and even your work performance. 

As an accountant, it's important to understand why we’re so drawn to gossip, recognize how it trains our brains to focus on negativity, and how we can break free from the habit and create a more positive, productive environment around us.

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Why We Gossip
✅ Your Brain's Role in Gossip
✅ How Gossip Affects Your Accountant Brain
✅ The Hidden Dangers of Gossip in Your Accounting Career
✅ How to Reduce Gossip
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Reducing Gossip
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about how gossip affects your accountant brain.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant 5-minute Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

Do you struggle with stress and overwhelm, especially during deadlines?

Are you working more hours than you want to?  

Do you have issues with self-confidence and imposter syndrome?

Do you struggle with difficult people, professionally or personally?

If you can relate to struggling as an accountant, this episode is for you!

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• The Motivational Triad - Why your brain does what it does.
• Self-Coaching basics - What you need to know.
• The tool every accountant needs to learn - The Model.
• The top benefits of self-coaching for accountant employees and entrepreneurs.
• Top benefits to accounting firms for their employees to learn the skill of self-coaching.
• Becoming a Smarter Accountant: How I now have stress-free tax seasons.
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the skill of self-coaching for accountants.

You can read the full show notes HERE

As mentioned on the podcast, you can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

Do you find yourself hitting the snooze button every morning, or are you up with the birds, ready to conquer the day? 

Do you consider yourself a multitasking expert, or do you prefer to take things one step at a time? 

Are you the kind of accountant who always lends a helping hand and thrives on collaboration? 

Or do you prefer to tackle tasks solo?
 

The truth is that we all have distinct time management personalities that influence how we navigate our daily grind.
 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• The Early Bird personality.
• The Multi-Tasker personality.
• The Deliberator personality.
• The Helper personality.
• Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Making the most of your time management personality.
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about your time management personality and why it matters. 

To discover your time management personality, take The Smarter Accountant Time Management Personality Quiz HERE

You can read the full show notes HERE

Whether you’re in public or private accounting, why is it that we tend to overwork?  Why are there so many memes and jokes about accountants being tied to our desks?  

More importantly, is it worth it?.
 

After decades in public accounting, I have witnessed firsthand the culture of overworking that has become normalized in our profession and its effects. 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• The culture of overworking in accounting firms.
• Factors contributing to overworking.
• The impact on our well-being.
• Interesting statistics about accountants and overworking.
• The concept of "work martyrdom."
• Seeking work-life balance.
• The benefits of becoming a Smarter Accountant.
   

So, are you ready to reduce some address overworking? Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the overworked accountant.


You can read the full show notes HERE


As mentioned on the podcast, if you want to see how your accountant brain currently measures up, I suggest you take The Smarter Accountant Quiz.  It’s the starting point to see if and how you are underutilizing your accountant brain.

It only takes 5 minutes and you can check it out at www.thesmarteraccountant.com

What if tax season didn’t have to be stressful? 

Or if the pressure you feel as an accountant isn’t a necessary part of the job, but something we’ve been taught to accept? 

Imagine how different work could feel if we questioned these beliefs.

In this week’s podcast episode, I’m diving deep into the stories and mindsets that have shaped the accounting world as we know it—and why it might be time for a rewrite. 

Whether it’s “tax season is always stressful” or “more hours mean more success,” these old narratives often go unquestioned, creating an environment where stress and burnout seem inevitable. 

But what if they’re not?

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ The Tribe Mentality: How We Mirror Those Around Us
✅ Challenging What We Think We Know
✅ Why the 'Old Ways' Have to Die Out for a Sustainable Future
✅ The Choice to Change the Narrative
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: How I Changed My Narrative
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about changing the narrative in the accounting profession.

And thank you for being a part of this community. Let's all learn how to have happier, more sustainable accounting careers.  We deserve it!

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant 5-minute Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

Welcome to the introduction to The Smarter Accountant Podcast!

This game-changing podcast will help you get to the root cause of the challenges that have been holding you back and empower you with innovative solutions to take your accounting career to the next level.

This is the podcast where brain science meets accounting, providing you with information you won't find in any classroom, CPE seminar or accounting webinar.

As a CPA in public accounting for over 30 years and a Professional Certified Coach for Accountants, host Dawn Goldberg, CPA will be discussing topics that every CPA and accountant can relate to.

If you've ever wished you could have a mentor to help you transform your accounting career, your business, or your life, look no further.

Let's go!

As accountants, we are often hyper-focused on numbers, deadlines, and deliverables.  But have you ever stopped to consider how your relationships affect your ability to perform at your best?

The truth is, relationships play a crucial role in our professional lives.  The state of our relationships impact our stress levels, productivity, and even our health.

In this episode, I discuss: 

• Rob's Story: Relationship issues.
• The truth about relationships.
• The impact on your time management.
• Your brain's role in transforming your relationships.
• The concept of "The Manual".
• Becoming a Smarter Accountant - Improving your relationships. 

So, are you ready to learn about the hidden impact of relationships on accountants?  Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion.

You can also read the full show notes HERE

Have you ever felt like your work has become more than just a job, but a huge part of your identity? 

Do you find yourself working longer hours, pushing through exhaustion, and putting your personal life on hold just to keep up?

If so, you might be caught in something called work martyrdom. But don’t worry—you’re not alone.

In this week’s podcast episode, I’m diving deep into this all-too-common mindset and how it’s holding accountants back.

If you’ve been feeling trapped in the grind, this episode is for you. It’s time to rethink the way we work and live.

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Why Work Martyrdom Is a Problem For Accountants
✅ The Brain Science Behind Work Martyrdom
✅ Signs of Work Martyrdom You Need to Pay Attention To
✅ How to Stop Work Martyrdom
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Letting Go Of Work Martyrdom
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about work martyrdom.

And thank you for being a part of this community. Let's all learn how to have happier, more sustainable accounting careers.  We deserve it!

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

You 

As accountants, we've all come across clients who are hard to handle, especially if you’re in public accounting. Some might not realize that their demands exceed their budget, while others expect us to work magic with incomplete information or jump at their every beck and call.

The issue is that, if we don't handle these situations well, we risk losing clients, the referrals they may bring, and our sanity. It might seem unfair, but dealing with difficult clients is a common part of being an accountant, especially in a service-based industry like ours.

In this episode, I discuss:
 

✅ Understanding Different Types of Challenging Clients

✅ Your Brain’s Role In Understanding Stress with Difficult Clients

✅ A Game-Changing Tool for Navigating Difficult Clients

✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Effectively Dealing With Difficult Clients
 

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about dealing with difficult clients.  

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

Have you ever just wanted to feel better? It's a universal desire, right? 

We all want to be happy, but sometimes it feels like happiness is a fleeting moment we stumble upon by chance. 

One day, we wake up feeling on top of the world, and the next, we're weighed down by stress, anxiety, or sadness. 

It's as if our emotions are a rollercoaster ride with no clear destination.

What if we could find a more reliable source of happiness, one that isn't dependent on life's ups and downs? 

What if we could learn to create our own happiness, independent of external events?

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Challenging the External Perception of Happiness 
✅ Understanding the Relationship Between Thoughts and Emotions 
✅ Practicing Emotional Mastery
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Feeling Better Whenever You Want
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about when you just want to feel better.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

The past few years have thrown more at us than we could have ever imagined. We've faced a global pandemic, tried to keep ourselves and our families safe, and dealt with countless changes in our daily lives. 

And if you're an accountant, you know that the demands on our profession have skyrocketed. Clients are more anxious than ever, and the pressure to help them navigate these uncertain times can be overwhelming. 

It's no wonder many of us are feeling burned out and questioning if this career is still right for us.

But before you decide to leave accounting, let me just share some things that you probably haven’t been taught.

Sometimes, a few small changes can make a big difference. And who knows? You might find that with the right adjustments, you can rekindle your passion for accounting and continue to thrive in this profession.

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ Understanding the Reasons Behind Your Feelings
✅ Slowing Down and Reflecting
✅ Evaluating Your Current Situation
✅ Making Informed Decisions
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Using Current Challenges As Opportunities
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about leaving the accounting profession.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

Have you ever found yourself working late into the night, sacrificing weekends for your job, or feeling the weight of burnout?

Are you struggling to strike a balance between your professional ambitions and your personal well-being?

Do you feel like work constantly spills over into your personal life through emails, notifications, and never-ending to-do lists?

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• Gina's struggle with boundaries and detachment.
• The truth about setting boundaries and work martyrdom.
• Setting time boundaries.
• Our brain’s role in setting boundaries and detaching from work.
• Overcoming boundary challenges.
• The Smarter Accountant way: Setting better boundaries.
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about mastering boundaries and detaching from work.

You can also read the full show notes HERE

As mentioned on the podcast, you can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

Have you ever had one of those days where you know what needs to get done, but somehow you still end up jumping from task to task, putting out fires all day? 

Maybe it's an email that pops up, a client's sudden request, or a deadline that seems to sneak up out of nowhere. 

By the end of the day, it feels like you’ve been in a whirlwind of activity, but your most important work is still sitting there untouched.

Sound familiar?

In this week’s podcast episode, I’m diving deep into why this happens—and more importantly, what you can do to stop urgency from hijacking your day.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running in circles—constantly busy but not making real progress—this episode is for you. 

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ The Mere Urgency Effect Explained
✅ The Brain Science Behind Why Everything Seems Urgent
✅ How the Mere Urgency Effect Shows Up in Daily Life
✅ What to Do About the Urgency Effect
✅ Practical Strategies to Manage Urgency
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Getting A Handle On Urgency
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about why everything seems urgent and what to do about it.

And thank you for being a part of this community. Let's all learn how to have happier, more sustainable accounting careers.  We deserve it!

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant 5-Minute Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

Do you ever find yourself saying "yes" to every request, project, or favor that comes your way? 

As accountants, we're known for being reliable and dependable, but this can sometimes lead us down a path of overwhelm and burnout.

That's why I want to dive into why it's so hard for us to say no and what the consequences are when we don't set healthy boundaries. 

When we're always the go-to person, it can feel like we're being helpful, but the truth is, it's not sustainable in the long run. 

You can't be at your best if you're running on empty.

In this episode I'll be introducing you to a simple yet powerful approach to pushing back without conflict. This method helps you protect your time while still maintaining your reputation for reliability and professionalism.

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ The Consequences of Always Saying Yes
✅ Your Brain's Role in Pushing Back
✅ The Best Method for Pushing Back
✅ Practical Examples Using The Method
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Pushing Back With The "Yes...AND..." Method
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about pushing back to protect your time.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE

Have you ever found yourself wishing for more hours in a day? 

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with your workload? 

How do you usually cope with it? 

The truth is that your struggle with time isn't unique to you; it's a universal challenge within the accounting profession. 

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your accounting journey, the battle against the clock is real. 

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• Your relationship with time (you'll be surprised at how important that is).
• How To Create More Time - The GPA System.
• Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Tackling time wasters to create more time.
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about how to create more time.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

As accountants, we're often praised for our attention to detail, our analytical skills, and our ability to navigate complex financial landscapes. We pride ourselves on our dedication and commitment to delivering accurate and precise work.

Yet, beneath the surface, there can be a hidden cost to our professional success – our health.

In this episode, I discuss:
 

• Heather's story: Health issues.
• The truth about your health as an accountant.
• Your accountant brain's role.
• Becoming a Smarter Accountant.
• Accountants and burnout.
   

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about when work is affecting your health.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE

Ever feel like your to-do list just keeps getting longer, no matter how much you get done? 

Or that the emails, deadlines, and last-minute requests are pulling you in a hundred directions at once?

What if I told you that it doesn’t have to be this way?

In this week’s podcast episode, I'm diving into how you can shift from feeling overwhelmed and reactive to being proactive and in control of your day. 

And yes—there’s science behind it!

In this episode, I discuss:

✅ The Overwhelm Of Information Overload
✅ The Power of Being Proactive
✅ Your Brain’s Role in Taking Back Control of Your Time
✅ How to Use the Power of Being Proactive
✅ Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
✅ Becoming a Smarter Accountant: From Overwhelmed To In Control
✅ Key Takeaway And Action Item

Tune in to The Smarter Accountant Podcast today and join the discussion about the brain science behind taking back control of your time.

And thank you for being a part of this community. Let's all learn to take back control of our time so we can have more time for the things and the people we love.

You can read the full show notes HERE

You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Podcast HERE

You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE