188 | How to Become a Better Leader with Alyssa Lang

Send us a textIn this episode, we're diving into a wonderful conversation between Serena Shoup and Megan Tobler. Megan shares her inspiring journey from corporate sales to building a vibrant business community for moms in entrepreneurship.In this episode you’ll hear:The reality of juggling motherhood and building a business from the ground up.How Megan leveraged her natural talents from sales to start her own podcast, create a community, and ultimately leave the corporate world behind.Megan's new community initiative, Together, which focuses on supporting women like us in their entrepreneurial and life journeys.A sweet little bonus from MeganResources mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the FREE community: www.selfstarther.com/togetherFREE Positivity Playlist: https://selfstarther.mykajabi.com/positivity-playlist-info-landing-pageMeet Megan ToblerMegan Tobler is the founder of Self StartHER, a vibrant community and podcast designed for women who are building businesses while balancing life at home. As someone who transformed her own journey into a thriving space for connection and growth, Megan has firsthand experience navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and life. She’s passionate about empowering women to pursue their ambitions unapologetically, sharing relatable advice, actionable strategies, and real-life stories. Through Self StartHER, Megan has cultivated a space where women can find the tools, inspiration, and confidence to thrive in both business and life.Connect with Megan Tobler📎 Instagram: @selfstart.her🌐 Website: www.selfstarther.comThanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)To view the video for this podcast episode, head over to YouTube > Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a textOur MINI episodes are also YouTube videos - and may be better viewed on YouTube. Click here to watch! https://youtu.be/7zH54q8eR6IIn this episode you’ll hear me answer a listener submitted question about the opportunities available in accounting & bookkeeping and how to find the right one for you!Resources mentioned in this episode:The Ultimate Guide to a Profitable Bookkeeping Business: https://ambitiousbookkeeper.com/trainingLeave your questions for me HERE: https://speakpipe.com/ambitiousbookkeeperThanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)To view the video for this podcast episode, head over to YouTube >

Send us a textIn this episode, Alyssa Lang, my biz bestie & The Workflow Queen dives into what it truly means to be a great leader, focusing on how to move beyond everyday tasks and really lead your firm.She breaks down five key pillars of leadership that will help you build a scalable, profitable, and well-aligned business. Alyssa shares her personal journey, explaining how shifting your mindset, setting the right offers, creating smooth systems, building a strong company culture, and removing yourself from daily operations can transform your firm.Tune in for heartfelt stories and actionable advice!In this episode you’ll hear:5 key pillars of leadershipresources for becoming a better leaderpersonal journeyResources mentioned in this episode:Removable CEO Workshop *affiliate linkConnect with Alyssa:🌐 Website: workflowqueen.com📱 IG: @workflowqueen🎙️ Podcast: Conquering Workflows & Systems with the Workflow QueenThanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)To view the video for this podcast episode, head over to YouTube > Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a textHey there, welcome back to The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast! Today, I'm chatting with Brian Greer from TaxConnex about all things sales tax. Whether you're a sales tax newbie or just looking for a way to outsource, we've got you covered. So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let's dive into making sales tax a bit less daunting.In this episode you’ll hear:Meet Brian GreerDiscover what "nexus" really means in sales taxLearn about the Wayfair decisionLearn about TaxConnexIf you've ever thought, "Ugh, sales tax is confusing," you're not alone! Brian breaks it down and makes it way less intimidating.Resources mentioned in this episode:TaxConnexShopifyAvalaraTaxJarEarmarkMeet GUESTA graduate of Purdue University, the majority of Brian’s career has been in the sales tax industry. First, joining Tax Partners in 2001 initially managing their alliance channel consisting mainly of Big 4 Accounting Firms. He later led the sales and use tax sales team after the The Thomson Corporation (now known as Thomson Reuters) acquisition in 2005, growing the revenues to multi-million dollar levels. Brian joined TaxConnex™ as a partner in 2010 and currently as the Chief Strategy Officer is focused on partner development, rolling out new products and services, and supporting the sales and marketing teams.Connect with GUEST💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-greer-55b7364/🗞️ Blog: https://www.taxconnex.com/Blog-Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)To view the video for this podcast episode, head over to YouTube > Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a textHey there! Welcome back to another episode of The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast. This week, join me as I dive into a treasure trove of archived Q&A content. We’re talking year-end tips, the ins and outs of e-commerce, using that CFO title wisely, and loads more. So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let's dive right in. Enjoy!In this episode you’ll hear:Get the lowdown on stepping into the wild world of e-commerce bookkeeping and why it might not be the best first client without some confidence.Explore what titles like CFO or Controller really mean when offering advisory services and how to choose the one that suits you.Learn some insider tips on handling 1099 issues when vendors are playing hard to get with their W-9s.Dive into a candid conversation about those pesky VC demands and what to do when a client expects full-time employee attention.Discover the best scrappy and budget-friendly platforms to launch digital products without breaking the bank.Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)To view the video for this podcast episode, head over to YouTube > Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a textIn this video I’m demonstrating how to adjust bank balances when you’re cleaning up a Xero bank reconciliation. We’ll cover:spend money transactionsreceive money transactionsmanually reconciling transactionsconversion balances (adjusting the beginning balance)Learn how to start your bookkeeping business (for experienced bookkeepers & accountants): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaBecome a Bookkeeper using Xero: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv (affiliate link)Grab the FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/checklistGrab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/onboardDon’t want to manage your own books in Xero?Become a Client: ofcoursebookkeeping.com/contactVisit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoupConnect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpaPodcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)To view the video for this podcast episode, head over to YouTube >

Send us a textWe use OpenPhone instead of Google voice for 2FA codes and for client communication. I'll go over that in this video and show you our setup.Here's how to work around needing to pay for multiple users as your team grows:Make sure you have a central email inbox setup (like [email protected] or [email protected]) Give your entire team access to this (we save the login info in 1Password)Use this to create your account on OpenPhoneHave everyone download the Desktop and/or phone app and login with that central inboxTips:⚡️ We have a Zap that enters the client contact info into OpenPhone when they sign with us⏱️ Schedule text messages to clients for business hours✅ Mark things done when actioned to get them out of the inbox💸 Use THIS LINK to receive a $20 Credit when you sign up for OpenPhone!Learn how to start your bookkeeping business (for experienced bookkeepers & accountants): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaBecome a Bookkeeper: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv (affiliate link)Grab the FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/checklistGrab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/onboardBecome a Client: ofcoursebookkeeping.com/contactVisit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoupConnect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpaPodcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)To view the video for this podcast episode, head over to YouTube >

Send us a textIn this interview episode, we're diving into the world of micro reporting and weekly client updates with Shea Keats and Michelle Röse from Breakaway Advising. If you've ever been curious about adding a personal touch to your client advisory, this one's for you!In this episode you’ll hear:what micro reporting is all abouthow the concept of joy and compassion can revolutionize client relationships and business successtips on picking the right clients and services to match your business model and achieve your dreamy work-life balanceResources mentioned in this episode:Breakaway AdvisingLiveFlow144 | Breakaway from the old Franchise model with Shea + MichelleMeet Shea & MichelleShea Keats (CEO) and Michelle Röse (COO) are founders of Breakaway Bookkeeping + Advising, a company on a mission to bring joy to accounting for both the accountant and the client.Connect with Shea & Michelle💼 LinkedIn🌐 Become an AdvisorThanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)To view the video for this podcast episode, head over to YouTube > Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a textIn this interview episode, I chat with Ryan Lazanis from FutureFirm about growth strategies and pricing tips to help streamline your firm. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, Ryan shares some golden nuggets on navigating the world of accounting business with ease and purpose.In this episode you’ll hear:Ryan’s journey from starting Zen Accounting to selling it and then launching FutureFirmcool ways to get clientshow to communicate pricing increases without annoying your clientstips on content creationthe importance of having a community to bounce ideas offResources mentioned in this episode:Future Firm NewsletterFuture Firm Accounting PodcastFuture Firm Accelerate (membership)Neil PatelMeet RyanRyan Lazanis, CPA founded Xen Accounting, a 100% cloud-based accounting firm, in 2013. Following its acquisition in 2018, Ryan started Future Firm which provides coaching, community and training to help accountants quickly scale a systematic firm of their own that improves their lifestyle. Ryan currently educates close to 10,000 firm leaders globally via his free weekly newsletter and coaches hundreds of successful accounting firms through his Future Firm Accelerate online coaching program.Connect with Ryan💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanlazanis/🗞️ Newsletter: https://futurefirm.co/newsletter/Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)To view the video for this podcast episode, head over to YouTube > Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a textIn this interview episode we've got the incredible Erin Pohan joining us to talk all about her journey in accounting, and to share some exciting news about WAVE, the must-attend event for women in accounting this year!In this episode you’ll hear:Erin’s incredible journey from having just one side client to now running her very own bookkeeping firmall the exciting details about the upcoming WAVE conference in Seattlestrategies for making lasting connections at eventsResources mentioned in this episode:My performance at XeroconWomen in Accounting & Finance Entrepreneurs & Visionaries (WAVE) event in Seattle on May 22ndMeet ErinAs Founder of UpKeeping® and a proud student in The Ambitious Bookkeeper community, Erin is changing the old & boring stereotypes of the accounting industry. Erin and her team support new entrepreneurs and already-established small business owners by being their #1 financial cheerleader/concierge/communicator.When she’s not trying to make accounting more “fun”, Erin loves traveling the world with her family, playing the violin, and convincing accounting students & professionals that owning an accounting firm is the American dream.Connect with ErinLinkedInWAVE: Women in Accounting & Finance Entrepreneurs & Visionaries event on May 22, 2025.Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)To view the video for this podcast episode, head over to YouTube > Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training