In this Insider's Access episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, hosts Ron Saharyan, Liz Szporn, and Mike Michalowicz explore what it takes to scale advisory services in 2026 without burning out.

They challenge firm owners to make the "CEO Pivot," stepping out of the technician role and into true leadership, even in an AI-driven world. The conversation highlights why empathy and human connection have become competitive advantages as automation takes over precision work.

The hosts unpack how to price and position advisory through a Tiered Service Model, why burnout persists even when Profit First is in place, and how firms must shift from reporting on the past to guiding clients toward the future.

The episode also addresses avoiding shiny object syndrome with tech, letting go of the wrong clients to grow into the CEO role, and building scalable teams of "Guides" so advisory doesn't rely solely on the owner.

They close by defining the firms that will thrive in 2026: those that combine the Profit First mindset with critical thinking, human connection, and intentional leadership.