The business world is moving fast, and firms everywhere are learning that growth alone isn't enough. What truly matters now is stability, structure, and long-term vision. Many companies are asking the same question: How can we protect what we've built and continue to grow?
That's where smart planning, clear systems, and steady leadership make all the difference. Succession planning helps businesses do exactly that; it's about preparing people, systems, and ideas to carry the company forward.
One person leading this change is Barrett Young, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CExP). He's a Tax and Marketing Partner at GWCPA, a respected 80-year-old practice built on trust and strategy.
Working with Managing Partner Samantha Bowling, Barrett focuses on modernising the firm through improved systems, technology, and long-term client care. His practical approach bridges traditional accounting with innovation, helping firms grow stronger while preparing for what's next.
In this Episode, we'll look at how GWCPA evolved through 2025 and what lessons it offers for the future. You'll learn how structure, mindset, and innovation shape modern firms, and how the right systems and people make succession planning work in the real world.
How GWCPA and Its Podcast Evolved in 2025 with Succession Planning
2025 was a big year for GWCPA. The firm made progress in its succession journey and worked hard to build stronger internal systems.
At the same time, The Art of Succession Podcast reached a wider audience and became a trusted space for business owners looking to grow, sell, or transition their companies.
Image Credits: Photo by Vlada Karpovich on Pexels
Expanding Reach and Format
A new podcast editor joined midseason and brought fresh energy to the show. Each episode now starts with a short, engaging intro that introduces the guest and their background. The team also began posting highlights on LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.
These changes made a clear difference. The YouTube channel increased its annual watch time from approximately 200 hours to nearly that much in a single month.
Barrett Young, GWCPA's marketing partner and podcast host, said this growth reminded him of the importance of continuing to deliver useful content for listeners.
Themes and Guests of Season Three
Season three focused on helping business owners think about long-term transitions.
Process and Growth: David Forster shared how he built and sold several businesses as a COO-for-hire.
Exit Planning: Stephanie Hayes and Joe Curry discussed how to prepare a company for sale.
Franchising Focus: Max Emma and Brando Guerrera explained what it really takes to step into franchise ownership.
Mindset and Legacy: Mark Vincent discussed leadership, purpose, and finding balance beyond the workplace.
Unique Stories: Jonathan and Renee Harris shared their experiences of raising nine children through their family skincare business.
Strengthening Internal Systems
Inside GWCPA, a familiar face returned. Jenna rejoined after spending years in government accounting and quickly helped resolve inconsistencies in the processes. The 14-member team continued to use the EOS framework to stay organised and aligned.
Upgrading Tools and Preparing for 2026
After over a decade with Practice CS, GWCPA switched to Carbon, a faster and smarter project management tool. The transition wasn't easy, but it has already improved team communication.
With new CPAs joining and partners Barrett Young and Samantha Bowling leading together, GWCPA ends 2025 confident and ready for an even stronger 2026.
How Protecting and Simplifying Strengthen Business Value in Succession Planning
Real growth doesn't start with expansion. It starts with protection. The Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) framework explains this through five clear stages of business value: Identify, Protect, Grow, Harvest, and Manage.
The order matters. You protect what you've built before you focus on growing it.
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Why Protection Comes Before Growth
Once you know what gives your business value, your next job is to protect it. That means building strong systems that keep your company safe from risk and confusion.
Protection looks like:
Clear partnership agreements that cover ownership changes or major events.
Key-person insurance so one person's absence doesn't disrupt operations.
Reliable internal processes that keep work consistent and measurable.
When these foundations are in place, growth becomes stable and sustainable. Without them, progress can collapse under pressure.
Simplifying to Build Real Value
Complex systems may appear impressive, but they quickly drain value. A business should run smoothly even when key people step away. Aligning fiscal years, switching to role-based pay, or upgrading management tools helps remove chaos and makes daily work clear.
A company that operates on structure, rather than personality, is easier to grow and easier to sell. Simplicity makes value visible.
Shifting to Subscription Pricing
Automation and AI are transforming the way service businesses operate. Old billing methods, hourly rates or retainers, no longer make sense.
A subscription model creates fairness and clarity. Clients pay a set monthly fee for defined services, and both parties know exactly what to expect. It maintains open communication throughout the year, reduces administrative stress, and fosters long-term trust.
Protect what you've built, simplify how it runs, and adapt how you charge. That's how modern businesses grow with strength and clarity.
How Subscription Models and AI Are Reshaping Firms in Succession Planning
The subscription approach alters how firms operate and how clients perceive them. Instead of counting hours, clients pay a clear monthly fee and get steady support. This keeps pricing simple, encourages contact, and builds trust you can measure. It also reduces billing noise, allowing teams to focus on results.
Image Credits: Photo by Felicity Tai on Pexels
Why Subscription Models Make Sense
This model shifts attention from time to outcomes. When costs stay fixed, clients reach out early and often. Issues shrink because advice arrives before they grow. Firms can plan capacity with confidence and deliver consistent quality.
Key benefits include:
Clarity: Scope, price, and timing are agreed upon upfront in plain terms.
Consistency: Revenue and workload are more evenly distributed throughout the year.
Engagement: Clients feel free to ask, share, and decide with you.
Serving fewer clients with deeper care improves results and reduces rework. Strong rhythms replace one-off rush jobs.
Balancing Flexibility and Fairness
Subscriptions need guardrails. Some clients will require more help, while others will need less. Manage this at the portfolio level. Define tiers, response times, and what's included. Review usage and value on a regular cadence, and adjust calmly. That keeps service fair and margins healthy.
AI as the Next Competitive Edge
Artificial intelligence now supports core work. It speeds analysis, reduces manual tasks, and frees time for judgment. The real edge comes when teams practice with AI and build habits.
Tools improve, and people improve with them. Waiting for perfect tools is a trap. Start small, document wins, and raise the bar.
Practical ways firms can use AI include:
Automating repeat tasks in accounting, admin, or reporting.
Checking figures, drafting summaries, and flagging outliers faster.
Powering timely replies and sharper recommendations for clients.
AI doesn't replace professionals. It amplifies focused teams. Combine subscription clarity with AI leverage, and you get steady value, clearer decisions, and stronger relationships.
How Innovation and Mindset Drive Long-Term Growth in Succession Planning
The future of a business depends on how well it adapts while improving step by step. Real growth doesn't happen overnight. It builds slowly through smart systems, consistent effort, and a team that keeps learning.
Image Credits: Photo by Alena Darmel on Pexels
Slow Progress in Tax Technology
Tax technology hasn't kept up with other industries. Many firms still use old, server-based software that limits automation and makes AI integration difficult. These systems may feel safe, but they hinder businesses.
Cloud-based tools are a better path forward. They update more frequently, facilitate smoother teamwork, and provide stronger data security. Shifting to the cloud doesn't need to happen all at once, but it's smart to start early. Firms that do will be ready when automation becomes a standard part of accounting and advisory work.
Smarter Work Through AI
Artificial intelligence is already transforming the way professionals work. It handles repetitive tasks, reduces human mistakes, and saves hours that can be spent on real problem-solving. The goal isn't to replace people but to help them work smarter.
Improved Accuracy and Consistency. AI minimises human errors and ensures the reliability of financial reports.
Faster Project Completion. Automation speeds up data entry, reconciliation, and document reviews, helping teams meet deadlines with less stress.
Higher Productivity Without More Staff. Small teams can manage more clients while keeping the same quality of work.
Firms that learn to use AI now will be able to adjust easily later. Waiting means playing catch-up when others already understand how it works.
Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement
Lasting success comes from small, steady changes. Focus on one or two improvements each year. Address communication gaps, streamline workflows, or enhance client processes. Over time, these add up to major growth.
Developing an Ownership Mindset
Technology helps, but mindset matters more. Teams grow faster when everyone acts like an owner, taking responsibility, solving problems early, and staying curious. That attitude keeps the business strong and ready for whatever comes next.
Conclusion
Succession planning is about maintaining a business's strength, stability, and readiness for the future. It's not a one-time event. It's a continuous process of learning, adapting, and improving. The real goal isn't just passing ownership but building a business that can grow even when leadership changes.
GWCPA's progress shows how structure and mindset shape lasting success. Protecting what you've built before chasing growth keeps your foundation solid.
Simplifying systems removes confusion and makes value visible. Shifting to subscription models brings steady income and deeper client trust. And using AI helps teams work faster, make smarter choices, and focus on what truly matters: people.
Every improvement, no matter how small, adds up. When leaders think long-term and teams act with ownership, progress becomes part of the culture. It's about steady steps, not quick jumps. A business grows stronger when everyone takes responsibility, learns from challenges, and looks for ways to do better.
Succession planning is a reminder that success is built, not inherited. If you continually improve how your business operates, protect its core, and remain open to change, you'll create something that lasts. The real legacy isn't just the company you leave behind. It's the systems, habits, and people you prepare to carry it forward.
FAQs
What's the biggest mistake companies make in succession planning?
Many companies wait too long to start. They focus on short-term results and ignore future leadership needs. Starting early helps leaders train, systems improve, and transitions stay smooth when the time comes.
How often should a business review its succession planning strategy?
At least once a year. Businesses change fast, and new risks or opportunities appear. Regular reviews keep the plan realistic and aligned with current goals.
Why is communication so important in succession planning?
People fear what they don't understand. Open communication builds trust and reduces confusion. It helps employees feel involved, rather than left out of key decisions.
Can small businesses also benefit from succession planning?
Absolutely. Even a two-person company needs a continuity plan. It ensures operations continue if one partner steps away or retires.
How does technology improve succession planning today?
Modern tools, such as AI and cloud systems, keep records organised and data secure. They facilitate faster transitions and clearer decisions for everyone involved.
