Gain insights from an experienced leader who has successfully scaled multiple professional services and technology companies. Learn strategies for driving innovation, improving operational efficiency, and providing real-time visibility for consulting firms.

Understand how to leverage patents and intellectual property to differentiate your business. Get advice on effective leadership approaches, including the power of being a proactive listener.

Today I’m speaking with Mark Orttung, CEO of Projectworks. The conversation provides a wealth of practical, hard-earned wisdom for anyone looking to grow and improve their professional services business.

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Mark Orttung's journey from scaling Nexiant and Bill.com to leading professional services automation platform Projectworks

• Insights on driving innovation and providing real-time visibility to reduce administrative burdens for consulting clients

• Leveraging patents and his approach to effective leadership, including the importance of being a proactive listener

• Strategies for scaling consulting firms, including differentiation, go-to-market, and continuous improvement

• Collaboration with AICPA and enabling accounting firms to create new revenue streams

Projectworks is a professional services automation platform that’s easy to use and enables the world’s experts to focus on their passion. Professional services and consulting firms use Projectworks' to better plan their projects, resources, and profits and gain insights into real-time project performance and bottom-line projections. The platform integrates with leading accounting, reporting, and CRM systems, including Xero, QuickBooks, HubSpot and Salesforce.

I strategically partner with Projectworks.

Contact details:

W: https://projectworks.io/

Mark Orttung: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markorttung/

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Today's episode is part of a series of six interviews recorded at the Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld conferences which were held in Las Vegas, September 2024. I encourage you to subscribe and add them all to your playlist!

In this episode, I speak with Brian Chess, SVP Technology and AI, of Oracle NetSuite.

Brian oversees the development and operations of NetSuite’s technology stack, platform, and AI-driven functionality. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering as well as more than a dozen patents related to integrated circuit design, web-based applications, and computer security.

We discuss:

• The concept of "AI built in, not bolted on," referring to the deep integration of AI with NetSuite.

• The philosophy of "human in the loop," emphasising the importance of human oversight and trust in AI systems.

• Brian believes the best AI feature will likely be created by NetSuite customers, leveraging the platform's openness.

On my blog you'll find detailed show notes to accompany this podcast, and for those looking to earn free CPE, be sure to head over to the EarMarkApp and take the quiz for the podcast you are about to listen to!

Finally, thank you to the Oracle NetSuite teams for hosting me at your conferences.

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Today's episode is part of a series of six interviews recorded at the Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld conferences which were held in Las Vegas, September 2024. I encourage you to subscribe and add them all to your playlist!

In this episode, I speak with Matt Lowry, Chief Revenue Officer | GTM Leader at ApprovalMax.

Matt is a commercially-minded and proactive revenue leader with SaaS scale-up experience. Particular areas of expertise include GTM strategy, revenue operations, sales, special projects, and customer experience.

Matt and I have known each other for a few years, and he was representing Approval Max on the floor of the SuiteWorld conference. I jumped at the opportunity to speak with him, and get his perspective on the conference.

We discuss:

• The vastness and variety of activities at the Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld event, including a pottery studio and a bird conservancy!

• Attendee's keen interest in learning about third-party apps, and the experience of being first-time exhibitors.

• The importance of cloud integrators and technology solution providers in the NetSuite ecosystem, as they play a crucial role in helping clients implement and integrate solutions.

I’ll also highlight that afterwards he wrote a LinkedIn post highlighting that in the Mid-Market/ERP space, lots of third party apps don't offer free trials, and they tie you into an annual contract.

Add a bit more…

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7241770061076533250/

On my blog you'll find detailed show notes to accompany this podcast, and for those looking to earn free CPE, be sure to head over to the EarMarkApp and take the quiz for the podcast you are about to listen to!

Finally, thank you to the Oracle NetSuite teams for hosting me at your conferences.

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Today's episode is part of a series of six interviews recorded at the Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld conferences which were held in Las Vegas, September 2024. I encourage you to subscribe and add them all to your playlist!

In this episode, I speak with James Chisham, Vice President Product Management at Oracle NetSuite. James has been instrumental in advancing NetSuite's international product offerings, particularly within the EMEA region. His leadership has helped shape NetSuite’s ERP and cloud solutions globally.

We discuss:

• Key Innovations and Product Developments at Suite World

• The importance of financial exception management and how AI can provide suggestions and guidance.

• Oracle NetSuites "global be local" vision and the focus on localisation and compliance.

On my blog you'll find detailed show notes to accompany this podcast, and for those looking to earn free CPE, be sure to head over to the EarMarkApp and take the quiz for the podcast you are about to listen to!

Finally, thank you to the Oracle NetSuite teams for hosting me at your conferences.

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Today's episode is part of a series of six interviews recorded at the Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld conferences which were held in Las Vegas, September 2024. I encourage you to subscribe and add them all to your playlist!

In this episode, I speak with Bruce Fitzgerald, CEO, Extel Technologies, a NetSuite customer. Bruce is keenly focused on systematising processes, implementing technology, and developing people, now to meet the growing demands of competitive manufacturing.

We discuss:

• The selection process and decision to implement NetSuite

• The NetSuite rollout, and the importance of change management.

• The benefits of attending the Oracle NetSuite industry networking events, and learnings from other clients in this space.

On my blog you'll find detailed show notes to accompany this podcast, and for those looking to earn free CPE, be sure to head over to the EarMarkApp and take the quiz for the podcast you are about to listen to!

Finally, thank you to the Oracle NetSuite teams for hosting me at your conferences.

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Today's episode is part of a series of six interviews recorded at the Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld conferences which were held in Las Vegas, September 2024. I encourage you to subscribe and add them all to your playlist!

In this episode, I speak with Meredith Rowan, Group Vice President ANZ + ASEAN, Applications, Oracle.

Meredith leads the strategic direction and execution of Oracle’s cloud application solutions across the region. With over 20 years of experience in the technology sector, she has a strong track record of driving digital transformation and helping businesses leverage Oracle’s suite of enterprise solutions​

We discuss:

• A key factor in their success is making enterprise applications more user-friendly through the new Redwood user experience interface.

• Opportunities to leverage technology, particularly Ai to fill the productivity gap created by economic pressures, and drive better outcomes. Meredith noted that Australia and New Zealand have slipped in global productivity rankings, with the slowest productivity growth in the last 10 years.

• Meredith shares some customer success stories, from the likes of Avis, and A2 milk.

OECD Productivity Statistics: https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/employment/data/oecd-productivity-statistics_pdtvy-data-en

On my blog you'll find detailed show notes to accompany this podcast, and for those looking to earn free CPE, be sure to head over to the EarMarkApp and take the quiz for the podcast you are about to listen to!

Finally, thank you to the Oracle NetSuite teams for hosting me at your conferences.

Blog : https://heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/2024/10/03/unlocking-productivity-gains-meredith-rowan/

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Today's episode is part of a series of six interviews recorded at the Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld conferences which were held in Las Vegas, September 2024. I encourage you to subscribe and add them all to your playlist!

In today’s episode, I speak with Scott Wiltshire, Vice President & GM, Oracle NetSuite ANZ. Scott is keen to help customers and employees identify and solve business challenges that deliver real value.

I interviewed Scott Wiltshire last year, I’ll pop a link in the show notes.

https://heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/2023/10/27/how-netsuite-helps-australian-businesses-grow-scott-wiltshire/

We discuss some of the new feature announcements from NetSuite, which includes

• NetSuite Financial Exception Management, which helps organisations detect and mitigate financial risks.

• SuiteAnalytics Assistant, which allows users to generate reports using natural language.

• NetSuite Prompt Studio, which enables users to configure AI-generated content to suit their business needs.

• AI SuiteScript API, which helps connect multiple systems,

• Code Assist, which assists developers in writing code.

As always, you'll find a comprehensive blog with detailed show notes available for you to dive deeper into the world of Oracle NetSuite.

And for those looking to earn free CPE, be sure to head over to the EarMarkApp and take the quiz!

A big thank you to Oracle NetSuite for hosting me.

Blog: https://heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/2024/09/30/embracing-ai-innovations-in-netsuite-scott-wiltshire/

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Join me as I recount my journey through the vibrant Nashville Xerocon, where country spirit and tech innovation collided.

In this episode, I cover:

• My personal takeaways from the conference

• Insights from the Nashville Xerocon and key product announcements

• Innovation from the exhibitor floor

• Behind the scenes of speaking at my first International Xerocon.

• Connecting with industry peers at events and activities around Xerocon.

There are lots of links in the show notes to explore more about everything I discussed.

SPONSOR

Today’s episode is brought to you by ApprovalMax. If you're looking to streamline your financial controls across accounts payable and receivable, ApprovalMax has you covered.

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Discover more about how ApprovalMax can transform your business by visiting ApprovalMax.com.

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU