Practice Success Podcast
Have you wondered what it takes to thrive in the accounting industry? Or how the experts established their successful careers? Learn from industry experts with Canopy.
In each episode of the Practice Success Podcast, Canopy takes a deep dive with accounting professionals, exploring their career trajectory, extracting advice for firms, and discussing the latest trending topics.
Practice Success Podcast
Darren Root: The Simple Firm and the Path to Professional Freedom
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Guest: Darren Root, CPA
Host: KC Brothers
Topic: Darrens Book Building The Simple Firm
In this episode of Canopy Practice Success, host KC Brothers sits down with Darren Root, CPA, author, and co-founder of Rootworks and Better Everyday, to explore how firm owners can simplify their practices and reclaim their freedom.
With more than 30 years of experience leading firms and mentoring thousands of accountants, Darren shares the key ideas behind his book The Simple Firm: clarity, intentionality, and designing a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.
Together, they unpack his three guiding questions—What do you do? Who do you serve? How do you deliver it? and discuss how firm leaders can strip away complexity, rethink client relationships, and create a more meaningful way to work. Darren also shares his “Four Freedoms” framework: Time, Money, Relationships, and Purpose, and explains how to protect them as your firm grows.
If you’ve ever felt like your business is running you instead of the other way around, this episode offers a practical path back to focus, simplicity, and freedom.
Key Highlights:
- The origin of The Simple Firm and what inspired Darren to write it
- How to find clarity in what you offer, who you serve, and how you deliver
- The difference between running a business and being run by it
- Darren’s “Four Freedoms” and why they’re critical for every firm owner
- How to clean out your firm’s “messy closet” of services and clients
- Practical steps to align your work with your ideal day and ideal client
Why You’ll Love It:
This episode is for firm leaders who want to move beyond survival mode and start building a business that supports their purpose. Darren’s insights are both inspiring and actionable—helping you create space, systems, and simplicity so you can lead with intention.