Who's Really the BOSS? | Stop Paying Consultants to Tell You What to Automate

Stop Paying Consultants to Tell You What to Automate

May 25, 2026 / 52:41/S5 E11

Marcus and Rachel introduce the Automation Idea Generator from Collected by DBA, a free tool designed to help accounting firm teams identify what to automate, assess ROI, and get started without hiring a consultant. The episode walks through a live demo and breaks down a key distinction the whole firm needs to understand: AI designs the process, automation runs it. They also get honest about the real barrier to adoption in most firms, which isn't the technology, it's the team.

Sponsors
Discover.AI - discover.ai

The Automation Idea Generator:
https://collective.cpa/automationprompt

Watch on YouTube
https://youtu.be/zIW4hkn8wYw

Introducing Collective by DBA
https://collective.cpa
https://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba

Learn More About Dillon Business Advisors
https://www.dillonadvisors.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors

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(00:00) - Welcome to Who's Really the Boss
(01:15) - Episode Tool Teaser
(01:34) - Family Travel Update
(05:42) - Why This Free Tool
(07:07) - AI Vs Automation Basics
(08:38) - Tech Pace And Firm Context
(11:25) - Automation Initiative Start
(12:47) - Credit To Tool Builders
(14:10) - Temporary Tool Mindset
(16:31) - Team Training Exercise
(18:49) - Evaluating Automation ROI
(21:08) - Real Example Prospect Folder
(23:06) - Integration Reality Check
(28:05) - Demo Begins Tool Link
(30:36) - Software Stack Setup
(32:12) - File Storage Choices
(33:02) - Define the Pain Point
(34:06) - Payroll Email Use Case
(36:49) - Time Savings and ROI
(38:57) - Generate the Prompt
(41:10) - Claude Reviews Automation Ideas
(44:18) - Risks and Change Management
(48:13) - Empower the Whole Team
(51:39) - Wrap Up and Feedback

Marcus Dillon, CPA

Rachel Dillon