Protea Conversations

di Zane Stevens

Episode 6 - Hannah Smolinski - YouTube Superstar helping your business succeed

Hannah Smolinski, founder of Clara CFO Group, shares her journey from working at a large accounting firm to starting her own virtual CFO agency. She discusses the benefits of starting in a big accounting firm and the experience she gained. Hannah also talks about the transition to entrepreneurship and the challenges she faced. She explains how she started a YouTube channel to provide financial guidance to small businesses and the unexpected success it brought. Hannah emphasizes the importance of building a team and empowering team members. She shares her lessons in leadership and the growth of Clara CFO Group. In this conversation, Hannah Smolinski discusses her approach to leadership, her short-term goals for Clara CFO, the vision for her YouTube channel, her personal goals, the best piece of advice she's received, advice for new accountants, and shares insights into her personal life. Takeaways - Starting in a big accounting firm provides valuable training, mentorship, and opportunities for professional development. - Transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship requires taking risks and finding your unique value proposition. - Creating content on platforms like YouTube can help establish expertise and attract clients. - Building a team is essential for business growth and success, and empowering team members is crucial for a positive work environment. - Leadership requires learning to delegate, hiring the right people, and continuously improving as a leader. Leadership involves leading by example and ensuring that you act in a way that you would want your team members to act. - Short-term goals for Clara CFO include transitioning to a visionary role and achieving a 30-hour work week. - The vision for the YouTube channel is to educate small business owners and provide them with the confidence and knowledge to make financial decisions. - Hannah's personal goals include playing tennis and creating a comfortable home. - The best piece of advice Hannah received is to not worry about what others think, as people are often focused on themselves. - Advice for new accountants is to explore different opportunities within the accounting profession and pursue the path that aligns with their desired lifestyle. - Hannah enjoys drinking decaf coffee and has a love for pizza. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:29 Experience at EY and Transition to Entrepreneurship 08:14 Benefits of Starting in a Big Accounting Firm 12:02 Transitioning to Clara CFO Group 15:12 Building Confidence as a Fractional CFO 20:01 Working with a Team at Clara CFO Group 25:09 Challenges and Lessons in Leadership 28:32 Leadership and Leading by Example 31:18 Short-Term Goals for Clara CFO 34:18 Vision for the YouTube Channel 39:10 Personal Goals 40:47 Best Piece of Advice 44:41 Advice for New Accountants 46:19 Insight into Hannah the Person 49:06 Rapid Fire Questions Connect with Hannah: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-smolinski-cpa-16994aa/ YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ClaraCFO

10 lug 2024

48:45

Episode 5 - Jeremy Little - The teacher turned attorney protecting your business

Meet Jeremy! The teacher turned attorney. An incredible journey from helping troubled teens to keeping business owners out of trouble. A specialist in dirt, food and booze. Jeremy Little, a partner at CMPR Attorneys, shares his career journey from being a teacher to becoming a lawyer. He discusses the challenges he faced along the way and the importance of networking and learning from others. Jeremy also talks about his role as a leader and the advice he received that helped him in his career. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, exploring Maine, and supporting Boston sports teams. In this episode of Protea Conversations, the host and guest discuss their favorite piece of technology and favorite childhood meal. They explore the impact of technology on their lives and how it can both simplify and complicate things. The conversation also delves into the nostalgia and memories associated with favorite childhood meals. Takeaways - Networking and learning from others are crucial for career growth. - Being true to yourself and being present and engaged with others are important qualities of a leader. - Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, but finding a groove and prioritizing is key. - Exploring different opportunities and being open to new experiences can lead to unexpected career paths. - Having a strong foundation in business knowledge is essential for success as a lawyer. Technology can have both positive and negative effects on our lives. - Favorite childhood meals hold a special place in our hearts and can evoke nostalgia. - Engaging in conversations about personal preferences can help build connections and understanding. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Jeremy's Career Path 06:17 Transitioning to Law School 08:27 Working at Different Firms 12:46 Becoming a Partner 19:46 Day-to-Day as a Partner 23:24 Navigating Alcohol Beverage Law 26:06 Challenges in Jeremy's Career 30:50 Short-Term Goals 34:29 Best Piece of Advice 41:08 Leadership Advice 44:15 Jeremy's Personal Life 45:49 Rapid Fire Questions 47:03 Favorite Piece of Technology 48:00 Favorite Childhood Meal Connect with Jeremy: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-little-7213321/ CMPR - https://cmprlaw.com/ Protea Conversations is an enlightening leadership podcast that delves into the dynamic world of business and accounting. In each episode, we engage with seasoned leaders to unravel their unique stories, uncovering pivotal advice that has shaped their success. Our guests generously share insights and practical guidance, offering listeners valuable lessons to propel their own career trajectories. Our dialogues aim to spark ongoing discussions about the varied experiences, opportunities, and challenges confronting today's leaders. Through these conversations, we aspire to cultivate a forum where ideas on building a more diverse, inclusive, and successful professional landscape can flourish. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an established executive, our podcast offers simple yet powerful advice to accelerate your growth and broaden your understanding of leadership in today's ever-evolving global environment. Join us on Protea Conversations to be a part of this journey.

2 lug 2024

45:48

Episode 4 - Lukas Sundahl - Demystifying financial data and making accounting fun!

Meet Lukas Sundahl! The creative accountant is changing the image of the industry. The TikTok star brings a new light to the term boring accountant. Lukas is the visionary behind Accounting Couture. Lukas shares his journey from physical fitness to accounting and how he found his passion in accounting. He discusses the impact of Accounting Couture and how he uses TikTok to promote the accounting profession in a fun and engaging way. He emphasizes the importance of increasing interest in accounting and providing alternative pathways for aspiring accountants. Heshares insights on the value of apprenticeships, networking, and mentorship in accounting. He emphasizes the importance of building symbiotic relationships, avoiding burning bridges, and imparting knowledge to younger professionals. Lukas also highlights the role of creativity and sharing in his life and the significance of embracing leadership and mentorship. The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions and closing remarks. Takeaways - Apprenticeships and hands-on experience can be valuable in learning and applying accounting concepts. - Networking should be a two-way street, where you provide value to others in your network. - Avoid burning bridges in your career as you never know when you may encounter someone again. - Mentorship is important for both personal and professional growth - Sharing knowledge and being open to learning from others can lead to personal and professional development. - Embrace creativity and find ways to incorporate it into your work and personal life. - Leadership involves mentoring others and helping them grow. Closing remarks: Strive for excellence, embrace growth, and be kind. Connect with Lukas: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukasnsundahl/ Accounting Couture - https://www.accountingcouture.com/shopping Protea Conversations is an enlightening leadership podcast that delves into the dynamic world of business and accounting. In each episode, we engage with seasoned leaders to unravel their unique stories, uncovering pivotal advice that has shaped their success. Our guests generously share insights and practical guidance, offering listeners valuable lessons to propel their own career trajectories. Our dialogues aim to spark ongoing discussions about the varied experiences, opportunities, and challenges confronting today's leaders. Through these conversations, we aspire to cultivate a forum where ideas on building a more diverse, inclusive, and successful professional landscape can flourish. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an established executive, our podcast offers simple yet powerful advice to accelerate your growth and broaden your understanding of leadership in today's ever-evolving global environment. Join us on Protea Conversations to be a part of this journey. Follow Protea: Website - https://proteafinancial.com/blog/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/proteafinancial LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/10833176 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/protea_financial/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/FinancialProtea

26 giu 2024

51:12

Episode 3 - Carter Welch - Making mega corporation experience available to small business

Meet Carter Welch! He is a family man who finds comfort and strength in his faith. This marketing genius for large corporations now uses his strengths to help small businesses. Zane Stevens interviews Carter Welch, a branding, sales, and business coaching professional. Carter shares his career journey, from working in brand management for big companies like Procter & Gamble to starting his own consulting business. He emphasizes the importance of listening to clients and understanding their needs and the value of taking baby steps and starting where you are. Carter also discusses his challenges along the way and offers advice for improving leadership skills. Takeaways - Listen to your clients and understand their needs. - Take baby steps and start where you are. - Be willing to make changes and let go of things that aren't working. - Be kind to others and treat them with respect. - Engaging in conversations and learning from others can lead to positive transformation in leadership. - Striving for excellence and embracing growth are key principles for success in business and life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:35 Carter's Career Before Consulting 09:45 Transition to Consulting 13:20 Carter's Daily Routine 22:58 Challenges Along the Way 43:35 Advice for Improving Leadership 46:59 Getting to Know Carter 50:11 Personal Items 50:39 The Bible Connect with Carter: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carterwelch/ LinkedIn business - https://www.linkedin.com/company/poweredbyshirlaws/ Follow Protea: Website - https://proteafinancial.com/blog/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/proteafinancial LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/10833176 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/protea_financial/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/FinancialProtea Follow Zane: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zane-stevens/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/zane_stevens_ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zane_stevens_/

19 giu 2024

47:47

Episode 2 - Mark Corum - He built an add-on to make your accounting life easier!

Meet Mark Corum! The entrepreneur who became a bookkeeper then became an app developer. In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane Stevens interviews Mark Corum, a visionary who seamlessly blended the world of bookkeeping and technology to create solutions that transform the accounting industry. Mark shares his journey from bookkeeper to tech innovation, entrepreneurial mindset, and experience starting an outsourced accounting company. He also discusses his transition into programming and the similarities between accounting and programming. Mark talks about collaborating with Hector Garcia and his favorite features of Right Tool. The conversation provides insights into Mark's career and the future of accounting. In this conversation, Mark Corum discusses his ideal work environment, the challenges he faced in his career, the importance of personal connections, and his love for board games. He emphasizes the value of flexibility and an output-based work culture. Mark also shares his short-term goals and offers advice for career success. Takeaways - Mark's journey from bookkeeper to tech innovation - The importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset - The similarities between accounting and programming - The impact of collaboration and creating user-centric software Creating an ideal work environment involves finding a balance between personal satisfaction and professional growth. - Challenges and setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities and career changes. - Maintaining personal connections and scheduling time for loved ones is essential for happiness and fulfillment. - Flexibility and output-based work cultures can lead to increased productivity and employee satisfaction. - Short-term goals should align with personal interests and provide opportunities for growth and learning. - Persistence and effort are key to achieving success in any career. - Engaging in hobbies and personal interests outside of work can contribute to overall happiness and well-being. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Proteo Conversations 00:56 Mark's Journey from Bookkeeper to Tech Innovation 03:26 Mark's Entrepreneurial Mindset 06:30 The Pooper Scooper Business 18:11 Starting an Outsourced Accounting Company 19:23 Getting into Programming 34:59 Collaborating with Hector Garcia 39:09 Favorite Features of Right Tool 40:41 Day-to-Day Life as a Bookkeeping Programmer 40:50 Ideal Work Environment 43:03 Challenges and Decision to Go into Programming 46:31 Flexibility and Output-Based Work 48:30 Short-Term Goals 49:35 Advice for Career Success 52:29 Importance of Personal Connections 53:45 Board Games and Personal Life 55:15 Rapid Fire Questions 58:18 Closing Remarks Connect with Mark: Website - https://righttool.app/ LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcorum/ Facebook business - https://www.facebook.com/groups/righttoolpro Follow Zane: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zane-stevens/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/zane_stevens_ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zane_stevens_/

12 giu 2024

58:49

7 di 7

Protea Conversations

Episode 6 - Hannah Smolinski - YouTube Superstar helping your business succeed

Episode 5 - Jeremy Little - The teacher turned attorney protecting your business

Episode 4 - Lukas Sundahl - Demystifying financial data and making accounting fun!

Episode 3 - Carter Welch - Making mega corporation experience available to small business

Episode 2 - Mark Corum - He built an add-on to make your accounting life easier!

Episode 1 - Andrea Christensen - Owner of a 100 year business!

Carter Welch - Start where you are!

Mark Corum - what was the toughest lesson to success?

Andrea Christensen - Lessons I wish I learned before I started