Protea Conversations

by Zane Stevens

"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.

Podcast episodes

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

    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

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

    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_/

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

    Episode 2 - Mark Corum - He build 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_/

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

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

    In this episode of Protea Conversations, host Zane Stevens interviews Andrea Christensen, the principal of H & N Christensen Company, a family-owned insurance agency. Andrea shares her journey of carrying on the business started by her grandfather over a hundred years ago. Andrea discusses the challenges and rewards of running a family business and highlights the importance of understanding the insurance policies she sells. Andrea also emphasizes the value of serving nonprofit clients and the need for continuous education in the insurance industry. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions and closing remarks. Takeaways - Running a family business comes with unique challenges and rewards. - Understanding the insurance policies you sell is crucial for providing the best service to clients. - Serving nonprofit clients can be fulfilling and requires knowledge of their specific needs. - Continuous education and staying up-to-date with industry changes are essential for success in the insurance industry. - Being a good leader involves listening, caring about your team, and setting boundaries for work-life balance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Protea Conversations 01:02 Andrea's Family Business Legacy 07:04 Challenges of Running a Family Business 11:16 A Day in the Life of an Insurance Agency Principal 14:16 Serving Nonprofit Clients 26:30 Short-Term Goals and Future Plans 29:58 Best Advice Received and Given 32:41 Advice for Becoming a Better Leader 35:41 Getting to Know Andrea as a Person 43:44 Rapid Fire Questions 44:13 Closing Remarks Connect with Andrea: Website - hncins.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-christensen-ccip-clic-wcip-25287834/