"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.
Meet Krystalynn! Krystalynn Schlegel, an insurance advisor, shares insights on the role of insurance in personal financial risk management and the challenges of the insurance industry. She also discusses her family-run insurance brokerage, her involvement in a managing director role, and her experiences in the restaurant business and Provisors. The conversation delves into the complexities of insurance products, the importance of client relationships, and the multifaceted nature of her professional and personal life. Krystalynn Schlegel, a financial professional, shares insights into her daily routine, virtual work, and personal growth. She discusses the challenges of being a nomadic worker, the importance of virtual work, and the need for balance and self-care. She also shares her passion for travel and the impact it has had on her perspective. Additionally, she provides valuable advice on leadership and personal development. Takeaways - The role of insurance in personal financial risk management and the challenges of the insurance industry. - The multifaceted nature of Krystalynn Schlegel's professional and personal life, including her family-run insurance brokerage, managing director role, and involvement in the restaurant business and Provisors. - The complexities of insurance products and the importance of client relationships in the insurance industry. The challenges and benefits of a nomadic work lifestyle - The importance of virtual work and the need for balance and self-care - The impact of travel on personal perspective and growth - Valuable advice on leadership and personal development titles Sound Bites "We're seen as salespeople trying to sell someone whatever we possibly can in order to earn money." "It's completely intangible. And I try to help people understand that even though we're talking about a death benefit, so to speak, that money does actually provide the shelter, provide the blue jeans, provide the school books, provide the sports stuff for the kids." "We are talking about the what if somebody doesn't come home tonight and what if somebody gets cancer." "My day is different all the time." "My goal is to just really try and become as virtual as possible so I can work from anywhere." "Everyone needs my services. Everyone's going to die." Chapters 00:00 Unraveling the World of Insurance and Financial Risk Management 03:07 The Complexities of Insurance Products and Client Relationships 10:32 Navigating Client Relationships and Personal Growth in the Insurance Industry 13:09 The Role of Empathy and Authenticity in Insurance Advisory 31:08 The Impact of Virtual Work and Self-Care 33:51 Travel: A Perspective-Changing Experience 39:03 Leadership and Personal Development Insights LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystalynnschlegel/
Meet Zak! In this conversation, host Zane Stevens interviews Zach Swad, a wealth advisor and founder of Swad Wealth Management. They discuss the role of a wealth advisor, Zach's journey in the financial sector, and the principles of wealth management. Zach emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to financial planning, considering all aspects of a client's financial life. He also highlights the significance of behavior and psychology in investing and the need for personalized financial strategies. The conversation explores the challenges of balancing preservation and growth of assets in retirement and the importance of aligning money with one's values and priorities. Zack also highlights the significance of understanding clients' values and goals to create meaningful financial plans. He shares his own challenges of finding balance between growth and enjoying the present moment. Zack's advice is to work hard, focus on helping others, and make the most of time. Takeaways - A wealth advisor is someone who looks at all aspects of a client's financial life, including investments, taxes, insurance, and estate planning. - Zach's interest in finance and investing started at a young age when his grandfather gifted him stocks. - Zach pursued a career in finance, specializing in investments, and eventually became a wealth advisor at Charles Schwab. - He founded Swad Wealth Management to have a greater impact on his clients' lives and provide personalized financial planning. - In retirement planning, it is important to balance the preservation and growth of assets while aligning money with one's values and priorities. - Many people in retirement tend to underspend and miss out on experiences, so it is crucial to find the right balance between enjoying life and ensuring financial security. - Starting his own business allowed Zach to have more flexibility and work-life balance, which is important for him and his family. - Personalized financial plans that align with clients' values and goals are crucial for a successful retirement. - Working hard, focusing on helping others, and managing time effectively are key to success. Sound Bites "A wealth advisor is somebody that is looking at all of the aspects of your financial life." "I love investments. So I specialized in investments." "Registered Life Planner (RLP) is really financial planning done right." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Protea Conversations 02:21 Understanding the Role of a Wealth Advisor 08:18 The Importance of Continuous Learning and Professional Development 10:56 Transitioning from Charles Schwab to Starting His Own Business 24:31 A Typical Day in the Life of a Wealth Advisor 27:03 Preserving, Growing, and Distributing Assets in Retirement 29:11 Balancing Enjoyment and Financial Security in Retirement 32:00 Understanding the Phases of Retirement 35:07 The Importance of Emotional Connection 37:24 Going Beyond Numbers in Financial Planning 39:31 Finding Balance: Growth vs. Enjoying the Present Moment 41:41 Working Hard, Helping Others, and Managing Time Effectively LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackswad/ LinkedIn business - https://www.linkedin.com/company/swad-wealth-management/
Meet Bill! Bill Vick, a Vistage Chair at Vistage Worldwide, shares his insights and experiences in finance and leadership. He discusses his transition from a career in education to financial services, the changes in the industry over the years, and the importance of meaningful communication in a world of overwhelming information. Bill also talks about his role as a Vistage Chair and the value of peer collaboration for CEOs. Bill Vick, a Vistage Chair, discusses the benefits of being part of a CEO peer group and the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. He emphasizes the power of shared knowledge and support in a safe environment. Bill also shares his personal career challenges and highlights the importance of learning from mistakes and understanding oneself. He provides advice for new leaders, including the importance of understanding and motivating individual team members. Bill's career is driven by a genuine desire to help others and make a positive impact. Takeaways - Transitioning from one career to another requires careful consideration and a willingness to take risks. - The financial services industry has undergone significant changes over the years, with advancements in technology and access to information. - Meaningful communication is essential in a world of overwhelming information, and it is important to set boundaries and prioritize communication channels. - Vistage provides a platform for CEOs to collaborate and learn from their peers, offering valuable insights and support. Being part of a CEO peer group like Vistage provides a safe environment for shared knowledge and support. - Emotional intelligence is a crucial aspect of effective leadership. - Learning from mistakes and understanding oneself are key to personal and professional growth. - Understanding and motivating individual team members is essential for effective leadership. - A genuine desire to help others and make a positive impact drives a successful career. Sound Bites "We all have to remember we can't be the best, but we can work harder than the rest." "Limit your time, control your schedule, and make meaningful communication in your day." "The power of using your community, using your peers to support you" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Protea Conversations 00:32 Introducing Bill Vick and his Role at Vistage Worldwide 02:22 Career Transition: From Education to Finance 06:07 The Importance of Hard Work and Personal Growth 13:25 Navigating Meaningful Communication in an Information-Overloaded World 24:20 The Power of Peer Collaboration: Vistage for CEOs 25:43 The Benefits of CEO Peer Groups 26:43 Group Therapy for CEOs 27:39 The Power of Community and Peer Support 29:31 A Network of Real-Life Information 31:23 Expanding Perspectives for Better Decision-Making 38:44 Work Hard at Things You Love 46:49 Bill Vick: A Giver and Listener LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/williammvick/
Dominic Piscopo, a CPA and founder of Big4Transparency.com, shares his journey from public accounting to entrepreneurship, highlighting the impact of transparency in the professional space and the challenges faced in the accounting industry. The conversation explores the complexities of compensation, career decisions, and the need for timely and granular data in the accounting field. Dominic Piscopo discusses the challenges of relying on salary guides, the value of podcasting for industry entry, and the importance of data accuracy and transparency in the accounting industry. He also shares insights on career advice, personal interests, and book recommendations. Takeaways - The importance of transparency in the accounting industry for career growth and decision-making. - Challenges faced by professionals in the accounting industry, including compensation and career path decisions. - The need for timely and granular data analytics in the accounting field for informed decision-making and industry growth. Relying on salary guides can be unreliable due to the variability of job descriptions and titles within industries. - Podcasting can be a valuable tool for entering a new industry, providing access to industry insiders and building personal brand. - Data accuracy and transparency are crucial in the accounting industry, and the use of first-party data can help ensure reliability. - Career advice emphasizes the importance of authenticity, self-advocacy, and exploring new opportunities. - Personal interests include a focus on physical activity, music, and continuous self-improvement. - Book recommendations include 'Buy Back Your Time' and 'Habits' for practical and insightful reading. Sound Bites "I'm actually really curious about what's out there." "I've always been very good at like optimizing the amount of effort that I should be putting in for something." "I bring in all this other stuff, but if it's going to come down to the chargeable hour, that's not going to work for me." "Doing a podcast is such a key to entering into a market." "The critical mass of data is huge." "Radical transparency is really important." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dominic Piscopo and Big Four Transparency 03:31 Challenges and Opportunities in Public Accounting 09:27 Compensation and Career Decisions in Accounting 16:26 Transition to Entrepreneurship and Big Four Transparency 36:31 The Importance of Data Accuracy and Transparency 50:02 Authenticity and Self-Advocacy in Career 57:51 Personal Interests and Continuous Self-Improvement 01:01:42 Book Recommendations for Practical Insight Connect with Dominic Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopiscopo/ Business LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/big4transparency-com/ Podcast - https://rss.com/podcasts/big4transparency/
Meet Leo In this episode of Protea Conversations, Leo Bakerian, the founder of Professional Computer Concepts (PCC), shares his journey in the world of IT and cybersecurity. Leo's interest in computers began in middle school, and he pursued a career in IT after completing his education. He started PCC 22 years ago and has been providing IT support and cybersecurity services to businesses, with a focus on professional services, legal, construction, and manufacturing industries. PCC offers a comprehensive range of services, including remote support, security solutions, and unlimited IT support. Leo emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity tools and practices to protect businesses from cyber threats. Leo discusses the importance of privilege access management software and the need for strong cybersecurity measures. He emphasizes the growth of his team and the importance of documentation and processes in his company. Leo also shares insights on managing a team and the challenges of letting go. He highlights the value of mentors and coaches in business and recommends reading the book 'E-Myth' by Michael Gerber. Leo's interesting fact is that English is not his first language, having been born in Israel. Takeaways - Leo Bakerian started Professional Computer Concepts (PCC) 22 years ago and has been providing IT support and cybersecurity services to businesses. - PCC offers a comprehensive range of services, including remote support, security solutions, and unlimited IT support. - Leo emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity tools and practices to protect businesses from cyber threats. - PCC focuses on professional services, legal, construction, and manufacturing industries. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Protea Conversations 00:29 Introducing Leo Bakerian and Professional Computer Concepts 01:16 Leo's Background and Experience in IT 05:30 Leo's Journey into the World of IT 09:37 The Importance of Cybersecurity 10:29 Leo's Role in Cybersecurity 16:25 Starting Professional Computer Concepts 24:18 Evolution of Services Offered by PCC 27:02 Providing Managed IT Services 28:07 Cybersecurity Services Offered by PCC 29:23 Privilege Access Management Software 30:45 Growing the Team 31:23 Importance of Documentation 33:42 Creating a Learning Environment 35:05 Providing Information to Clients 35:34 Managing a Team 39:19 Challenges of Letting Go 44:16 Challenges of Documentation 47:51 Short-Term Goals 49:35 Valuable Advice 52:37 Interesting Fact About Leo 54:13 Rapid Fire Questions Connect with Leo Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leobakerian/ Business LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/professional-computer-concepts-inc-/