Protea Conversations

by Zane Stevens

Season 2

Paul Schwartz - Strategies for effective networking and communication

Meet Paul! In this episode, Paul Schwartz shares his insights on how Sonoma County's market has remained resilient post-COVID, highlighting the strength of owner-user markets despite economic pressures. He emphasizes the importance of control and flexibility in owning commercial space, along with the attractiveness of SBA financing options. He sares his journey with Leadership Santa Rosa's origin, purpose, and lasting impact on fostering community collaboration and developing future leaders are explored. Paul provides practical advice on building professional networks, maintaining relevance, and continuous learning to stay ahead in the industry. The importance of clear communication, listening, and speaking at clients' levels is highlighted for success. Timestamps: 01:20 - Sonoma County real estate market stability post-COVID 05:41 - The current investment climate and cap rate adjustments 10:12 - Paul's career journey from nonprofit management to real estate 13:14 - Changes in commercial real estate over 35 years 18:21 - Strategies for staying current and successful 21:30 - The role of continuous learning and curiosity 23:04 - Negotiation and communication skills 26:30 - Effective networking and building relationships 35:30 - Leadership Santa Rosa's history and community impact 38:26 - Keys to leadership longevity and community relevance 41:30 - The best advice Paul has received 43:23 - Personal interests and hobbies outside real estate 45:24 - Rapid fire questions: dream vacation, books, fitness, friendships, final meal Connect with Paul: Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-schwartz-97630512/

S2 · E56

May 6, 2026

49:25

Michael Mathews - Connecting Food, Business, and Leadership

Meet Mike! Discover insights from Mike Mathews on the importance of clear communication, fostering meaningful relationships, and leveraging values-driven businesses in this engaging conversation. Learn from his diverse career journey through industry, consulting, and leadership in the wine and oyster sectors, as well as practical advice on balancing work and self-care. Main topics covered: - The role of experiential learning and passion in business environments - The impact of understanding human behavior and psychology in effective communication - Strategies for professional growth, business development, and relationship building - The significance of sustainable, value-driven business practices - Practical tips on time management, networking, and self-care for young professionals Timestamps: (00:00) - Welcome and introduction with Mike Mathews (02:27) - The importance of team longevity and experiential culture at Hog Island (03:07) - Mike’s journey into accounting and the influence of psychology (04:39) - Addressing communication gaps in professional settings (07:03) - The role of education and baseline understanding in cross-functional teams (09:39) - Communicating effectively with business owners and understanding their pressures (11:56) - Mike’s early career at Campbell Soup and lessons from industry rotations (14:53) - Insights from Diageo’s product success and failures (17:46) - Long-term thinking in product development and market risks (21:26) - Transition from industry to consulting during COVID (23:32) - The dynamics of a consulting career: challenges and rewards (27:00) - The power of scheduling and planning to build relationships and routines (29:30) - The significance of nurturing professional relationships and networking (30:55) - Reflection on the fleeting nature of childhood and work-life balance (35:30) - Working at value-driven businesses and sustainability practices (37:55) - The importance of community and local engagement in food and beverage (38:45) - Key lessons from consulting: self-care, building your future, and relationship management (49:55) - The impact of small operational improvements on cash flow (52:49) - Advice for young accountants: planning, relationships, and self-awareness (56:14) - The importance of building relationships before they are needed (58:15) - Closing thoughts and gratitude This episode emphasizes the foundational skills of communication, relationship-building, and value-driven business practices, all underscored with practical examples and heartfelt stories. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, the insights shared can help you build a more sustainable, impactful practice. Connect with Mike: Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mathews-34275a5/

S2 · E55

Apr 15, 2026

1:00:38

Nancy McClelland - Celebrating Authenticity and Building Community in Accounting

Meet Nancy! In this episode, Nancy McClelland, also known as the Dancing Accountant, shares her inspiring journey from music education to becoming a passionate advocate for community, authenticity, and collaboration in the accounting world. Nancy discusses how embracing her unique personality has attracted her ideal clients and fostered a vibrant company culture. We explore her insights on building trust, leveraging personal strengths, and creating environments where professionals thrive both personally and professionally. Main Topics: - Nancy’s unconventional path from music education to accounting, and how mentorship shaped her career - The importance of authenticity and embracing quirks to attract the right clients - How to build a strong, human-centered company culture in remote and hybrid teams - The significance of asking for what you want and building your opportunities proactively - The impact of community involvement and personal branding in business growth Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Nancy McClelland and her unique background 00:45 - Nancy’s move from music education to accounting and mentorship 01:38 - How Nancy's environment in Mexico supports her health and work-life balance 03:07 - Navigating remote work and the pandemic’s impact on her business 04:19 - Building company culture and maintaining team connection remotely 12:14 - Nancy’s journey to becoming an accountant and her early influences 13:02 - The role of mentorship in Nancy’s career path 16:19 - How Nancy’s community efforts support bookkeepers and CPAs 17:04 - The challenges and joys of starting her own firm 20:36 - Balancing work, life, and health through intentional choices 22:09 - Building a business that aligns with personal passions and strengths 27:12 - The importance of community support and local engagement 32:16 - The value of hiring strategically and focusing on your strengths 37:42 - How personal passions can foster better client relationships 41:11 - The importance of collaboration between bookkeepers and tax professionals 44:01 - Nancy’s "She Counts" podcast: creating a safe space for women in accounting 49:14 - Advice for new entrants: be true to yourself and take proactive steps Connect with Nancy: Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa/ She Counts Podcast - https://shecounts.show/ Ask an Accountant - https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/ask-a-cpa-landing/

S2 · E54

Apr 1, 2026

54:57

Katie Thomas - From Accounting to Marketing: How Katie Took the Leap and Found Success

Meet Katie! In the latest episode of Protea Conversations, Zane welcomes Katie Thomas, a dynamic professional who made a remarkable transition from accounting to marketing. We delve into Katie's journey, her motivations, and the lessons learned along the way, providing valuable insights for anyone considering a similar leap. Katie's story is one of courage and determination. Transitioning from a secure career in accounting to the unpredictable world of marketing is no small feat. The Journey from Accounting to Marketing Katie’s path to marketing was not as straightforward as one might think. Initially, she built websites and dabbled in marketing during her teenage years, growing up in a family business environment. This early exposure ignited her passion for marketing, which she pursued alongside her education in accounting. Katie's journey from accounting to a successful marketing career serves as an inspiring narrative for anyone contemplating a leap into the unknown. Her story reveals that embracing change, overcoming doubts, and building a strong network are crucial elements of success. Key takeaways: - Embrace your passions and be willing to take risks. - Build relationships and network actively. - Accept rejection as part of the process and learn from it. Connect with Katie: Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiethomascpa/ Leaders Online - https://leaders-online.com/

S2 · E53

Mar 18, 2026

47:49

Anshul Agrawal - Building Global Teams with Offshoring

Meet Anshul! In this episode of Protea Conversations, discover how direct ownership offshoring can give your business control, reduce compliance risks, and unlock access to global talent. Anshul Agrawal shares his journey from immigrant to offshoring expert and offers insights into how firms of all sizes can leverage international talent pools effectively. In this episode: - The difference between agency sourcing and direct ownership offshoring - How to build and manage a global team without high physical infrastructure costs - Key legal, compliance, and cultural considerations for offshore hiring - Why Argentina and South Africa are emerging as popular offshoring destinations - Anshul’s personal journey from studying in the US to founding an international consulting business - Common myths and misconceptions about offshoring and how to address them - Practical advice for accountants and entrepreneurs looking to go global - The role of education and mindset shifts in overcoming old-school stigmas - Actionable tips on how to start small with testing offshore arrangements For those considering offshoring, Anshul emphasizes the importance of education, starting small, and addressing misconceptions. His approach makes global talent accessible for firms of all sizes, helping you solve your biggest business challenges by leveraging international resources. Connect with Anshul: Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshul12/ June15 Consulting - https://www.june15consulting.com/

S2 · E52

Mar 4, 2026

51:23

Randy Crabtree - How a Stroke Shifted a CPA’s Perspective on Success and Human Connection

Meet Randy! In this episode of Protea Conversations, Randy Crabtree shares his inspiring journey of overcoming personal challenges, building vibrant communities, and embracing vulnerability to lead with authenticity in the accounting industry. Discover practical advice on fostering mental wellness, creating impactful cultures, and finding fulfillment in both professional and personal life. Key Topics: - How a stroke changed Randy’s perspective on work and life - The importance of vulnerability and authentic leadership - Building a community-focused culture centered on mental health and wellness - Strategies to empower teams through trust and openness - The significance of niche expertise and aligning passion with profession - Balancing family, personal growth, and professional impact - Practical ways to implement positive change within organizations - The role of diversity of thought in fostering innovation and growth - Randy’s upcoming conference: Bridging the Gap and its focus on wellness and collaboration - Tips for newcomers entering the accounting profession: identifying what makes you happy and pursuing it Connect with Randy: Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-crabtree-cpa-1945a67/ Personal Website - https://www.randycrabtree.com/ 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_/

S2 · E51

Feb 18, 2026

49:53

Episode 50 - Justin Stephen - From Sales to Taxes: Journey to securing a legacy

Meet Justin! In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane Stevens interviews Justin Stephens, the second-generation owner of Stephens Tax Services. Justin shares his journey from initially avoiding the family business to taking over after his father's passing. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of running a tax service, the importance of maintaining personal values, and his commitment to client-first service. The conversation also touches on Justin's personal health journey and the future of his business. Takeaways - Justin initially avoided the family business, pursuing a career in sales. - His father's illness prompted Justin to take over the tax service. - Justin emphasizes a client-first approach, valuing personal connections. - He successfully expanded the business, doubling the client base. - Justin's personal health journey involved losing 70 pounds. - He stresses the importance of aligning business with personal values. - Justin plans to continue growing the business while maintaining its core values. - Technology plays a key role in adapting to client needs. - Justin values making tax services accessible and affordable. - He believes in the importance of hard work and perseverance. Sound bites "I'm giving you the football, you take it, you run with it." "The life you want is on the other side of the work you're avoiding." "I can't imagine doing anything else." "It's about seeing that it's not shying away from it." "It's the people first. Need to remember that." "You can't take care of anybody else if you don't take care of yourself." "There's no shortcuts. And when I stopped looking for shortcuts, my life gets better." Connect with Justin: Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-stephens-5bb114b/

E50

Dec 17, 2025

53:53

Episode 49 - Leadership Lessons from the Policeman turned Chief Executive Mike Roe

Meet Mike! In this conversation, Mike Roe shares his journey from a 28-year career in policing to becoming the CEO of tensense.ai, a platform that helps organizations make sense of their data. He discusses the importance of leadership, change management, and the role of coaching in empowering teams. Mike emphasizes the need for transparency, communication, and a coaching mindset in leadership, as well as the significance of understanding the truth of the many rather than the opinion of the few. He also highlights the evolution of sense-making in organizations and the development of a software solution to aid leaders in decision-making. Takeaways - Leadership is defined by experiences and insights gained. - Change management is crucial in any organization. - Values should be truly embedded in an organization. - Communication is key during times of change. - Leaders must be curious and vulnerable. - Coaching conversations can empower teams. - Transparency builds trust within organizations. - Data-driven insights can predict future outcomes. - A compelling vision unifies teams towards a common goal. - Self-care is essential for effective leadership. Sound bites "You can't do it all yourself." "People don't like change." "You have to look after yourself." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Insights 01:32 Early Career in Policing 04:05 Leadership Challenges in Bristol 08:59 Navigating Change Management 12:15 The Importance of Communication 18:27 Transitioning to Coaching Leaders 23:58 Developing a Software Solution for Organizations 29:30 Disrupting the Consulting Market 31:42 The Science of Sense Making 34:06 The Importance of Checking In 36:17 Building Insights Through Questions 37:55 Navigating Complexity in Leadership 41:00 Blind Spots in Leadership 41:51 The Power of Coaching Conversations 44:33 Kindness in Leadership 51:24 The Importance of Renewal 54:57 Rapid Fire Questions Connect with Mike Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-j-roe/ Discover Tensense.ai - https://tensense.ai/

E49

Nov 26, 2025

52:28

Episode 48 - Ryan Brinkman - Boldness in Client Relationships and parenting

Meet Ryan! In this conversation, Ryan Brinkman discusses the importance of being bold in client relationships, particularly when advising on financial decisions. He emphasizes the need for transparency and honesty, even when it may not be what clients want to hear. The discussion also touches on the financial risks associated with certain decisions, highlighting the CPA's role in guiding clients through these complexities. Takeaways - It's important to be bold with clients. - Transparency is key in client relationships. - Advising clients can sometimes mean delivering hard truths. - Financial risks must be clearly communicated to clients. - Not all financial decisions are straightforward or beneficial. - CPAs have a responsibility to guide clients wisely. - Clients may not always understand the implications of their choices. - Being honest can strengthen client trust. - It's crucial to navigate financial complexities carefully. - The role of a CPA includes risk management and client education. Sound bites "This is dumb. And they look at me like..." "You could lose a lot of money." "We can't just write off a motor home." Connect with Ryan Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-brinkman-cpa/

E48

Nov 12, 2025

51:25

Episode 47 - Brit Summerill - From auditor to CFO to super connector

Meet Brit! In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane Stevens interviews Britt Summerill, a seasoned CFO with over 20 years of experience in accounting. Britt shares his journey from starting as an auditor to becoming a partner at Now CFO, discussing the importance of audit experience, the growth of Now CFO, and the impact of private equity on the firm. He emphasizes the significance of networking, the evolving role of AI in accounting, and the need for a balanced work-life approach. Britt also offers valuable insights on how to succeed in the accounting industry and the importance of being a connector in business. Takeaways - Britt Summerill has over 20 years of experience in accounting. - He transitioned from auditing to a leadership role at Now CFO. - Audit experience provides valuable insights into business operations. - Networking is crucial for success in the accounting industry. - AI will change the landscape of accounting but won't replace it. - The accounting profession needs to adapt to attract new talent. - Britt emphasizes the importance of personal connections in business. - Data-driven decision-making is key to sustaining growth. - Work-life balance is essential for long-term success. - Being a connector can lead to mutual benefits in business relationships. Sound bites "You have to put in the work." "You want to touch them on a personal level." "You have to jump in and go right." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Britt Summerill and His Journey 01:55 Britt's Early Career and Transition to Now CFO 04:59 The Value of Audit Experience 12:45 Unique Audit Experiences and Lessons Learned 16:26 Transitioning to Now CFO and Initial Challenges 19:29 Overview of Now CFO and Its Growth 21:35 Impact of Private Equity on Now CFO 25:23 Sustaining Long-Term Growth at Now CFO 29:38 Training for Success 31:17 The Art of Connection 34:08 Building Relationships and Reciprocity 36:41 The Importance of Follow-Up 39:42 Navigating the Accounting Landscape 41:50 Short-Term Goals and Work-Life Balance 44:02 AI in Accounting: Opportunities and Challenges 46:40 Addressing the Pipeline Issue 48:45 Advice for Success 51:49 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions Connect with Brit Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brit-summerillnowcfo/

E47

Oct 30, 2025

53:36

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