Protea Conversations

by Zane Stevens

Episode 16 - Krystalynn Schlegel - The Nomad Insurance Consultant

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/

E16

Sep 18, 2024

58:13

Episode 15 - Zack Swad - A financial advisor built on lessons from his Grandfather!

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/

E15

Sep 11, 2024

50:26

Episode 14 - Bill Vick - Adapting to Change in the Financial Services Industry Learning from Mistakes and Understanding Oneself

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/

E14

Sep 4, 2024

51:16

Episode 13 - Dominic Piscopo - Adding transparency to the accounting world

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/

E13

Aug 28, 2024

1:01:49

Episode 12 - Leo Bakerian - Protecting your business information from the dark web!

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-/

E12

Aug 21, 2024

54:55

Episode 11 - Victor McKnight - Insurance consultant your business you really need!

In this episode, Zane Stevens interviews Victor McKnight, Vice President of Business Development at Risk Strategies Company. They discuss the role of employee benefits brokers and consultants in designing benefit packages that meet the needs of organizations and employees. Victor shares his career journey from accounting to the insurance industry and emphasizes the importance of understanding accounting basics in business. They also discuss the challenges of managing the rising cost of health insurance and the value of long-term disability insurance. Victor highlights the importance of community involvement and giving back, as well as the need for business planning and mentoring in the industry. In this conversation, Vic McKnight discusses the positive and negative aspects of technology and shares his favorite childhood meal. Takeaways - Employee benefits brokers and consultants design benefit packages that meet the financial goals of organizations while attracting and retaining quality employees. - Understanding accounting basics is important in business and can help professionals communicate with CFOs and HR personnel more effectively. - Employee benefits, such as health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, and disability insurance, are essential components of compensation packages. - Educating employees about their benefit packages is crucial. - Brokers play a vital role in providing support and guidance to employees, helping them navigate complex benefit plans and resolve issues with insurance carriers. - Managing the rising cost of health insurance is a significant challenge - Long-term disability insurance is an important benefit that provides income protection for employees in the event of a disability. - Community involvement and giving back are essential for building strong relationships and making a positive impact. - Business planning and mentoring are crucial for personal and professional growth in the employee benefits industry. - Technology has both positive and negative impacts on our lives. - It is important to find a balance between using technology for productivity and maintaining personal connections. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:49 Employee Benefits and Consulting 03:09 Understanding Employee Benefits 04:11 Career Journey: From Accounting to Insurance 06:19 Importance of Accounting in Business 07:18 Choosing a Business Degree and Career Path 08:07 The Value of Understanding Accounting Basics 09:08 Financial Literacy and Personal Finance 10:19 The Complexity of Employee Benefits 11:23 Educating Employees on Benefit Packages 12:09 Customizing Benefit Brochures 13:08 Providing Employee Education and Support 14:30 The Role of Brokers in Employee Benefits 15:53 Addressing Employee Questions and Concerns 17:51 Client-Centric Approach in Employee Benefits 19:52 Managing the Rising Cost of Health Insurance 21:25 The Importance of Long-Term Disability Insurance 23:34 The Most Interesting Employee Benefit 25:19 Community Involvement and Giving Back 28:16 Challenges and Growth in the Industry 31:36 The Importance of Business Planning 35:35 The Impact of Virtual Work on Mentoring 37:18 Near-Term and Mid-to-Long-Term Goals 40:36 Personal Insights and Community Involvement 43:08 Rapid Fire Questions 45:06 The Positive and Negative Aspects of Technology 45:22 Favorite Childhood Meal Connect with Victor https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-mcknight-3400554/

E11

Aug 14, 2024

42:27

Episode 10 - Isaac Smith - Making offshoring easy!

Isaac Smith shares his journey from being an architect to starting a bookkeeping business and eventually founding Team Up, a platform that connects accountants with job opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of understanding financial numbers and the impact it can have on a business owner's mental well-being. Isaac also highlights the significance of customer service in the accounting industry and the need for accountants to communicate effectively with their clients. He shares his experience of building a team in the Philippines and how it led to the creation of Team Up. Isaac Smith shares his experience of hiring directly in the Philippines and the benefits of cutting out middlemen. He explains how he learned about the red tape and regulations through trial and error and emphasizes that hiring directly is not as complicated as it seems. Isaac also discusses the importance of empathy and sharing the vision with team members when building and managing teams. He encourages business owners to focus on serving their target market and finding the right people to work with. Takeaways - Understanding financial numbers is crucial for business owners' peace of mind and decision-making. - Good customer service and effective communication are essential in the accounting industry. - Building a strong team is vital for the success of any business. - Opportunities can arise unexpectedly, and it's important to be open to exploring new ventures. Hiring directly in the Philippines is not as complicated as it seems, and there are options like hiring contractors or using an employer of record. - Empathy is crucial when building and managing teams. Put yourself in their shoes and see things from their perspective. - Share your vision with your team members. Help them understand why you started the business and why their work is important. - Focus on serving your target market and finding the right people to work with. There are many options available, and not every solution is right for everyone. - Building a good life and taking care of your personal well-being is just as important as building a successful business. Sound Bites "Understanding financial numbers is crucial for business owners' peace of mind and decision-making." "Good customer service and effective communication are essential in the accounting industry." "Building a strong team is vital for the success of any business." "Most people who hire in the Philippines, you know, do it the old way, which is to go through one of these big outsourcing companies that gets in the middle of everything." "We make it out to be so much more complicated than it really is. It's really not that complicated." "It's all about empathy, which is seeing things from the other side." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:14 Isaac's Journey into Accounting 06:20 The Mental Side of Being a Business Owner 10:16 The Importance of Understanding Financial Numbers 12:35 The Role of Customer Service in Accounting 30:46 The Birth of Team Up: Embracing Unexpected Opportunities 32:47 Introduction and Hiring Directly in the Philippines 48:04 Spinning Off and Starting a New Entity 51:52 The Importance of Empathy in Team Building 54:58 Sharing Your Vision with Your Team 56:31 Finding the Right People for Your Business 59:53 Balancing Business and Personal Life 01:02:04 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion Connect with Isaac: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/theisaacsmith/ LinkedIn company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireteamup/

E10

Aug 7, 2024

58:43

Episode 9 - Tony Wilson - Fractional CFO | Business Coach | 😎 Dad x4

Meet Tony! In this episode, Zane interviews Tony Wilson, a distinguished CPA, CMA, and champion for software development agencies. Tony shares his journey from becoming an accountant to starting his own business, Equip, which focuses on empowering entrepreneurs through financial acumen and strategic guidance. They discuss the importance of education in business growth, the challenges faced by small businesses, and the value of building a network of professionals to support clients. He also talks about his role as a father and the flexibility that being a business owner provides for his family. In this conversation, they discuss the importance of work-life balance and the value of prioritizing personal time and family. They also delve into the topic of podcasting and the purpose behind Tony's podcast, as well as his short-term goals for his business and personal life. Tony shares valuable advice for individuals at different stages of their careers, emphasizing the importance of asking questions and giving people space to learn and grow. Takeaways - Education is crucial for entrepreneurs to succeed in business, and it goes beyond just accounting knowledge. - Understanding sales and marketing is often a major deficit for small businesses. - Building a network of professionals in complementary fields is essential for providing comprehensive support to clients. - Being a business owner offers flexibility and the ability to prioritize family and personal commitments. - Empowering entrepreneurs through financial acumen and strategic guidance can help them turn their dreams into reality. Work-life balance is crucial for personal happiness and satisfaction in a job. - Entrepreneurs should prioritize personal time and family, as life is short and unpredictable. - Podcasting can be a powerful tool for connecting with ideal clients and sharing their stories. - As a leader, it is important to ask questions and give people space to learn and grow. - Approaching entrepreneurship with gratitude and a focus on providing for one's family can lead to a more fulfilling journey. - Valuable advice for individuals at different stages of their careers includes asking questions, providing answers, and giving people the opportunity to learn from their failures. Sound Bites "I remember holding my daughter and thinking to myself, little girl, you can do anything you set your mind to." "Just because you see pain points or just because you see common issues doesn't necessarily mean that you need to be the one to solve it." "It's about life, not just about work." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:43 Tony's Journey to Becoming an Accountant 06:06 Transitioning to Full-Time Employment and Gaining Experience 16:08 Starting His Own Business: Equip 27:02 Merging with Another Firm and Expanding Services 31:15 Balancing Business and Family Life 33:58 Work-Life Balance and Prioritizing Personal Time 38:30 The Purpose and Goals of Podcasting 42:29 Short-Term Goals for Business and Personal Life 46:52 Valuable Advice for Different Stages of a Career 53:58 The Role of Wealth and Gratitude in Entrepreneurship Connect with Tony: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-wilson-cpa/ LinkedIn company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wilsontalbott-llp/ Educational company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/accquip/

Jul 31, 2024

57:55

Episode 8 - Roman Villard - Go Full Send! The accountant emphasizing balance for success!

Meet Roman! Roman Villard is the founder of Full-Send Finance. He shares his journey in the world of finance, from accounting to his transition into business development and eventually starting his own firm. Roman also discusses the inception of Full-Send Finance and its growth over the years. He emphasizes the importance of balancing work and personal life. He shares his journey of starting an accounting firm and the importance of having a strong support system. He emphasizes the importance of professionalism and positivity when terminating client relationships. He also discusses his content creation efforts and advocacy for positive change in the accounting industry. Roman shares advice for new accountants and aspiring leaders. Takeaways - Accounting can open up doors to various opportunities - The dynamics and culture of a small firm can provide a more fulfilling experience. - Starting a firm requires dedication, hard work, and the ability to balance personal and professional life. - Building relationships and a network is essential for success in the accounting industry. - Content creation and advocacy can drive positive change in the accounting industry. - Balancing personal and professional life is important for overall well-being. - Improving internal processes and operations is crucial for the growth and success of a firm. Chapters 00:31 Introduction to Roman Villard 01:27 Roman's Journey to Full-Send Finance 10:48 The Importance of Small Firm Dynamics 14:37 Starting Full-Send Finance 25:36 Building a Team and Increasing Scalability 25:58 Balancing Work and Personal Life 26:28 The importance of a support system 44:42 Advice for new accountants 46:39 Leadership advice Connect with Roman: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdvcpa/ LinkedIn company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/gofullsend/

Jul 24, 2024

47:24

Episode 7 - Josh Sterling - A soccer coach now helping you to financial freedom

Meet Josh! Zane Stevens interviews Josh Sterling, a wealth strategist at Camas Advice. Josh shares his journey from being a soccer coach to entering the financial industry. He discusses the importance of education and mentorship in his success. Josh emphasizes the value of helping others and building genuine relationships. He also talks about his focus on educating clients and professionals about advanced planning strategies. Throughout the conversation, Josh highlights the challenges he faced in transitioning careers and the importance of staying focused. In this conversation, Josh Sterling shares insights and advice on various topics, including balancing work and family life, setting short-term goals, starting a career, leadership, and being yourself as a leader. He also discusses his passion for sports and coaching. Takeaways - Education and mentorship are crucial for success in any industry. - Building genuine relationships and helping others are key to long-term success. - Focus on providing value and educating clients about their options. - Challenges are opportunities for growth and learning. Balancing work and family life is a challenge that many people face in their careers. It requires staying focused and allocating time in the right areas. - Setting short-term goals is important for personal and professional growth. Creating an education platform and achieving revenue goals are examples of short-term goals. - One piece of advice for those starting their career is to not feel the pressure of having all the answers. It's okay to not know everything and to seek help and learn from others. - Being yourself as a leader is crucial. Authenticity and taking care of the people around you are key qualities of effective leadership. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Protea Conversations 01:01 Introduction to Josh Sterling 03:48 Transition from Soccer Coach to Wealth Strategist 10:26 Transition from Coach to Director 18:18 Formation of Canvas Advice 23:22 Value of Helping Others 29:58 Day-to-Day Activities 33:37 Focus on Education 37:29 Challenges and Focus 39:33 Balancing Work and Family Life 41:03 Short-Term Goals 42:34 Advice for Those Starting Their Career 45:08 Leadership 47:17 Being Yourself as a Leader 49:23 Personal Life and Coaching 49:38 Rapid Fire Questions Connect with Josh: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshsterlinginsurance/ LinkedIn company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/camas-advice/

Jul 17, 2024

50:48

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