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_/

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/

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/

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/

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/

Meet Mike!

In this conversation, Zane Stevens interviews Michael Bark, CPA, CVA, the founding partner of Bull Moose Financial. They discuss the unique approach of Bull Moose Financial, focusing on a subscription model that enhances client relationships and work-life balance.

Mike shares insights from his journey in accounting, the importance of nurturing younger partners, and the impact of private equity and AI on the industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication, the value of mentorship, and the challenges of misinformation in the accounting space.

Takeaways

- Mike Bark emphasizes the importance of developing young partners in accounting firms.

- The subscription model allows for better client relationships and predictable revenue.

- Effective communication is key to client retention and satisfaction.

- Private equity can provide liquidity for retiring partners and enhance service offerings.

- AI is seen as a tool to assist accountants, not a threat to their jobs.

- Networking and personal relationships are crucial for acquiring clients in niche markets.

- Work-life balance is achievable in accounting with the right firm structure.

- Misinformation in the accounting space can mislead new professionals and clients.

- Mentorship and providing opportunities for growth are essential for retaining talent.

- The name 'Bull Moose Financial' reflects a respect for business owners taking risks.

Sound bites

"We try to be proactive."

"AI is going to help our job."

"We're not that important."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bull Moose Financial and Mike Bark

02:39 The Journey into Accounting and Early Career Experiences

05:30 The Value of Big Firms and Work-Life Balance

08:32 Creating a Sustainable Work Environment in Accounting

11:19 The Subscription Model and Client Relationships

13:57 The Importance of Communication and Client Retention

17:09 Navigating the Niche Market and Flat Fee Structure

19:49 The Role of Younger Partners in Accounting Firms

22:42 Private Equity and Its Impact on the Accounting Industry

25:36 The Future of AI in Accounting

28:21 Tackling Misinformation in the Accounting Space

31:12 The Meaning Behind Bull Moose Financial

34:16 A Day in the Life of Mike Barak

37:02 Advice for New Accountants and Leadership Insights

Connect with Mike

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebark/

X - https://x.com/mikebarkcpa

Meet Serena!

Episode Summary

In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane sits down with Serena Shoup, CPA, founder of Of Course Financial and The Ambitious Bookkeeper®. Serena shares her journey from a small-town girl in New Mexico to building a thriving accounting firm and launching a mentorship and education platform for bookkeepers worldwide. She opens up about entrepreneurship, balancing two businesses, parenting, creativity, and why embracing imperfection has been her greatest lesson.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- How Serena transitioned from corporate accounting to launching her own virtual firm.

- The story behind The Ambitious Bookkeeper®

— from a simple blog to a thriving community, coaching program, and podcast.

- Why choosing a niche and aligning technology (like Xero) with client needs has been key to her firm’s success.

- Serena’s approach to balancing her firm, mentorship, family, and creative passions like music.

- Honest reflections on using (and pulling back from) AI in content creation and the importance of keeping things authentic.

- The mantra that changed her entrepreneurial journey: “Done is better than perfect.”

Connect with Serena

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenashoup/

The Ambitious Bookkeeper® - https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/

Meet Chad!

In this conversation, Zane interviews Chad Davis, co-founder of LiveCA, a pioneering virtual CPA firm in Canada. They discuss Chad's unique lifestyle of living in an RV while running a successful accounting firm, the evolution of accounting conferences, and the importance of embracing technology and AI in the accounting profession.

Chad shares insights on building a remote work culture, the challenges of selling accounting services, and the significance of community in professional growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountants to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining a focus on client relationships and work-life balance.

Takeaways

- Chad Davis is a co-founder of LiveCA, a virtual CPA firm in Canada.

- Living in an RV has allowed Chad to balance work and family life.

- Conferences are evolving to be more intimate and focused on specific topics.

- Embracing technology and automation is crucial for modern accounting firms.

- Building a remote work culture can enhance employee satisfaction.

- Accountants should be cautious about who has access to their AI tools.

- Community and networking are essential for professional growth.

- Accountants can learn a lot from sharing experiences with peers.

- It's important to take time to double-check work before finalizing it.

- Finding a niche and focusing on what you enjoy can lead to a successful business.

Sound bites

"We will not have an office."

"You can learn anything right now."

"Find your community, show up."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chad Davis and LiveCA

05:41 The Evolution of Conferences in Accounting

11:26 Chad's RV Lifestyle and Its Impact on Work

16:59 The Journey into Accounting and Entrepreneurship

24:53 Navigating the Sales Landscape

28:42 Building a Supportive Work Environment

34:06 Growth Strategies and Business Models

37:54 Embracing AI in Accounting

49:09 Community and Collaboration in Accounting

52:44 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions

Connect with Chad:

LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaddavis1/

Find your community with Automation Town - https://automationtown.io/