Meet Chase!

In this episode, Chase Damiano shares his journey from chemical engineer to successful entrepreneur and business consultant. He discusses the importance of leadership, delegation, creating psychological safety, and scaling businesses while maintaining passion and purpose.

Key topics

- Journey from engineering to entrepreneurship

- Importance of leadership and vulnerability

- Strategies for scaling and delegation

- Signs of burnout and how to prevent it

- Building systems for business growth

Sound bites

"Leadership is about giving power, not taking it"

"Creating psychological safety through vulnerability"

"Define responsibility and success clearly"

Resources

The E Myth by Michael Gerber - https://www.amazon.com/E-Myth-Master-Entrepreneur-About/dp/0887307280

Notion - https://www.notion.so/

Commonwealth Joe Coffee - https://commonwealthjoe.com/

Connect with Chase

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedamiano/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/chasedamiano

Business - https://humanatscale.com/

Meet Jennifer!

In this episode, Zane sits down with Jennifer Green, founder and partner at Jade Consulting, to explore what it really takes to build a people-first, scalable accounting firm.

Jennifer shares the story of how she got started in accounting after an unexpected layoff in investment banking, and how that early experience shaped her approach to leadership, flexibility, and business ownership. She explains how Jade Consulting grew from a solo practice into a fully remote team of 15 women across Canada, serving scaling entrepreneurs with bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, sales tax, and financial reporting support.

The conversation also dives into the firm’s merger journey, the importance of systems and processes, and how cloud accounting changed the role of accountants from paper-pushers to trusted advisors. Jennifer and Zane discuss the culture of accountability and care inside Jade Consulting, including open office hours, flexible schedules, charitable giving, and a strong emphasis on authenticity.

They also explore the role of AI and automation in modern accounting, from saving hours on reporting to improving efficiency without losing the human judgment that clients rely on. Jennifer closes by sharing her vision for the future: continuing to scale the business, building toward a “choice point,” and creating a firm that can thrive with or without her at the center.

Key topics include:

- Building a culture-first accounting firm

- Scaling beyond the founder bottleneck

- The shift from desktop to cloud accounting

- Remote team leadership and flexibility

- AI, automation, and the future of bookkeeping

- Preparing a business to be sell-ready

If you enjoyed this conversation, you’ll love Jennifer’s practical wisdom on leadership, growth, and creating a business that supports both people and profit.

Connect with Jennifer:

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

Jade Consulting - https://www.jadeconsulting.ca/

Protea Conversations is the podcast for accountants and service-firm leaders.

Subscribe to the channel!

Meet Seth!

Join us as Seth Fineberg, a seasoned journalist and analyst with nearly 30 years at the forefront of accounting technology and culture, shares his unique perspective on the evolving profession. Discover strategies for navigating digital transformation, fostering innovation, and building resilient firms for the future.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Seth's non-traditional path into the accounting world and his superpower of perspective

- The impact of community and culture in New York, including notable celebrity encounters

- Seth's musical journey with the band Blackout Shoppers and the importance of outside passions

- How his journalism career shaped his understanding of trends like AI and cloud technology

- Practical advice for accountants feeling overwhelmed by change and innovation

- The importance of authentic content and meaningful relationships in building trust

- Personal favorites: NYC's best restaurants and unforgettable shows

Timestamps:

02:19 - Seth's perspective as a superpower in the industry

03:18 - Parenting experiences in NYC and suburban lessons

04:39 - Diversity, culture, and the NYC lifestyle's influence on family

07:36 - Seth’s involvement in the local music scene and band Blackout Shoppers

08:53 - Parenting passions—sports, activities, and balancing work-life

10:19 - Celebrity sightings and memorable NYC encounters

17:14 - The importance of passions outside work for a fulfilling life

20:46 - Seth's love for baseball and thoughts on the game’s modernization

23:16 - Evaluating changes in the sport's pace and competitive nature

25:10 - Seth’s journalism career: From college to interviewing Jeff Bezos

32:32 - Recognizing gaps in the accounting profession and mindset shifts

33:01 - The role of trust and content in client relationships

34:24 - Seth’s work with Accountants Forward and content marketing strategies

46:36 - A day in Seth’s life: routines, work blocks, and personal time

54:55 - Navigating the profession's biggest inflection points and future trends

57:42 - Final advice: prioritize self-care, embrace technology, and start small

58:09 - Rapid Fire Questions: Dream vacations, NYC shows, favorite restaurants, and more

Connect with Seth:

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fineberg-86aa8663/

Website - https://accountantsforward.com This is episode 60

Meet Diana!

Discover how Diana Gleason transitioned from a professional dancer to building a thriving six-figure accounting firm, and her insights into scaling a service-based business, leadership, and personal growth.

Main Topics:

- Diana’s unconventional path from dance to accounting

- Building and scaling DG Accounting Agency

- Leadership, systems, and operational strategies for growth

- Balancing entrepreneurship with family life

In this episode:

- Diana shares her inspiring story of pivoting careers and establishing her firm

- Key lessons learned from scaling her business and building a team

- How her background in dance instilled resilience and discipline

- Practical strategies for creating systems and empowering employees

- Her vision of the future: becoming CEO and eventual business sale

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Diana Gleason and her unique journey from dancer to accountant

01:05 - Celebrating five years in business and recognizing milestones

02:12 - Evolving roles within her firm and operational growth

04:56 - How a leadership program with Gary Vaynerchuk influenced her mindset

09:45 - Leadership style adjustments for team empowerment

16:44 - Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship while managing physical health

24:47 - Connecting with her passion for supporting dance studios and small businesses

27:29 - Her mission to humanize accounting and provide judgment-free financial support

32:09 - The value of honesty combined with compassion in client conversations

34:45 - Recognizing warning signs of potential business trouble

37:39 - Insights into her leadership program with Gary Vaynerchuk at VaynerX

45:17 - Day in the life: balancing family, business meetings, and sales efforts

48:24 - Future goals: becoming CEO and eventually selling her firm

51:02 - Personal interests, hobbies, and the importance of continuous growth

54:50 - Rapid-fire segment: dream vacation, favorite tech, and more

Connect with Diana:

Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dianagleason/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianagleason/

Meet Cash!

Discover how Cash East transitioned from a childhood love of fly fishing to building innovative software tools that revolutionize real estate investing and bookkeeping.

Gain insights into the importance of data, the value of trusting a team, and embracing risk to grow professionally and personally.

In this episode:

- Cash shares his unique family history and the story behind his distinctive name, Cash.

- How his childhood passions led him into entrepreneurship and environmental science.

- The evolution from environmental consulting to environmental accounting and software development.

- The critical role of data, discipline, and teamwork in his success.

- The influence of habits, travel, and outdoor hobbies on his professional journey.

- Vision and short-term goals for his innovative software and investment projects.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Cash East and his intriguing family history

01:26 - Childhood experiences and family influences on careers

02:04 - The story behind the name "Cash" and its impact

02:25 - Early career in finance, accounting, and environmental consulting

03:16 - Transition from biology to environmental business models

05:02 - Starting entrepreneurial ventures in fly fishing gear

11:11 - Balancing family and professional pursuits

13:03 - The attraction of entrepreneurship and control over destiny

14:25 - Using data and models in supply chain and environmental work

17:43 - Challenges in making data understandable and actionable for business owners

20:01 - Entry into real estate investments and learning to analyze deals

26:35 - The mindset needed for taking calculated risks and big swings

28:19 - The importance of data and trusting the right people in decision-making

32:11 - Surrounding yourself with reliable partners and team members

37:41 - Transitioning to managed properties and improving operational efficiency

41:04 - Creating a unified platform for bookkeeping and financial oversight

43:15 - The role of AI in automating tasks and freeing up entrepreneurs' time

45:54 - The value of time back from automation and AI tools

49:05 - Short-term goals: expanding the bookkeeping tool and community engagement

50:29 - Embracing AI growth and upcoming opportunities in tech

51:07 - Rapid fire questions: favorite books, exercise, travel preferences, tech tools, and final meal

Connect with Cash:

Personal X - https://x.com/CashionEast

Kestrel - https://kestrelrms.com/

Meet Jeff!

Explore Jeff Okrepkie's inspiring story of resilience, community rebuilding, and servant leadership, shaped by personal tragedy and dedicated public service.

This conversation delves into his unique approach to leadership, built on humility and a profound sense of community obligation.

In this episode:

- Jeff shares how experiencing the Tubbs Fire in 2017 transformed his life and propelled him into public service.

- Insights into the importance of ground truth and humility in leadership, especially during crises.

- The role of community-led recovery initiatives like Coffey Strong and how grassroots efforts can inspire systemic change.

- Practical advice for citizens eager to get involved locally, emphasizing volunteerism and stepping out of comfort zones.

- Strategies for leaders on managing ego, fostering teamwork, and making informed decisions grounded in real-world experience.

- Jeff relates his insurance expertise to his public decision-making, highlighting risk analysis and community safety.

Timestamps:

02:21 - How losing his home in the Tubbs Fire catalyzed community efforts

04:34 - The grassroots creation of Coffey Strong neighborhood recovery model

07:54 - Jeff's transition from community volunteer to city council member

09:12 - Lessons from early government work with Senator John McCain

14:10 - Emotional toll and community support after disasters

17:42 - Applying lessons learned from fires to local policy and community resilience

21:44 - The influence of family background on Jeff’s service philosophy

27:11 - The importance of humility and teamwork in leadership success

29:05 - Leadership lessons: Ego, humility, and surround yourself with experts

33:47 - Balancing a day job in insurance with public service responsibilities

37:11 - Jeff’s journey in the insurance industry, shaped by economic downturns

44:20 - Balancing family, sports, and travel with civic duty

47:09 - Rapid fire: Dream vacation, favorite books, and childhood memories

The insights from Jeff’s personal story underscore that leadership often emerges from adversity, grounded in humility, service, and a passion for community resilience. Whether tackling local wildfire recovery or engaging in civic duties, his journey exemplifies how purpose-driven by legacy and values can inspire actionable change at every level.

Connect with Jeff:

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

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/

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/