PODCAST · business
Protea Conversations
by Zane Stevens
Protea Conversations is the podcast for accountants and service-firm leaders. Each episode is a real, unscripted conversation with someone in or around the accounting profession about the careers, decisions, and hard-won lessons behind their success. These aren't polished panel talks. Our guests share what actually shaped them. The pivotal moments, the mistakes, the advice they'd give their younger selves — so you walk away with practical insight you can use in your own career or firm. Whether you're early in your career or running your own practice, you'll find honest stories and useful takeaways in every episode. New conversations regularly.
Episodes
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Michael Brown - Don’t Run With the Herd
Meet Michael! Accountants are trained to run with the herd: don’t get ahead, don’t fall behind, don’t take risks. Mike Brown decided that wasn’t what clients needed. Zane sits down with Mike Brown, CPA, co-founder of Brightline. They trace Mike’s path from a small-town Ontario history buff to…
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Knowing Your Value, Setting Boundaries, and Starting Again - Melissa Armstrong
Meet Melissa! What happens when the business you built grows faster than the systems needed to support it? In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane sits down with Melissa Armstrong, CPA and founder of SteadyHand Accounting & Advisory, for an open conversation about entrepreneurship,...
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AI, Hiring & the Modern Accounting Firm - Anderson Petergeorge
Meet Anderson! What does the accounting firm of the future actually look like? In this episode of Protea Conversations, I sit down with Anderson Petergeorge, co-founder of Quanto, to talk about accounting, entrepreneurship, AI, marketing, niching, and what it really takes to build a modern...
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The Audit Partner Who Took Improv Classes - Dan McMahon
Protea Conversations is the podcast for accountants and service-firm leaders. Subscribe to the channel! Meet Dan! In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane sits down with Dan McMahon, CPA, CM&AA, founder and managing partner of Integrated Growth Advisors. Dan shares his journey from a shy...
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Camden Bean - Nobody knows what advisory is!
Meet Camden! Camden Bean didn't set out to build software for accountants; he grew up around them. After dropping out of college to join Divi, a fintech startup founded by his uncle, Camden helped take the company from zero to $100M in ARR in two and a half years before it was acquired by…
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Chase Damiano - Mastering Leadership and Scaling Your Business
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 -...
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Jennifer Green - Scaling an Accounting Firm Without Losing Your Culture
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...
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Seth Fineberg - How a Non-Accountant Revolutionized Thinking About the Future of Accounting
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...
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Diana Gleason - What I Gained from Gary Vaynerchuk's Mentorship
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...
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Cash East - The Courage to Take Big Swings
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…
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Jeff Okrepkie - From Fire Recovery to Public Service
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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Episode 46 - Mike Bark - Empowering the Next Generation: Leadership and Innovation in Accounting
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...
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Episode 45 - Serena Shoup - Family, business, coach, and music. A story of fitting it all in!
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…
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Episode 44 - Chad Davis - RVs, Ai, and living a dream life through accounting
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...
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Episode 43 - Joe Manganelli - From Wall Street to Entrepreneurship
Meet Joe! In this conversation, Joe Manganelli shares his journey from working at Goldman Sachs to founding and scaling Calculate, an outsourced accounting firm, and now leading Amalgam, a data aggregation and automation platform for the accounting industry. He discusses the importance of…
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Episode 42 - Justine Lackey - Selling a Business: Lessons and Experiences
Meet Justine! In this episode of Protea Conversations, host Zane Stevens welcomes Justine Lackey, a pioneer in the virtual bookkeeping industry. Justine shares her journey from starting a business to successfully selling it, offering valuable insights and lessons learned along the way. The...
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Episode 41 - Erin Pohan - Building a Modern Accounting Business
Meet Erin! In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane interviews Erin Pohan, founder of Upkeeping, who shares her unique journey from customer service to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the accounting industry. They discuss the importance of intentional growth, the challenges of pursuing…
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Episode 40 - Isaac Perdomo - Unlocking Time: The Power of Automation in Accounting
Meet Isaac! In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane speaks with Isaac Perdomo, founder of Opzer, about the transformative power of automation in accounting firms. They discuss the importance of reclaiming time, building client relationships, and overcoming the fear of technology. Isaac…
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Episode 39 - Mike Sylvester - From Submarines to CPA to X influencer
Meet Mike! In this conversation, Zane interviews Mike Sylvester, a seasoned CPA and partner at SPS CPA Group. Mike shares his unconventional journey from being a reactor operator in the Navy to becoming a successful accountant and firm leader. He discusses the importance of community, effective...
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Episode 38 - David Barbieto - From Numbers to Leadership, a Legacy Building Journey
Meet David! In this conversation, Zane interviews David Barbieto, a managing partner at De La Hoz Perez, and Barbieto, who shares his journey in the accounting profession. David discusses the importance of teamwork, personal growth, and the challenges he faced transitioning from a large firm to...
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Episode 37 - Geni Whitehouse - The Evolving Role of Accountants from the mouth of a trailblazer
Meet Geni! In this conversation, Geni Whitehouse shares her insights on the evolving role of accountants, emphasizing the importance of communication, understanding client needs, and adapting to cultural differences. She discusses her experiences in the wine industry and how they have shaped her...
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Episode 36 - Scott Fuller - Navigating the Intersection of Faith and Finance
Meet Scott! In this episode, Zane interviews Scott Fuller, founder of Virtus Accounting Solutions. Scott shares his journey from a blue-collar upbringing to becoming a seasoned CPA, emphasizing the importance of aligning financial strategies with personal values. He discusses his experiences in...
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Episode 35 - Georgia Athanasiou - Fast cars, fast dogs, and cash flow!
Meet Georgia! In this conversation, Zane speaks with Georgia Athanasiou, founder of Bay Area CFO Consultants, about her extensive experience in finance and consulting. They discuss the evolution of fractional CFO work, the importance of understanding profitability and cash flow, and Georgia's...
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Episode 34 - Lori Beth Merrill - The Essential Role of Fiduciaries in Estate Planning
Meet Lori Beth! In this conversation, Zane interviews Lori Beth Merrill, a professional fiduciary, who explains the vital role fiduciaries play in estate planning and management. Lori Beth shares her personal journey into the field, the services fiduciaries provide, and the emotional dynamics...
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Episode 33 - Lisa Hannah - Empowering Women in Real Estate
Meet Lisa! In this conversation, Zane interviews Lisa Hannah, a vice president at Berghof Realty Corporation, specializing in estate transition and legacy planning for vineyard and winery owners. They discuss the complexities of wealth transfer, the role of women in real estate, and the…
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Episode 32 - Tailor Hartman - Challenging yourself to scale
Meet Tailor! In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane interviews Tailor Hartman, founder and CEO of Satellarity Accounting. They discuss Tailor's unique journey into accounting, the importance of advisory services, and the impact of technology on the industry. Tailor shares his experiences...
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Episode 31 - Jacob Giroux - Embracing the Journey
Meet Jacob! In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane interviews Jacob Giroux, a newly minted CPA and senior tax associate at Axley and Rodey. Jacob shares his inspiring journey from a criminal justice background to becoming a CPA, highlighting the challenges he faced while balancing work and...
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Episode 30 - Kellie Parks - Building Community in Cloud Accounting
Meet Kellie! In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane interviews Kellie Parks, a passionate advocate for cloud-based accounting. They discuss Kellie's journey in the accounting industry, the importance of community, and how technology is transforming the field. Kellie shares her insights on...
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Episode 29 - Ruby Steinbercher - From Loss to Legacy: Ruby's Estate Planning Insights
In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane Stevens interviews Ruby Steinberger, an estate planning attorney with a unique and unconventional journey to law. Ruby shares her early experiences, including the loss of her father and her exposure to trusts, which inspired her to pursue a career in...
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Carter Welch - Start where you are!
Carter Welch shares his greatest struggle on the path to success. Listen to the full episode here: https://rss.com/podcasts/proteaconversations/1523309/ Connect with Carter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carterwelch/
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Episode 28 - Chris Williams - The Business of Buying Small Businesses
Meet Chris! In this conversation, Chris Williams, CEO of System 6, shares his journey from finance to leading a successful outsourced accounting firm. He discusses the importance of community, the unique ecosystem of buying small businesses, and the appeal of the accounting industry. Chris...
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Mark Corum - what was the toughest lesson to success?
Mark Corum shares his greatest struggle on the path to success. Listen to the full episode here: https://rss.com/podcasts/proteaconversations/1517769/ Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcorum/
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Episode 27 - Molly Varangkounh - Transforming Business Through Curiosity
Meet Molly! Zane Stevens interviews Molly Varangkounh, the Chief Sanity Officer, who shares her journey from an entry-level accountant to the president of a family-owned tractor parts business. Molly discusses the importance of curiosity, effective communication, and building trust in leadership....
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Andrea Christensen - Lessons I wish I learned before I started
Andrea Christensen shared the best advice she wishes she had received before starting out in business. Listen to the full episode here: https://rss.com/podcasts/proteaconversations/1513443/ Connect with Andrea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-christensen-ccip-clic-wcip-25287834/
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Episode 26 - John Fenton - Building Resilience in Business and Sports
In this conversation, Zane Stevens interviews John Fenton, a seasoned leader in the accounting and coaching sectors. John shares his journey from a 30-year career in accounting to becoming a leadership coach, emphasizing the importance of vision, resilience, and relationship-building in both…
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Episode 25 - Rory Henry - Transforming Advisory Conversations for Better Outcomes
Meet Rory! Zane speaks with Rory Henry, a certified financial planner and behavioral financial advisor, about the integration of behavioral finance and holistic wealth management. Rory discusses his journey from tax professional to wealth management, emphasizing the importance of a holistic...
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Episode 24 - Vipul Sheth - The Future of Outsourcing in Accounting
Meet Vipul! Zane Stevens speaks with Vipul Seth, Managing Director of AdvancedTrack Outsourcing. They explore Vipul's journey from a family business background to becoming a transformative leader in the accounting industry. Vipul shares insights on the evolving role of accountants, the importance...
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Episode 23 - Caleb Jenkins - The Power of Vision in Career Success
Introducing Caleb Jenkins, the 2024 Insightful Accountants Pro Advisor of the Year. We Caleb's journey in accounting, his early influences, and the importance of community service. Caleb shares insights on wealth management, values-based investing, and the significance of having a vision and...
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Episode 22 - Eugene Dilan - The Power of Inclusion in Leadership
In this episode of Protea Conversations, host Zane Stevens engages with Dr. Eugene Dilán, a clinical psychologist and leadership expert. They explore Eugene's journey from a challenging upbringing in Brooklyn to becoming a successful consultant. The conversation delves into the importance of…
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Episode 21 - Jamie Skinner - The Art of Process Improvement in Accounting
In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane speaks with Jamie Skinner, a fractional controller and CFO, about her journey into accounting, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of process improvement in financial operations. Jamie shares her experiences transitioning from a...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Protea Conversations is the podcast for accountants and service-firm leaders.
Each episode is a real, unscripted conversation with someone in or around the accounting profession about the careers, decisions, and hard-won lessons behind their success. These aren't polished panel talks. Our guests share what actually shaped them. The pivotal moments, the mistakes, the advice they'd give their younger selves — so you walk away with practical insight you can use in your own career or firm.
Whether you're early in your career or running your own practice, you'll find honest stories and useful takeaways in every episode.
New conversations regularly.
HOSTED BY
Zane Stevens
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Protea Conversations have?
Protea Conversations currently has 70 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Protea Conversations about?
Protea Conversations is the podcast for accountants and service-firm leaders. Each episode is a real, unscripted conversation with someone in or around the accounting profession about the careers, decisions, and hard-won lessons behind their success. These aren't polished panel talks. Our guests...
How often does Protea Conversations release new episodes?
Protea Conversations has 70 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Protea Conversations?
You can listen to Protea Conversations on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Protea Conversations?
Protea Conversations is created and hosted by Zane Stevens.
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