Meet Adam!

Adam Lean, founder of the CFO Project, shares his journey from being an accountant to starting his own e-commerce business and eventually offering CFO advisory services. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the future and helping business owners improve their cash flow.

Adam believes that accountants should shift their focus from compliance work to providing valuable advisory services that help businesses grow. He created the CFO Project to teach accountants how to attract clients, sell high-ticket CFO services, and deliver results. Adam Lean shares his journey from architecture to accounting and entrepreneurship. He discusses the importance of gaining practical experience and the power of peer groups in achieving success. He emphasizes the need for hard work, the ability to identify problems, and the importance of protecting and leveraging influence as a leader.

Takeaways

- Accountants should shift their focus from compliance work to providing valuable advisory services that help businesses grow.

- Business owners care more about the future and improving their cash flow than the historical records.

- The CFO Project teaches accountants how to attract clients, sell high-ticket CFO services, and deliver results through a mentorship program.

- Joining peer groups and engaging with others who are going through similar experiences can provide valuable support and insights.

- Challenges are inevitable in business, and it's important to persevere and learn from them. - Identifying problems and finding solutions is essential for success as an accountant and entrepreneur.

- Leadership is about having influence and responsibly protecting and supporting others.

- Being an introvert doesn't hinder success in sales; caring for others and making them feel valued is key.

- Hard work, problem-solving, and protecting influence are essential for achieving success in business and leadership.

- Personal insights include being an introvert and the value of caring for others in sales.

Sound Bites

"Business owners care way more about having a better future than they do about ensuring that the past is recorded correctly."

"Everything that you do in business impacts cash flow. Cash flow is the only thing required to stay in business and to have a better business."

"Having those people that are living the same experiences as you right now is such a powerful tool towards your own success."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adam Lean and the CFO Project

02:43 Adam's Journey from Accountant to Entrepreneur

07:15 The Importance of Understanding Numbers in Business

10:46 The Shift from Historical to Future-Focused Accounting

20:08 The Birth of the CFO Project and the Mentorship Program

27:30 The Value of Practical Mentorship in Accounting

38:35 The Power of Peer Groups in Achieving Success

43:17 Lessons Learned from Business Challenges

51:36 Protecting and Leveraging Influence as a Leader

56:23 Success in Sales as an Introvert

59:48 The Value of Hard Work and Problem-Solving

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

LinkedIn business - https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecfoproject/

The CFO Project - https://thecfoproject.com/start-a-cfo-service?utm_campaign=3NF57QJ&utm_source=Protea-Financial&utm_medium=partners

Stacey Feldman, partner COO at FullSend Finance, shares her journey in the accounting world and the lessons she learned along the way.

From majoring in accounting to working at startups like PopSockets, Stacey's career has been defined by her adventurous and ambitious spirit. She emphasizes the importance of being open to opportunities, taking initiative, and being comfortable asking questions. Stacey also discusses the challenges and rewards of working in the startup environment, building a strong company culture, and balancing work and personal life.

Stacey and Zane discuss the importance of work-life balance and how to prioritize different areas of life based on their needs. They also talk about the significance of leading by example as a leader or entrepreneur and how it contributes to building a strong culture. Stacey shares her personal challenges and how she overcame self-doubt. They emphasize the power of community and the importance of leveraging support networks.

Takeaways

- Be open to opportunities and take initiative to pursue them

- Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance

- Working in a startup environment requires adaptability and a willingness to take on various roles

- Building a strong company culture is essential for success

- Finding a balance between work and personal life is crucial for long-term happiness and productivity

- Leading by example as a leader or entrepreneur is crucial in building a strong culture and showing your team that it's okay to prioritize other aspects of life.

- Challenges and self-doubt are common in entrepreneurship, and it's important to leverage your network and seek support to overcome them.

- Being part of a supportive community and leveraging the knowledge and experiences of others is essential for personal and professional growth.

Sound Bites

"We recognize that everyone is human and we have the power now in our positions to bring that humanness into business."

"I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I wanted to build something and I want to own it and kind of grow with it."

"I've never really been much intimidated by certain people of different stature or different roles. We all are people and there's always a way to connect."

"Different parts of your life are going to need different amounts of your time at different periods in time."

"As long as you keep focused on all those things that are important for you, you will feel satisfied."

"The optics of being a leader or being an entrepreneur is sometimes understated in certain cultures of how important it is to lead by example."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:15 Recognizing the Importance of Humanness in Business

08:13 Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur

19:12 Embracing Opportunities and Building Connections

24:12 Building a Strong Company Culture

35:30 Finding Work-Life Balance and Productivity

38:21 Leading by Example

41:48 Data Intelligence for Small Businesses

46:04 Overcoming Challenges and Self-Doubt

49:07 The Power of Community

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

LinkedIn business - https://www.linkedin.com/company/gofullsend/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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-/

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/