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 attracted her ideal clients and fostered a vibrant company culture. We explore her insights on building trust, leveraging personal strengths, and creating environments where professionals thrive both personally and professionally.

Main Topics:

- Nancy’s unconventional path from music education to accounting, and how mentorship shaped her career

- The importance of authenticity and embracing quirks to attract the right clients

- How to build a strong, human-centered company culture in remote and hybrid teams

- The significance of asking for what you want and building your opportunities proactively

- The impact of community involvement and personal branding in business growth

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Nancy McClelland and her unique background

00:45 - Nancy’s move from music education to accounting and mentorship

01:38 - How Nancy's environment in Mexico supports her health and work-life balance

03:07 - Navigating remote work and the pandemic’s impact on her business

04:19 - Building company culture and maintaining team connection remotely

12:14 - Nancy’s journey to becoming an accountant and her early influences

13:02 - The role of mentorship in Nancy’s career path

16:19 - How Nancy’s community efforts support bookkeepers and CPAs

17:04 - The challenges and joys of starting her own firm

20:36 - Balancing work, life, and health through intentional choices

22:09 - Building a business that aligns with personal passions and strengths

27:12 - The importance of community support and local engagement

32:16 - The value of hiring strategically and focusing on your strengths

37:42 - How personal passions can foster better client relationships

41:11 - The importance of collaboration between bookkeepers and tax professionals

44:01 - Nancy’s "She Counts" podcast: creating a safe space for women in accounting

49:14 - Advice for new entrants: be true to yourself and take proactive steps

Connect with Nancy:

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa/

She Counts Podcast - https://shecounts.show/

Ask an Accountant - https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/ask-a-cpa-landing/

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 anyone considering a similar leap. Katie's story is one of courage and determination. Transitioning from a secure career in accounting to the unpredictable world of marketing is no small feat.

The Journey from Accounting to Marketing Katie’s path to marketing was not as straightforward as one might think. Initially, she built websites and dabbled in marketing during her teenage years, growing up in a family business environment. This early exposure ignited her passion for marketing, which she pursued alongside her education in accounting.

Katie's journey from accounting to a successful marketing career serves as an inspiring narrative for anyone contemplating a leap into the unknown. Her story reveals that embracing change, overcoming doubts, and building a strong network are crucial elements of success.

Key takeaways:

- Embrace your passions and be willing to take risks.

- Build relationships and network actively.

- Accept rejection as part of the process and learn from it.

Connect with Katie: Personal

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

Leaders Online - https://leaders-online.com/

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 all sizes can leverage international talent pools effectively.

In this episode:

- The difference between agency sourcing and direct ownership offshoring

- How to build and manage a global team without high physical infrastructure costs

- Key legal, compliance, and cultural considerations for offshore hiring

- Why Argentina and South Africa are emerging as popular offshoring destinations

- Anshul’s personal journey from studying in the US to founding an international consulting business

- Common myths and misconceptions about offshoring and how to address them

- Practical advice for accountants and entrepreneurs looking to go global

- The role of education and mindset shifts in overcoming old-school stigmas

- Actionable tips on how to start small with testing offshore arrangements

For those considering offshoring, Anshul emphasizes the importance of education, starting small, and addressing misconceptions. His approach makes global talent accessible for firms of all sizes, helping you solve your biggest business challenges by leveraging international resources.

Connect with Anshul:

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshul12/

June15 Consulting - https://www.june15consulting.com/