Protea Conversations

Zane Stevens
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  • Business

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.

  1. 15h ago

    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 Bill.com. From there he ran a $100M venture fund, got hooked on what AI could actually do, and eventually built Ping — the "client intelligence" platform now used by firms from top-20 shops down to solo practitioners. In this episode, Camden and Zane get into why the word "advisory" has become meaningless in the accounting industry, why Camden thinks firms should be building an MRC instead of a CRM, what it actually takes to make AI agents useful for client work, and the one thing every firm needs to do right now to be ready for what's coming. They also swap new-dad stories, talk about why Camden dropped out of school, and close out with a rapid-fire round covering audiobooks at 2x speed and butter chicken. Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome, Camden Bean 03:50 — Studying accounting, then dropping out to join Divi full-time 07:12 — His honest take on the four-year college degree 09:32 — Inside Divi's early days: unpaid intern to core team 13:39 — Raising and running a $100M venture fund 16:05 — The idea that became Ping 21:28 — Why an engineering-only support team changes everything 23:52 — Building and motivating a team without leaning on money 34:41 — Why Ping stays laser-focused on accounting, not every industry 37:11 — Forget the CRM — build an MRC (Managing Relationships with Clients) 43:35 — Camden's #1 piece of advice for firms getting ready for AI agents 45:21 — Fatherhood, free time, and what's next 46:55 — Rapid-fire round Key Takeaways - "Advisory" has become a buzzword nobody can define. Camden argues the industry needs real, specific playbooks - Build an MRC, not a CRM. Static systems that just store client data aren't the point — the value is in a system that proactively surfaces what to do next. - AI-readiness starts with data aggregation. - Responsibility motivates more than money. - Relationships open the door; the product keeps people. Notable Quotes "Nobody knows what advisory means. It's all ethereal." "We're building the opposite of a CRM. We're building an MRC — we're helping you manage your relationships with your clients." "If you're not putting your data in a place that's easily queryable by other agents... that is the most important thing you can do right now." Connect with Camden LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/camden-bean/ Business - https://www.pingassistant.com/

    Camden Bean - Nobody knows what advisory is!

  2. Jul 22

    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 - 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/

    Chase Damiano - Mastering Leadership and Scaling Your Business

  3. Jul 12

    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 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/

    Jennifer Green - Scaling an Accounting Firm Without Losing Your Culture

  4. Jun 24

    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 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

    Seth Fineberg - How a Non-Accountant Revolutionized Thinking About the Future of Accounting

  5. Jun 10

    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 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/

    Diana Gleason - What I Gained from Gary Vaynerchuk's Mentorship

  6. May 27

    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 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/

    Cash East - The Courage to Take Big Swings

  7. May 13

    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. 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/

    Jeff Okrepkie - From Fire Recovery to Public Service

  8. May 6

    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 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/

    Paul Schwartz - Strategies for effective networking and communication
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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 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.

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