She Counts

Questian Telka, EA & Nancy McClelland, CPA
  • 4.7 (16)
  • CAREERS

She Counts brings together respected educators Nancy McClelland, CPA, and Questian Telka, EA, for candid conversations about what it’s really like to be a woman in accounting. Whether you’re in corporate, at a firm, or running your own show, this podcast offers a space to feel seen, heard, and understood. From taboo topics to everyday challenges, She Counts is more than a podcast—it’s a community where women in accounting, tax, and bookkeeping can come together and get real.

Episodes

  1. Designed Without Us

    OCT 8

    Designed Without Us

    Twyla Verhelst joins Nancy and Questian to explore why women accountants are slower to adopt AI and why that matters more than you might think. From biological risk aversion to the "cheating" stigma, Twyla unpacks the unique barriers women face with technology while revealing how every prompt we enter (or don't enter) is actively training these tools. If we don't take our seats at the AI table now, we're allowing these transformative technologies to be designed without our input, our communication style, and our needs in mind. SponsorsForwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecountsJustine Lackey's The Incubator - https://justinelackey.com/registerKeeper  -  https://keeper.app/shecounts/ (00:00) - Welcome to She Counts Podcast (03:42) - Twyla's Journey with AI (06:38) - Challenges Women Face with Technology (19:37) - The Importance of Women's Input in AI (27:19) - Real-World Examples of Gender Bias in Tech (35:26) - Encouragement and Tips for Women in AI (41:41) - The Value and Risks of AI Tools (42:04) - Women and Technology Adoption (44:35) - Learning in Community (49:28) - Practical Uses of AI (52:12) - The Importance of Communication (57:31) - Meeting Transcripts and Note-Taking (01:02:24) - Fun and Practical AI Applications (01:05:44) - Twyla's Role in AI Education (01:07:25) - Conclusion and Resources ResourcesTwyla Verhelst on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/twylav/TB Academy (Twyla & Byron’s AI classes) - https://learn.tbacademy.ai/coursesKarbon - https://karbonhq.com/mid-sized-firms/Erin Pohan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinpohan/WAVE - https://cec4-erin.systeme.io/0cc9baddBookkeeping Buds - https://www.bookkeepingbuds.com/Theresa Sutter on Bookkeepers on Fire - Bookkeeper On Fire | Theresa Sutter - YouTubeAshley Francis on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-francis-seattle/Jennifer Dymond - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenndymond/Scaling New Heights - https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights-2026Mary Delaney, Karbon CEO - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marywdelaney/Chad Davis - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaddavis1/Jason Staats - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jstaats/Tam Nguyen - TechwithTam.comMike McDerment, Freshbooks Founder on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mcderment-68895a1/Cheryl Sandberg - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sandberg-5126652/ Join Our LinkedIn Page! https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcast Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcast Follow She Counts on IG https://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/ Connect with Nancy https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa Connect with Questian https://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666 Thank you to our sponsors! https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts https://womeninaccounting.ignitionapp.com/ https://keeper.app/shecounts/ Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast https://www.earmark.app/ This podcast is a production of Earmark Media

    1h 12m
  2. Amplifying Women Who Count: The Wave of Women’s Conferences Shaping Accounting

    SEP 24

    Amplifying Women Who Count: The Wave of Women’s Conferences Shaping Accounting

    Nancy and Questian sit down with three powerhouse conference organizers who are reshaping the accounting event landscape: Sharrin Fuller (AFWA Women Who Count), Erin Pohan (WAVE Conference), and Madeline Reeves (Advisory Amplified tour). These women discuss pricing psychology shaped by wage gaps, navigating traditional gender roles as primary breadwinners, and why smaller, women-led conferences create space for vulnerability and real connection that larger industry events often miss. The conversation explores everything from the loneliness of firm ownership to getting a seat at the table without being labeled "emotional," and highlights three of the most important educational opportunities of the year. SponsorsForwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecountsJustine Lackey's The Incubator - https://justinelackey.com/registerKeeper  -  https://keeper.app/shecounts/ (00:00) - Welcome to She Counts (01:55) - Meet the Powerhouse Women (04:55) - Nancy and Questian's First Meeting Story and Conferences (08:55) - Spotlight on Wave Conference (09:58) - Spotlight on Women Who Count Conference (12:39) - Spotlight on Advisory Amplified Tour (21:09) - Unique Aspects of Each Conference (25:24) - Community and Collaboration (30:00) - Expanding the Event Beyond the Day (37:22) - Vendor Involvement in Conferences (43:56) - Challenges and Misconceptions in Women-Led Conferences (48:42) - The Importance of Women-Led Conferences (56:40) - Topics Women in Accounting Want to Discuss (01:01:43) - The Impact of Women's Conferences (01:03:02) - Conclusion and Call to Action ResourcesMadeline Reeves on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinefearless/Sharrin Fuller on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharrinfuller/Erin Pohan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinpohan/Advisory Amplified - https://www.advisoryamplified.com/Women Who Count - https://www.afwa.org/women-who-count/WAVE - https://cec4-erin.systeme.io/0cc9baddTwyla Verhelst on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/twylav/Twyla & Byron’s AI class - https://learn.tbacademy.ai/coursesCindy Schroeder on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brightbooks/Bookkeeping Buds - https://www.bookkeepingbuds.com/Carla Caldwell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlacaldwell/Mariette Martinez on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariettemartinez/Bridging the Gap Conference - https://www.btgconference.com/ Join Our LinkedIn Page! https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcast Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcast Follow She Counts on IG https://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/ Connect with Nancy https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa Connect with Questian https://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666 Thank you to our sponsors! https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts https://womeninaccounting.ignitionapp.com/ https://keeper.app/shecounts/ Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast https://www.earmark.app/ This podcast is a production of Earmark Media

    1 hr
  3. Build The Business You Really Want

    SEP 10

    Build The Business You Really Want

    Justine Lackey thought she wanted to build a million-dollar bookkeeping firm – until she recognized the roadmap to get there was literally causing her physical pain. She realized that chasing revenue without building systems creates a "runaway bus" business, and rebuilt her company to harness sustainable growth and serve clients better. She shares the difference between vertical growth (more clients, more money) and lateral growth (better processes, stronger foundation) and reveals the mindset shift that helped her see her firm as a sellable asset… and why she now teaches other women to define success on their own terms. SponsorsForwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecountsJustine Lackey's The Incubator - https://justinelackey.com/registerKeeper  -  https://keeper.app/shecounts/ (00:00) - Welcome to She Counts (02:30) - The Accidental Virtual Bookkeeper (05:10) - Learning What You Actually Want (07:40) - The Biggest Mistakes: Lack of Clarity and External Pressure (11:40) - The Road to 3 Million and Physical Pain (16:10) - Ethical Leadership and Hard Conversations (20:33) - Client Relationships and Being Nice (24:43) - Lateral Growth vs Vertical Growth (30:23) - What Happens When You Skip the Foundation (35:44) - Every Firm Owner Wants Help (39:44) - Technology as People: Finding Your Fit (45:44) - Building an Asset You Can Sell (52:41) - The Modern Firm Challenge (58:21) - Where to Find Justine and Final Thoughts Resources:Justine Lackey on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinelackey/The Modern Firm Challenge with Justine LackeyRedesign How You Work, Think, and Earn With This 5-Day, High-Touch Guided Experience September 15th - September 20th, 1-2pm ET on Zoom  Register here - justinelackey.com/registerDay One The 5-Star Client Experience - Systemize the 4 steps to pristine, polished bookkeeping no matter what your client’s business is, or what their books look like Day Two Client Onboarding Secrets - My secrets for getting every client started on the right foot so they pay, stay, and do things YOUR way Day Three The Month-End Close Workflow - Learn to nail your month-end deadlines so you can stress less, and earn more. Day Four Pricing Confidence – Discover how to raise your rates without fear, attract clients who respect your value, and talk about pricing with ease. Day Five  YOUR Business Breakthrough LIVE – Bring your top business challenge for rapid-fire 1:1 coaching. PLUS, discover my Two-Minute Tool to crush overwhelm and create a clear, step-by-step action plan—no matter what you’re facing. ‘Ask a CPA’ free “Bookkeeper’s Guide to Annual Reviews” - https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/bookkeepers-guide-to-annual-reviews/Melissa Miller-Furgeson: “Defining & Attracting YOUR Ideal Client” - https://youtu.be/3TQl5jpGYjk?si=4c9pf3YOQCPjUGnz&t=989“Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You” by John Warrillow - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10075698-built-to-sell Join Our LinkedIn Page! https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcast Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcast Follow She Counts on IG https://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/ Connect with Nancy https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa Connect with Questian https://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666 Thank you to our sponsors! https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts https://keeper.app/shecounts/ Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast https://www.earmark.app/ This podcast is a production of Earmark Media

    1h 2m
  4. Still Under Glass

    AUG 27

    Still Under Glass

    The accounting profession starts with gender parity… but ends with a massive leadership gap – and the discrepancy has nothing to do with either talent or capability. This episode examines the structural issues that cause firms to lose women mid-career, from unconscious bias in performance reviews to assumptions about working mothers. Nancy and Questian break down the research on interruption patterns, pay disparities, and the "motherhood penalty," then offer concrete ways leaders can create more equitable pathways to partnership. SponsorsForwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecountsJustine Lackey's The Incubator - https://justinelackey.com/registerKeeper  -  https://keeper.app/shecounts/ (00:00) - Introduction and Episode Overview (01:18) - The Gender Gap in Accounting Leadership (02:46) - Challenges Women Face in the Workplace (07:41) - Personal Stories and Experiences (11:35) - Addressing Unconscious Bias (22:38) - Actionable Solutions for Change (30:25) - A Friend's Struggle and Workplace Flexibility (31:13) - The Pay Cut and Its Long-Term Impact (32:58) - The Importance of Flexibility in the Workplace (34:48) - Luma Accounting: A Solution for Flexible Work (36:57) - Closing the Gender Pay Gap (39:00) - Transparency in Compensation (42:01) - Negotiation Challenges for Women (46:03) - Client Assignments and Competence (46:55) - Training and Support for Business Growth (49:29) - Addressing Microaggressions and Bias (54:05) - Intentional Leadership and Cultural Change (55:33) - Final Thoughts and Call to Action ResourcesDespite equal entry rates, women hold only about 19% of partner positions in CPA firms nationwide.https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/landing/diversity-equity-and-inclusionhttps://www.icpas.org/information/copy-desk/insight/article/spring-2023/inspiring-progress-a-look-at-the-state-of-women-in-accountingIn broader business contexts, women occupy 14.3% of executive officer roles.https://us.aicpa.org/career/womenintheprofession/genderissues?utm_source=chatgpt.com3 Ways to Empower the Women at Your Firm - Jodi Chavez of CPA Practice AdvisorWhy women leave firms — and what we can do about it - Joey Havens of Journal of AccountancyRobin Williams - The Day Dad Made Toast” from “Free To Be… a Family”https://youtu.be/cIVnuzRf2fE?si=gEDRslsh2DqgkTK9Women+Workplaces - a community for workplaces that see the value of workers long on skills but short on time and specific availability, and women that have great skills and want to work but need jobs that can accommodate personal situations.https://sites.google.com/rawbookspdx.com/womenplusworkplaces/homeJason Ackerman on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlackerman/SPONSORS: Forwardly, Justine Lackey's The Incubator, Keeper, Join Our LinkedIn Page! https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcast Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcast Follow She Counts on IG https://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/ Connect with Nancy https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa Connect with Questian https://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666 Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast https://www.earmark.app/ This podcast is a production of Earmark Media

    58 min
  5. The Elevation of Empathy

    AUG 13

    The Elevation of Empathy

    Dawn Brolin, CPA, CFE and author of "The Elevation of Empathy," shares her raw story of surviving a toxic partnership where she endured cruel comments about her weight and appearance, and how that shaped her perspective on leading with empathy. Through personal examples including her own leadership failures at work and lessons from her time as a softball coach, Dawn reveals how empathy can be cultivated, practiced, and wielded as a strategic advantage. The conversation tackles the unique challenges women face when leading with empathy, the emotional labor often expected of female managers, and why caring for others doesn't make you weak – but does make you dangerous to systems built on indifference. SponsorsForwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecountsJustine Lackey's The Incubator - https://justinelackey.com/registerKeeper  -  https://keeper.app/shecounts/ (00:00) - Introduction & Welcome (01:28) - Meet Dawn Brolin - The Designated Motivator (02:28) - What Motivated the Book (04:28) - Partnership Pain (07:28) - Learning From Bad Examples (11:28) - Unconditional Love, Conditional Involvement (14:28) - How to Address Lack of Empathy in Others (16:28) - Empathy Can Be Learned (24:35) - Dawn's Leadership Fail - The Softball Story (28:35) - Tools for Building Empathy - Practice Mindfulness (37:27) - Asking for Feedback as a Leader (41:57) - Validation vs. Solutions (43:57) - Women Penalized for Empathy at Work (45:57) - Managing Team Wellbeing - The Extra Load (54:54) - "I Hurt and I Keep Going" (59:51) - Vulnerability as Strength Panel (01:01:51) - Give and Accept Empathy (01:06:51) - Closing Quote LinksDawn Brolin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbrolin/Dawn Brolin “The Elevation of Empathy” book - https://dawnbrolin.com/books/Accounting Cornerstone Foundation - https://accountingcornerstone.org/Crisis Text Line - https://www.crisistextline.org/Randy Crabtree’s Unique CPA podcast - https://tri-merit.com/podcast/presenting-the-she-counts-podcast/Bridging the Gap conference - https://www.btgconference.com/Brad Smith - https://braddsmith.com/John Garrett - What’s Your ‘And?’ - https://whatsyourand.com/Mike Payne on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpaynejdcpa/Kellie Parks on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-parks/Catalyst 2022 Study - https://www.catalyst.org/insights/2022/emotional-tax-teamsDeloitte, “Women @ Work 2023: A Global Outlook” - https://www.deloitte.com/content/dam/assets-shared/docs/collections/2023/deloitte-women-at-work-2023-a-global-outlook.pdfKatelyn Carey TEDx Talk: “The Problem with Empathy” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=987xaGgb2XQThe Audre Lorde Project - https://alp.org/Join Our LinkedIn Page! https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcast Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcast Follow She Counts on IG https://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/ Connect with Nancy https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa Connect with Questian https://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666 Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast https://www.earmark.app/ This podcast is a production of Earmark Media

    1h 3m
  6. Don’t Call Me Darlin’

    JUL 30

    Don’t Call Me Darlin’

    Nicole Davis, Forbes Top 200 CPA and CEO of Conscious Accounting, shares her journey from being called "darling" in client meetings to becoming a force who dominates every room she enters. She candidly offers advice on how to feel like you own a room… that wasn’t “built” with you in mind. She reveals how true power isn't about titles or corner offices, it's about owning your story and making others accept who you are on your terms. Nicole discusses why women are uniquely positioned to lead the AI revolution in accounting, the critical difference between mentorship and sponsorship, and how showing up as your authentic self gives others permission to do the same. SponsorsForwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecountsJustine Lackey's The Incubator - https://justinelackey.com/registerKeeper  -  https://keeper.app/shecounts/ (00:00) - Introduction and Episode Overview (01:19) - Meet Our Guest: Nicole Davis (03:01) - The Story Behind 'Don't Call Me Darling' (05:25) - Defining Dominance and Power (11:32) - Representation and Role Models (19:04) - Breaking Barriers in Male-Dominated Fields (26:12) - Proving Yourself and Gaining Respect (36:59) - Maintaining Leadership Identity (37:47) - Balancing Warmth and Firmness (39:57) - Flying Your Freak Flag (42:47) - Embracing AI in the Workplace (49:42) - Women and Tech: A Perfect Match (01:02:16) - The Power of Sponsorship (01:07:17) - Final Thoughts and Farewell LinksNicole Davis on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoledaviscpa/Nicole Davis in recent Forbes article - https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2025/07/01/getting-to-know-you-tuesday-nicole-davis-cpa/Kelly Phillips Erb on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/taxgirl/Ruth Bader Ginsburg quote: “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception.” - https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/10433440-women-belong-in-all-places-where-decisions-are-being-madePresence is Power - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23168536-presence-is-powerTheatre of Public Speaking Fall Cohort begins August 6th! - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/bundles/tops-fall25?ref=857055 - contact shecounts@thedancingaccountant.com for a 20% off discount codeAshley Francis on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-francis-seattle/Lisa Simpson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasimpsoncpa/AICPA Town Halls on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkLAoUtMuQEP70ZfJdnL_nFmaBRl5C_HQJeff Drew on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdrewjoa/“Rewrite the guest list so that your name is on it.”Fabulous Nicole Davis quotes: "I used to do things to prove others wrong, but now I do things to prove myself right.""Authenticity is your permission slip."“Flying your freak flag is like broadcasting your wifi – others will get your signal!”"Mentors guide but sponsors vouch." Join Our LinkedIn Page! https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcast Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcast Follow She Counts on IG https://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/ Connect with Nancy https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa Connect with Questian https://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666 Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast https://www.earmark.app/ This podcast is a production of Earmark Media

    1h 10m
  7. Space to Serve Well: The Beauty of Boundaries

    JUL 16

    Space to Serve Well: The Beauty of Boundaries

    Recorded live at Scaling New Heights, Nayo Carter-Gray shares her hard-won wisdom on setting client boundaries, and her frustration in receiving a scathing one-star review that turned into a teaching moment. From effective communication skills, to tools such as using answering services and shared email inboxes, to crafting the perfect out-of-office message and managing client expectations through education… she reveals how clear strategies and proactive systems create better client relationships, not damaged ones. You'll learn why "no" is a complete sentence and discover practical tools to protect your time without the guilt. SponsorsForwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecountsIgnition  - https://www.ignitionapp.com Keeper  -  https://keeper.app/shecounts/ (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome (01:34) - First In-Person Podcast and Guest Introduction (02:03) - Episode Topic: The Beauty of Boundaries (03:29) - Nayo's One Star Review Story (07:02) - Setting Boundaries in Client Relationships (13:42) - Automation and Client Communication (25:16) - Effective Communication Strategies (28:19) - Team Communication and Client Management (29:12) - Shared Email Inboxes and Tools (30:10) - Setting Realistic Expectations (31:29) - Time Management Techniques (33:52) - Importance of Personal Time (35:58) - Proactive Communication and Boundaries (38:22) - Email Management Strategies (49:16) - Acknowledgements and Closing Remarks Links mentioned in this episode:Nayo Carter-Gray  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayocartergray/First Step Accounting - https://1ststepaccounting.com/about/Accounting Cornerstone Foundation - https://accountingcornerstone.org/Bridging the Gap conference - https://www.btgconference.com/The Net Gains - https://www.thenetgains.co/Scaling New Heights - https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights-2026Hope Brown on LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hope-brown-msa-afsp-463a44239/Insightful Accountant - https://insightfulaccountant.com/The Proposal & Beyond: Designing an Effortless Client Onboarding Experience - Insightful Accountant w/ Questian Telka - https://hubs.li/Q03wDSSD0Out-of-Office Message Template:Dear [Client's Name], From [start date] to [end date], I’ll be taking some much-needed time off. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name]. I value our partnership and assure you that all tasks will be handled with the same dedication and efficiency. Join Our LinkedIn Page! https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcast Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcast Follow She Counts on IG https://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/ Connect with Nancy https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa Connect with Questian https://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666 Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast https://www.earmark.app/ This podcast is a production of Earmark Media

    53 min
  8. Do It Anyway

    JUL 2

    Do It Anyway

    Nancy and Questian dive deep into the difference between fearlessness and courage, sharing vulnerable stories: about becoming a dancer at age 40, speaking to a room of hundreds of people, and starting their own businesses. They explore why saying "don't be afraid" misses the point—true courage isn't the absence of fear, but choosing to act despite it. From imposter syndrome to asking for money, they discuss the specific fears women in accounting face and offer practical tools, such as: affirmations; breaking down scary tasks; remembering your “why”; and borrowing confidence from mentors. SponsorsForwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecountsIgnition  - https://www.ignitionapp.com Keeper  -  https://keeper.app/shecounts/ (00:00) - Welcome to She Counts: Today's Topic: Courage and Overcoming Fear (01:26) - Nancy's Story: Dancing at 40 (06:48) - Questian's Story: Improv Class Challenge (13:24) - Facing Public Speaking Fears (19:21) - The Importance of Vulnerability (26:44) - Balancing Family and Career (32:02) - Challenges of Running Your Own Firm (35:16) - Embracing Fear and Doing It Anyway (39:53) - Overcoming Fear of Heights: Skydiving Story (42:54) - The Power of Training and Facing Fears (47:10) - Affirmations and Tools for Facing Fear (55:47) - The Importance of Community and Mentorship (01:02:36) - Final Thoughts and Encouragement Links mentioned in this episode:Ashley Francis - Kitchen Table Automations - https://www.kta.ai/Financial Cents WorkflowCon - Nancy teaches the Time Warp - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dwFyP3M824&t=437sKate Johnson - Bookkeeping Side Hustle - https://www.youtube.com/live/0Ze2ayjEFSkMisty Megia - https://www.instagram.com/misty_megia/Geni Whitehouse - https://geniwhitehouse.com/ Join Our LinkedIn Page! https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcast Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcast Follow She Counts on IG https://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/ Connect with Nancy https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa Connect with Questian https://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666 Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast https://www.earmark.app/ This podcast is a production of Earmark Media

    1h 7m
  9. Break Free From Burnout

    JUN 18

    Break Free From Burnout

    Burnout coach and CPA Lynnette Oss Connell joins us and shares her personal journey from running a successful accounting practice while juggling five kids, to recognizing and addressing signs of complete burnout. She explains how women experience burnout differently than men due to biological and social factors, and why 99% of accountants struggle with chronic stress. Lynnette introduces the concept of time versus energy management audits, as well as different strategies for burnout prevention versus recovery. Lastly, we discuss the critical importance of building authentic community before crisis hits. SponsorsForwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecountsIgnition  - https://www.ignitionapp.com Keeper  -  https://keeper.app/shecounts/ (00:00) - Welcome to She Counts (00:44) - Introducing the Topic: Break Free from Burnout (00:58) - Meet Lynnette Oss Connell: The Burnout Bestie (02:25) - Lynnette's Journey Through Burnout (03:45) - The Importance of Community and Support (06:21) - Balancing Efficiency and Emotional Well-being (15:08) - Energy Audits and Work-Life Balance (20:47) - Lynnette's Decision to Transition Out of Her Firm (24:08) - Understanding Burnout in Accounting (27:28) - Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout (31:50) - The Gift of Reactivity in Retail (32:49) - Burnout in Women: A Unique Experience (33:13) - Understanding Stress Responses (35:52) - Symptoms and Diagnosis of Burnout (39:38) - Prevention vs. Recovery (44:00) - Subtle Red Flags of Burnout (46:48) - Building Resilience and Community (54:13) - Personal Stories and Final Thoughts Links: Lynnette Oss Connell’s website - https://www.burnoutbestie.com/Lynnette Oss Connell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnette-oss-connell-cpa/Lynnette Oss Connell on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/burnoutbestie/Theatre of Public Speaking - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/bundles/tops-fall25?ref=85705599% of Accountants Suffer Burnout: Study - https://www.cfodive.com/news/most-accountants-suffer-burnout-study/627850/Book - “Burnout: the Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” by Emily & Amelia Nagoski - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42397849-burnoutBridging The Gap panel hosted by Questian - https://www.btgconference.com/event/tech-ai-bounce-back-build-forward/Shirley Koss on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleykoss/Will Lopez on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wlopezjr/Join Our LinkedIn Page! https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcast Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcast Follow She Counts on IG https://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/ Connect with Nancy https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa Connect with Questian https://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666 Thank you to our sponsors! https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts https://womeninaccounting.ignitionapp.com/ https://keeper.app/shecounts/ Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast https://www.earmark.app/ This podcast is a production of Earmark Media

    1h 6m
  10. How to Make Business Happen When Life Happens

    JUN 4

    How to Make Business Happen When Life Happens

    What do you do when your world falls apart—but the deadlines don’t stop? In this deeply personal episode, we’re getting real about the moments that nearly broke us. Nancy shares what it was like to run a firm while surviving months without being able to sit or lie down due to seizures. Questian opens up about her son’s sudden hospitalization and the toll it took on her body, business, and spirit. We talk about the pressure women in accounting feel to keep it together, to "suck it up," even in the middle of a crisis—and why perfectionism is a lie that keeps us isolated. We explore how transparency and community support can be lifelines when life feels impossible, and talk through actionable recommendations for how we can help each other manage personal emergencies while duty calls. SponsorsForwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecountsIgnition  - https://www.ignitionapp.com Keeper  -  https://keeper.app/shecounts/ (00:00) - Welcome to She Counts (01:02) - Nancy's Personal Story of Medical Crisis (04:03) - Support Systems and Client Management (14:02) - Question's Story: Navigating Personal Trauma (19:49) - The Importance of Empathy and Community (28:10) - Practical Tips for Supporting Others (32:55) - Challenges Women Face in Accounting (34:11) - Breaking Point: Embracing Vulnerability (35:32) - Redefining Resilience (39:10) - Managing Expectations and Mental Health (44:16) - The Power of Communication (46:40) - Building Support Systems (50:28) - Practical Solutions and Automation (55:27) - Planning for Unplanned Absences (57:47) - Final Thoughts and Resources Links Bookkeeping Buds - https://www.bookkeepingbuds.com/Mindy Leubke - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindyluebke/Brene Brown - https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-on-shame-and-accountability/Lynnette Oss Connell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnette-oss-connell-cpa/Bridging The Gap conference - https://www.btgconference.com/Jennifer Dymond - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenndymond/Scaling New Heights - https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights-2025Erin Pohan’s Scariest Part of Running a Firm - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/erinpohan_scariest-part-of-running-a-firm-the-unexpected-activity-7316932835863416832-65kJ/Dawn Brolin’s “The Elevation of Empathy” - https://www.amazon.com/Elevation-Empathy-Leading-WIN/dp/B0F2FFXY61Join Our LinkedIn Page!https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcast Follow She Counts on IG https://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/ Connect with Nancyhttps://www.thedancingaccountant.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa Connect with Questianhttps://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666 Subscribe on YouTube Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcasthttps://www.earmark.app/ This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

    1h 2m
  11. She Believed in Me - Before I Did

    MAY 21

    She Believed in Me - Before I Did

    Mentorship can transform careers, yet women in accounting often struggle to find female leaders to guide them - despite equal numbers entering the profession, only 19% of partners are women. Questian and Nancy explore how seeing someone who looks like you succeed makes your own success feel possible, sharing personal stories of mentors who believed in them before they believed in themselves. The hosts discuss both the psychology behind effective mentorship and practical ways to find mentors who align with your values, regardless of their age or position. SponsorsForwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecountsIgnition  - https://www.ignitionapp.com Keeper  -  https://keeper.app/shecounts/ (00:00) - Welcome to She Counts (00:50) - Episode Theme: Mentorship (01:58) - The Importance of Female Mentors (05:57) - Challenges Women Face in Leadership (09:23) - Benefits of Mentorship (17:41) - Different Types of Mentorship (29:23) - Personal Experiences with Mentorship (39:43) - The Power of Visibility (45:44) - The Impact of Affirmation and Mirror Neurons (48:45) - Personal Mentorship Stories (52:34) - Finding and Asking for Mentorship (01:07:14) - Gender Dynamics in Mentorship (01:13:45) - Conclusion and Call to Action Links mentioned in this episode  Bridging The Gap conference - https://www.btgconference.com/Theatre of Public Speaking - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/bundles/tops-fall25?ref=857055Nancy’s ‘Ask a CPA’ community free bookkeepers’ annual review checklist https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/bookkeepers-guide-to-annual-reviews/Bookkeeping Buds - https://www.bookkeepingbuds.com/The Unique CPA Podcast Presents “She Counts” - https://tri-merit.com/podcast/presenting-the-she-counts-podcast/Join Our LinkedIn Page!https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcast Follow She Counts on IG https://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/ Connect with Nancyhttps://www.thedancingaccountant.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa Connect with Questianhttps://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666 Subscribe on YouTube Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcasthttps://www.earmark.app/ This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

    1h 11m
  12. She Counts

    MAY 21

    She Counts

    Nancy McClelland and Questian Telka introduce their new podcast dedicated to women in accounting, sharing their unconventional paths into the profession and the friendship that sparked this project. They discuss their mission to create an authentic community where women can share challenges and triumphs without filtering, preview over 50 future topics they've accumulated over two years, and explain how their "conversational chemistry" transformed casual chats into a platform for collective wisdom. Through personal stories about struggles with confidence, education, and finding community, they establish that this isn't about preaching solutions, but creating a space where everyone's voice counts. SponsorsForwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecountsIgnition  - https://www.ignitionapp.com Keeper  -  https://keeper.app/shecounts/ (00:00) - Welcome to She Counts (01:07) - The Importance of Community (04:00) - Why We Started This Podcast (09:29) - Podcast Structure and Topics (15:46) - Guest Appearances and Listener Engagement (21:09) - What This Podcast Will Not Be (24:43) - Hosts' Backgrounds and Journey (29:54) - A Transformational Move to Chicago (35:01) - A Non-Traditional Path to Success (45:51) - The Importance of Mentorship (49:27) - A Life-Changing Birth and New Perspectives (53:04) - The Power of Nonprofit Work (54:41) - The Genesis of the Podcast (01:01:12) - Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes Links mentioned in this episode  Nancy’s ‘Ask a CPA’ community free bookkeepers’ annual review checklist https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/bookkeepers-guide-to-annual-reviews/Bookkeeping Buds - https://www.bookkeepingbuds.com/The Unique CPA Podcast Presents “She Counts” - https://tri-merit.com/podcast/presenting-the-she-counts-podcast/Join Our LinkedIn Page!https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcastConnect with Nancy https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa Follow She Counts on IG https://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/ Connect with Questianhttps://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666 Subscribe on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcast Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcasthttps://www.earmark.app/ This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

    58 min
  • 12 Episodes

4.7
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

She Counts brings together respected educators Nancy McClelland, CPA, and Questian Telka, EA, for candid conversations about what it’s really like to be a woman in accounting. Whether you’re in corporate, at a firm, or running your own show, this podcast offers a space to feel seen, heard, and understood. From taboo topics to everyday challenges, She Counts is more than a podcast—it’s a community where women in accounting, tax, and bookkeeping can come together and get real.

Information

  • Creator
    Questian Telka, EA & Nancy McClelland, CPA
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Questian Telka, EA & Nancy McClelland, CPA

You Might Also Like