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 human connection in business, the transformative power of leadership, and the mission behind Dilan Consulting Group. Eugene shares insights on overcoming personal doubt, the significance of inclusion in leadership, and his aspirations for the future, including a new nonprofit initiative aimed at fostering community dialogue.

Takeaways

- Leadership is about understanding and connecting with people.

- Personal experiences shape our professional paths.

- Inclusion in decision-making fosters ownership and commitment.

- Transformative leadership requires empathy and understanding.

- Business should prioritize stakeholders over shareholders.

- Perseverance is key to overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship.

- Creating a safe space for dialogue is essential for growth.

- Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.

- Community engagement enhances personal and professional fulfillment.

- Every moment is an opportunity for co-creation.

Sound Bites

"Business is Human."

"You always have a choice."

"The difference between successful entrepreneurs is perseverance."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Psychology

02:42 Eugene's Journey to Psychology

10:21 Growing Up in Brooklyn: A Personal Narrative

19:41 Career Path: From Nonprofits to Consulting

27:32 Transformative Leadership: The Importance of Inclusion

30:56 Founding Delon Consulting Group

38:55 The Mission of Delon Consulting

42:18 Daily Operations and Community Engagement

47:42 Short-Term Goals and Future Aspirations

51:25 Overcoming Personal Doubt

53:25 Advice for Aspiring Leaders

56:30 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions

Connect with Eugene: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenedilan/

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 corporate role to consulting, her passion for helping small businesses, and her insights on work-life balance as a solopreneur. The conversation also touches on the significance of networking, learning from mistakes, and the personal joys of life outside of work.

Takeaways

- Jamie Skinner emphasizes the importance of following your passion in your career.

- The transition from a corporate job to consulting can be challenging but rewarding.

- Process improvement is a key focus for Jamie in her consulting work.

- Networking is crucial for success in entrepreneurship.

- Mistakes are a part of the journey; learning from them is essential.

- Being transparent with clients about mistakes fosters trust.

- Work-life balance is achievable with the right strategies.

- Small business owners often need guidance in financial management.

- Utilizing technology can enhance efficiency in business operations.

- Having a supportive partner can help manage family and work responsibilities.

Sound Bites

"This is what I want to do."

"I love being in the mountains."

"If you don't ask, the answer is always no."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Prodig Conversations

01:18 Journey into Accounting: Jamie Skinner's Story

06:36 Career Decisions: From Teaching to Accounting

12:28 Transforming Financial Processes in Healthcare

18:55 The Leap to Consulting: Challenges and Opportunities

26:27 The Role of a Consultant: More Than Just Numbers

30:41 Process Improvement: A Consultant's Passion

35:07 Balancing Work and Family Life

43:24 Future Goals: The Fiscal Guardian Club

48:42 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

56:55 Personal Insights: Beyond the Professional

01:02:11 Rapid Fire Questions: Fun Facts About Jamie

Connect with Jamie: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieskinnerreno/

Terrell Turner, founder of TL Turner Group, shares his journey in the accounting industry and the importance of curiosity and gaining diverse experiences.

He emphasizes the value of focusing on experiences rather than chasing titles or money. He also discusses the significance of understanding the human nature element in accounting and finance and how it can make you a valuable business partner. He shares his decision to start his own practice and the high-risk nature of entrepreneurship.

Terrell Turner, CPA shares his journey of starting his own accounting firm and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the importance of taking risks and having confidence in your skills. He also talks about the process of niching down and focusing on serving law firms, which led to the development of the Golden Age of Business framework. This framework helps set clear goals and expectations for team members and improves overall performance. Terrell emphasizes the importance of having hard conversations and making tough decisions as a leader.

He also shares a personal insight into his life and the lessons he learned from overcoming challenges.

takeaways

• Focus on gaining diverse experiences rather than chasing titles or money.
• Understand the human nature element in accounting and finance to become a valuable business partner.
• Stay curious and ask questions to continuously learn and understand different perspectives.
• Be prepared for high-pressure situations by gaining experience and practicing in low-risk environments.
• Entrepreneurship involves taking risks and being strategic in building a successful practice. Taking risks and having confidence in your skills can lead to success in starting your own business.
• Niching down and focusing on serving a specific industry can improve efficiency and performance.
• The Golden Age of Business framework helps set clear goals and expectations for team members.
• Leaders should not shy away from hard conversations and tough decisions.
• Personal challenges can shape your perspective and teach you compassion for others.

Sound Bites

• "Don't chase the title, don't chase the money, chase the experiences."
• "I can operate in this high risk environment."
• "I ended up starting my firm on April 1st of 2020 when everything was shutting down for the pandemic."
• "You truly are there to help them in what is one of the toughest times they will probably ever experience."

Chapters

03:44Terrell's Journey in the Accounting Industry

10:55The Value of Curiosity and Diverse Experiences

17:32Understanding the Human Nature Element in Accounting and Finance

20:19The Importance of Asking Questions and Continuous Learning

23:40Preparing for High-Pressure Situations through Low-Risk Experience

32:36Taking the Leap: Starting Your Own Accounting Practice

34:53Taking Risks and Building Confidence

37:33Starting a Business During the Pandemic

39:10Helping Clients in Tough Times

41:02The Golden Age of Business Framework

48:42Setting Clear Goals and Expectations

59:45Leadership: Having Hard Conversations

01:02:07Personal Insights: Overcoming Challenges

Meet Bryan!

Bryan Coryell, an accomplished attorney and pianist, shares his journey through law and music, insights into legal compliance, and the evolving landscape of trust and estate law. He discusses the balance between his legal career and artistic pursuits, highlighting the parallels between studying music and practicing law.

His focus on trust and estate law involves a personal and practical approach to resolving disputes and providing legal advice to clients. The conversation delves into the complexities of legal disputes, decision-making, and conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of understanding the gray areas and the human element in law.

Bryan Coryell shares insights on managing people, navigating the legal system, and developing people skills in the legal profession. He also discusses personal interests in cooking, the outdoors, and music.

Takeaways

- His journey from music to law reflects the intersection of creativity and analytical thinking in both fields.

- The personal and practical approach to trust and estate law involves resolving disputes and providing legal advice to clients in a family context.

- The parallels between studying music and practicing law highlight the blend of creativity and logical analysis in both disciplines. Understanding the gray areas and human element is crucial in legal disputes.

- Developing people skills is essential for success in the legal profession.

- Personal interests and hobbies are significant in maintaining work-life balance and personal growth.

Sound Bites

"Bryan's journey from music to law reflects the intersection of creativity and analytical thinking in both fields."

"The personal and practical approach to trust and estate law involves resolving disputes and providing legal advice to clients in a family context."

"The parallels between studying music and practicing law highlight the blend of creativity and logical analysis in both disciplines."

"Finding common ground is fundamental in conflict resolution."

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Bryan's Journey Through Law and Music

07:57 Transition to the World of Law and Legal Career Path

33:20 Navigating the Gray Areas of Legal Disputes

40:29 Developing People Skills in the Legal Profession

57:22 Balancing Work and Personal Interests

LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-coryell-369203a/

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/