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Protea Conversations

Protea Conversations

By: Zane Stevens
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"Protea Conversations" is an enlightening leadership podcast that delves into the dynamic world of business and accounting. In each episode, we engage with seasoned leaders to unravel their unique stories, uncovering pivotal advice that has shaped their success. Our guests generously share insights and practical guidance, offering listeners valuable lessons to propel their own career trajectories.

Economics
Episodes
  • Episode 49 - Leadership Lessons from the Policeman turned Chief Executive Mike Roe
    Nov 26 2025

    Meet Mike!

    In this conversation, Mike Roe shares his journey from a 28-year career in policing to becoming the CEO of tensense.ai, a platform that helps organizations make sense of their data. He discusses the importance of leadership, change management, and the role of coaching in empowering teams.

    Mike emphasizes the need for transparency, communication, and a coaching mindset in leadership, as well as the significance of understanding the truth of the many rather than the opinion of the few.

    He also highlights the evolution of sense-making in organizations and the development of a software solution to aid leaders in decision-making.

    Takeaways

    - Leadership is defined by experiences and insights gained.

    - Change management is crucial in any organization.

    - Values should be truly embedded in an organization.

    - Communication is key during times of change.

    - Leaders must be curious and vulnerable.

    - Coaching conversations can empower teams.

    - Transparency builds trust within organizations.

    - Data-driven insights can predict future outcomes.

    - A compelling vision unifies teams towards a common goal.

    - Self-care is essential for effective leadership.

    Sound bites

    "You can't do it all yourself."

    "People don't like change."

    "You have to look after yourself."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Leadership Insights

    01:32 Early Career in Policing

    04:05 Leadership Challenges in Bristol

    08:59 Navigating Change Management

    12:15 The Importance of Communication

    18:27 Transitioning to Coaching Leaders

    23:58 Developing a Software Solution for Organizations

    29:30 Disrupting the Consulting Market

    31:42 The Science of Sense Making

    34:06 The Importance of Checking In

    36:17 Building Insights Through Questions

    37:55 Navigating Complexity in Leadership

    41:00 Blind Spots in Leadership

    41:51 The Power of Coaching Conversations

    44:33 Kindness in Leadership

    51:24 The Importance of Renewal

    54:57 Rapid Fire Questions

    Connect with Mike

    Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-j-roe/

    Discover Tensense.ai - https://tensense.ai/

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    52 mins
  • Episode 48 - Ryan Brinkman - Boldness in Client Relationships and parenting
    Nov 12 2025

    Meet Ryan!

    In this conversation, Ryan Brinkman discusses the importance of being bold in client relationships, particularly when advising on financial decisions. He emphasizes the need for transparency and honesty, even when it may not be what clients want to hear. The discussion also touches on the financial risks associated with certain decisions, highlighting the CPA's role in guiding clients through these complexities.

    Takeaways

    - It's important to be bold with clients.

    - Transparency is key in client relationships.

    - Advising clients can sometimes mean delivering hard truths.

    - Financial risks must be clearly communicated to clients.

    - Not all financial decisions are straightforward or beneficial.

    - CPAs have a responsibility to guide clients wisely.

    - Clients may not always understand the implications of their choices.

    - Being honest can strengthen client trust.

    - It's crucial to navigate financial complexities carefully.

    - The role of a CPA includes risk management and client education.

    Sound bites

    "This is dumb. And they look at me like..."

    "You could lose a lot of money."

    "We can't just write off a motor home."

    Connect with Ryan Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-brinkman-cpa/

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    51 mins
  • Episode 47 - Brit Summerill - From auditor to CFO to super connector
    Oct 30 2025

    Meet Brit!

    In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane Stevens interviews Britt Summerill, a seasoned CFO with over 20 years of experience in accounting. Britt shares his journey from starting as an auditor to becoming a partner at Now CFO, discussing the importance of audit experience, the growth of Now CFO, and the impact of private equity on the firm. He emphasizes the significance of networking, the evolving role of AI in accounting, and the need for a balanced work-life approach. Britt also offers valuable insights on how to succeed in the accounting industry and the importance of being a connector in business.

    Takeaways

    - Britt Summerill has over 20 years of experience in accounting.

    - He transitioned from auditing to a leadership role at Now CFO.

    - Audit experience provides valuable insights into business operations.

    - Networking is crucial for success in the accounting industry.

    - AI will change the landscape of accounting but won't replace it.

    - The accounting profession needs to adapt to attract new talent.

    - Britt emphasizes the importance of personal connections in business.

    - Data-driven decision-making is key to sustaining growth.

    - Work-life balance is essential for long-term success.

    - Being a connector can lead to mutual benefits in business relationships.

    Sound bites

    "You have to put in the work."

    "You want to touch them on a personal level."

    "You have to jump in and go right."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Britt Summerill and His Journey

    01:55 Britt's Early Career and Transition to Now CFO

    04:59 The Value of Audit Experience

    12:45 Unique Audit Experiences and Lessons Learned

    16:26 Transitioning to Now CFO and Initial Challenges

    19:29 Overview of Now CFO and Its Growth

    21:35 Impact of Private Equity on Now CFO

    25:23 Sustaining Long-Term Growth at Now CFO

    29:38 Training for Success 31:17 The Art of Connection

    34:08 Building Relationships and Reciprocity

    36:41 The Importance of Follow-Up

    39:42 Navigating the Accounting Landscape

    41:50 Short-Term Goals and Work-Life Balance

    44:02 AI in Accounting: Opportunities and Challenges

    46:40 Addressing the Pipeline Issue

    48:45 Advice for Success

    51:49 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions

    Connect with Brit Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brit-summerillnowcfo/

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    54 mins
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