She Counts

By Questian Telka, EA & Nancy McClelland, CPA

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 c... more

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How many episodes does She Counts have?

The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.

She Counts episodes:

December 03, 2025Imposter, Interrupted
When nearly everyone in the room raises their hand to admit they experience imposter syndrome… it's time to stop calling it a “syndrome”. Questian and Nancy explore why this near-universal feeling shows up differently for high-achieving women in accounting—who, for various reasons, often push through it more slowly than men—examining the systemic and social roots that reinforce it. They share personal stories of feeling unqualified despite clear evidence to the contrary, and offer practical frameworks for recognizing, reframing, and finding relief from these persistent self-limiting beliefs.

Sponsors
Forwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts
Relay- https://relayfi.com/shecounts
Client Hub - https://www.clienthub.app/lp/shecounts

(00:00) - Introduction and Episode Overview
(01:06) - Personal Stories and Experiences with Imposter Syndrome
(03:37) - Defining and Debunking Imposter Syndrome
(11:44) - Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
(24:38) - The Broader Impact and Social Context
(28:06) - Understanding Extroverts and Introverts
(28:28) - Overperforming to Prove Yourself
(30:29) - The Realization of Knowledge Gaps
(32:02) - Roots of Imposter Syndrome
(32:34) - Gender Expectations and Workplace Dynamics
(33:55) - Personal Stories of Imposter Syndrome
(36:37) - The Impact of Social and Structural Norms
(40:02) - Self-Limiting Beliefs and Career Impact
(42:28) - Intersectionality and Imposter Syndrome
(47:47) - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
(51:01) - Recognize, Reframe, and Relief
(55:12) - Tracking Success and Setting Metrics
(58:15) - Coping Mechanisms and Final Thoughts
Resources
Psychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/imposter-syndrome
Dr. Valerie Young - https://impostorsyndrome.com/impostor-story/
Tara Mohr “Playing Big” - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25310678-playing-big
Jennifer Dymond - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenndymond/
Theatre of Public Speaking - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/?ref=857055
Scaling New Heights - https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights-2026
Bridging the Gap - https://www.btgconference.com/
Sheryl Sandberg - “... many people, but especially women, feel fraudulent when they are praised for their accomplishments. Instead of feeling worthy of recognition, they feel undeserving and guilty, as if a mistake has been made. Despite being high achievers, even experts in their fields, women can't seem to shake the sense that it is only a matter of time until they are found out for who they really are- impostors with limited skills or abilities.” - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16071764-lean-in

SPONSORS: Forwardly, Relay, Client Hub

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
...more
1h 1min
November 19, 2025Marking Ourselves Down: Gender Disparity in Pricing
Candy Bellau joins Nancy and Questian to discuss a problem that costs women accountants thousands of dollars every year: underpricing. The conversation covers why women tend to charge 25-50% less than men for the same work, how compassionate pricing and relationship loyalty keep us trapped in unsustainable business models, and what changed when Candy discovered male colleagues were quoting double her rates despite having less expertise. The three dive into practical solutions, including reframing value-based pricing, building community support around fee conversations, and remembering that sustainable pricing is not only about personal profit, but also about taking care of your team.

Sponsors
Forwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts
Relay- https://relayfi.com/shecounts
Client Hub - https://www.clienthub.app/lp/shecounts

(00:00) - Welcome to She Counts
(00:55) - Introducing Today's Topic and Guest
(01:38) - Personal Challenges and Support
(04:24) - Kandy's Story: Overcoming Hardships
(08:55) - The Turning Point: Changing Pricing Strategies
(12:57) - The Impact of Underpricing
(35:57) - Steps to Address Gender Disparities in Pricing
(41:37) - Balancing Personal Life and Business
(42:33) - Empowering Employees
(48:01) - No Margin, No Mission
(51:04) - Addressing Gender Disparities in Pricing
(56:01) - Building Confidence in Pricing
(59:20) - Practical Solutions for Better Pricing
(01:12:42) - Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Resources
Candy Bellau on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicejohnsonkramerica/
Unbalanced Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4cikK2dd9JVvSmeyax58fQ
Sam Hallburn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbsaccounting/
Kramerica Business Solutions, Candy’s controllership company - https://kramericasolutions.com/
Vandelay Forensic Group LLC, Candy’s CFE/Private Investigator Agency - www.vandelayforensics.com
Theatre of Public Speaking - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/?ref=857055
Candy & Heather Satterley on the Woodard Report podcast - https://report.woodard.com/articles/twr-podcast-episode-99-candy-bellau-rwwr-twrpod
Candy’s Woodard Report articles - https://report.woodard.com/articles/author/candy-bellau
Andrea MacDonald on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-macdonald-cpa-4704042b/
Carlos Garcia & Vanessa Vasquez - What Exactly to Say (for Accountants) at Intuit Connect - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yJoFL1rERE

Links to articles and studies on gender pricing disparities:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749597808001234
https://dl.acm.org/doi/fullHtml/10.1145/3411764.3445636
https://www.kauffman.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/gender_compilation_83016.pdf
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/usaandmain/2018/08/29/gender-wage-gap-women-entrepreneurs-time-give-yourself-raise/1123545002/
https://www.inc.com/kimberly-weisul/why-women-business-owners-need-to-raise-prices.html
https://www.bcg.com/publications/2018/why-women-owned-startups-are-better-bet
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749597808001234
https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/8a42df04-8b6d-4949-b20b-6f40a326db9e/the-pink-tax---how-gender-based-pricing-hurts-women-s-buying-power.pdf
https://thegalproject.com/2025/05/21/pricing-with-confidence/

SPONSORS: Forwardly, Relay, Client Hub

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
...more
1h 17min
November 05, 2025Start With “NO”: Exploring the Power of Acting with Intention
Most professionals treat "yes" as their default setting, then spend their lives playing catch-up. Brandy Jordan joins us to help reframe "no" as a necessary operating system for strategic decision-making rather than a personal failure. The discussion covers the planning fallacy, why self-abandonment is unsustainable leadership, and how starting with no actually leads to better, more intentional “yes” decisions.

Sponsors
Forwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts
Relay- https://relayfi.com/shecounts
Client Hub - https://www.clienthub.app/lp/shecounts

(00:00) - Welcome to She Counts
(00:52) - Meet Brandy Jordan: The Power of Starting with No
(01:53) - The Genesis of She Counts Podcast
(05:36) - Personal Experiences with Saying No
(09:45) - The Importance of Prioritizing and Setting Boundaries
(17:30) - Practical Tips for Saying No
(32:01) - Reflecting on the Importance of Pausing
(32:29) - Overcoming the Fear of Saying No
(34:46) - Personal Boundaries and Work-Life Balance
(39:55) - The Planning Fallacy and Time Management
(47:53) - Encouraging a 'Start with No' Mindset in Teams
(53:32) - Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Resources
Brandy Jordan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandysart/
“The Power of Saying No to Boost Productivity and Set Boundaries” by Brandy Jordan - https://report.woodard.com/articles/the-power-of-saying-no-to-boost-productivity-and-set-boundaries-opdwr-wmwr
Brandy’s Woodard Report articles - https://report.woodard.com/articles/author/brandy-jordan
Daniel Kahneman & Amos Tversky, “Thinking, Fast & Slow” - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11468377-thinking-fast-and-slow
SPONSORS: Forwardly, Relay, Client Hub

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
...more
57min
October 22, 2025Second Season Kickoff Celebration, Recorded Live at Bridging the Gap
Nancy and Questian record live from the Bridging the Gap conference, with audience Q&A moderated by Erin Pohan. They share raw, unfiltered answers about jealousy between friends, the shame of being called "too much," body image struggles across the spectrum, and why imposter syndrome might not be a syndrome at all. From tears to belly laughs, this celebration of Season Two proves that putting yourself out there publicly is messy, terrifying, and absolutely worth it.

Sponsors
Forwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts
Client Hub - https://www.clienthub.app/lp/shecounts
Keeper - https://keeper.app/shecounts

(00:00) - Welcome to She Counts
(02:28) - Season 2 Kickoff
(08:24) - Erin's Story and Bridging the Gap
(12:34) - The Challenges of Podcasting
(18:37) - The Impact of She Counts Podcast
(22:53) - Navigating Public Vulnerability
(32:28) - Balancing Collaboration and Competition
(39:26) - Building Relationships at Conferences
(40:11) - Facing the Fear of Networking
(40:35) - The Importance of Curiosity
(42:01) - Dealing with Burnout
(45:38) - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
(56:48) - Body Image and Professional Life
(01:09:50) - Shifting Mindsets and Self-Belief
(01:12:21) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Resources
Erin Pohan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinpohan/
Randy Crabtree on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-crabtree-cpa-1945a67/
Bridging the Gap conference - https://www.btgconference.com/
Randy Crabtree’s Unique CPA podcast - https://tri-merit.com/podcast/presenting-the-she-counts-podcast/
Tri-Merit - https://tri-merit.com/
WAVE - https://cec4-erin.systeme.io/0cc9badd
REFRAME - https://youtu.be/iohnagPbp2k?si=Cf-YYajVbEWMbYJi
Scaling New Heights - https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights-2026
Intuit Connect - https://www.intuit.com/intuitconnect/
AICPA Engage - https://www.aicpa-cimaengage.com/
Theatre of Public Speaking - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/bundles/tops-spring26?ref=857055
Women Who Count - https://www.afwa.org/women-who-count/
Burnout Bestie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/burnoutbestie/
Lynnette Oss Connell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnette-oss-connell-cpa/
Tori Staub McKee on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-staub-mckee-b1872427/
Nicole Davis on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoledaviscpa/
Blake Oliver on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver/
Brittany Brown on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-brown-b8324812/
Dan Luthi on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-luthi/
Aileen Gilpin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aileengilpin/
Roman Villard on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdvcpa/
Nick Boscia on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickboscia/
Misty Schachtell Megia on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/misty-schachtell-3a634a2/
Ask a CPA - https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/bookkeepers-guide-to-annual-reviews/
Bookkeeping Buds - https://www.bookkeepingbuds.com/
Upkeeping LLC - https://www.upkeeping.co/
ReQoncile Financials - https://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/
The Dancing Accountant - https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/
Nancy’s MSN column - https://www.msn.com/en-us/channel/source/The%20Dancing%20Accountant/sr-cid-2d00560200a115d5
Accounting Cornerstone Foundation - https://accountingcornerstone.org/
SPONSORS: Forwardly, Client Hub and 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
...more
1h 9min
October 08, 2025Designed 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.
Sponsors
Forwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts
Justine Lackey's The Incubator - https://justinelackey.com/register
Keeper - 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
Resources
Twyla Verhelst on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/twylav/
TB Academy (Twyla & Byron’s AI classes) - https://learn.tbacademy.ai/courses
Karbon - https://karbonhq.com/mid-sized-firms/
Erin Pohan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinpohan/
WAVE - https://cec4-erin.systeme.io/0cc9badd
Bookkeeping Buds - https://www.bookkeepingbuds.com/
Theresa Sutter on Bookkeepers on Fire - Bookkeeper On Fire | Theresa Sutter - YouTube
Ashley 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-2026
Mary 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.com
Mike 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
...more
1h 13min
September 24, 2025Amplifying 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.
Sponsors
Forwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts
Justine Lackey's The Incubator - https://justinelackey.com/register
Keeper - 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
Resources
Madeline 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/0cc9badd
Twyla Verhelst on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/twylav/
Twyla & Byron’s AI class - https://learn.tbacademy.ai/courses
Cindy 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
...more
1h 1min
September 10, 2025Build 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.
Sponsors
Forwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts
Justine Lackey's The Incubator - https://justinelackey.com/register
Keeper - https://keeper.app/shecounts/

(00:00) - Welcome to She Counts
(02:58) - The Accidental Virtual Bookkeeper
(05:38) - Learning What You Actually Want
(08:08) - The Biggest Mistakes: Lack of Clarity and External Pressure
(12:08) - The Road to 3 Million and Physical Pain
(16:38) - Ethical Leadership and Hard Conversations
(21:02) - Client Relationships and Being Nice
(25:12) - Lateral Growth vs Vertical Growth
(30:52) - What Happens When You Skip the Foundation
(36:13) - Every Firm Owner Wants Help
(40:13) - Technology as People: Finding Your Fit
(46:13) - Building an Asset You Can Sell
(53:10) - The Modern Firm Challenge
(58:50) - Where to Find Justine and Final Thoughts
Resources:
Justine Lackey on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinelackey/
The Modern Firm Challenge with Justine Lackey
Redesign 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/register
Day 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
...more
1h 3min
August 27, 2025Still 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.
Sponsors
Forwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts
Justine Lackey's The Incubator - https://justinelackey.com/register
Keeper - 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
Resources
Despite 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-inclusion
https://www.icpas.org/information/copy-desk/insight/article/spring-2023/inspiring-progress-a-look-at-the-state-of-women-in-accounting
In broader business contexts, women occupy 14.3% of executive officer roles.
https://us.aicpa.org/career/womenintheprofession/genderissues?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3 Ways to Empower the Women at Your Firm - Jodi Chavez of CPA Practice Advisor
Why women leave firms — and what we can do about it - Joey Havens of Journal of Accountancy
Robin Williams - The Day Dad Made Toast” from “Free To Be… a Family”
https://youtu.be/cIVnuzRf2fE?si=gEDRslsh2DqgkTK9
Women+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/home
Jason Ackerman on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlackerman/
SPONSORS: Forwardly, Justine Lackey's The Incubator, Keeper,

Join Our LinkedIn Page!
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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

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This podcast is a production of Earmark Media
...more
58min
August 13, 2025The 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.
Sponsors
Forwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts
Justine Lackey's The Incubator - https://justinelackey.com/register
Keeper - 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
Links
Dawn 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-teams
Deloitte, “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.pdf
Katelyn Carey TEDx Talk: “The Problem with Empathy” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=987xaGgb2XQ
The Audre Lorde Project - https://alp.org/
Join Our LinkedIn Page!
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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
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This podcast is a production of Earmark Media
...more
1h 3min
July 30, 2025Don’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.

Sponsors
Forwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts
Justine Lackey's The Incubator - https://justinelackey.com/register
Keeper - 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
Links
Nicole 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-made
Presence is Power - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23168536-presence-is-power
Theatre of Public Speaking Fall Cohort begins August 6th! - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/bundles/tops-fall25?ref=857055 - contact [email protected] for a 20% off discount code
Ashley 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_HQ
Jeff 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
...more
1h 10min

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