She Counts

By Nancy McClelland, CPABusiness Education Careers

She Counts episodes

September 23The Currency Between Women
Nancy is joined by Madeline Reeves, founder of Fearless Foundry and creative director of Advisory Amplified, for an uncomfortable but necessary conversation: the ways women sometimes undercut each other in business. Maddy shares the moment a client asked if her proposal was her "PITA fee," and the pattern that followed of being stiffed on invoices exclusively by women. Nancy argues that the real issue isn't generosity itself, but rather, who gets to decide what counts as a gift: the giver, not the person on the receiving end. From unpaid favors to predatory coaching dressed up as empowerment, this episode asks what we owe each other as women—and what we absolutely do not.
Sponsors
Bill - http://bill.com/shecounts
Relay - https://relayfi.com/shecounts
Karbon - https://karbonhq.com/

(00:00) - Welcome and Sponsors
(01:00) - Meet Maddie Reeves
(02:49) - Episode Topic Women vs Women
(06:17) - PITA Fee Pricing Story
(10:55) - Unpaid Invoices Pattern
(14:27) - Setting Boundaries and Vetting
(16:54) - Flag Waving Red Flags
(21:21) - Women Talk Money Directory
(26:04) - Contracts Grace and Dialogue
(29:49) - Say It Out Loud Negotiation
(32:00) - Why Money Talks Are Hard
(33:19) - Talking Money Out Loud
(34:53) - Mixed Feelings About Wealth
(36:38) - Women Only Networks Limits
(38:59) - Learning From Male Rooms
(40:31) - Generosity And Access
(43:15) - Predatory Coaching Exposed
(49:05) - Spotting Red Flags
(51:02) - Healthy Pricing Dialogue
(52:26) - Shame And Collective Cost
(57:50) - Building Boundaries And Norms
(01:03:48) - Seasonal Capacity And Respect
(01:05:36) - Closing Call To Action
Resources
Madeline Reeves on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinekreeves/
Fearless Foundry - https://www.fearlessfoundry.com/
Advisory Amplified - https://www.advisoryamplified.com/?ref=roadie - 20% off with discount code Nancy-roadie
Women in Accounting Visionary Entrepreneurs (WAVE) - https://cec4-erin.systeme.io/0cc9badd
Erin Pohan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinpohan/
Adrienne Maree Brown (Author excerpt) - https://earthlingopinion.wordpress.com/2019/03/01/fractals-the-relationship-between-small-and-large/
How to Be Perfect by Michael Schur (LA Review of Books) - https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/fools-and-philosophers-on-michael-schurs-how-to-be-perfect/
How to Be Perfect by Michael Schur (Interview w Nick Offerman) - https://youtu.be/jKP2f4D8nRc?si=ezryAYZqhVtiwpf3
Theatre of Public Speaking - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/bundles/topscohort?ref=857055
Misty Schachtell Megia on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/misty-schachtell-3a634a2/
Only 2% Of Women-Owned Businesses Break The $1 Million Mark (Eilene Zimmerman in Forbes) - https://www.forbes.com/sites/eilenezimmerman/2015/04/01/only-2-of-women-owned-businesses-break-the-1-million-mark-heres-how-to-be-one-of-them/
SPONSORS: [Bill, Relay, Karbon]

Join Our LinkedIn Page!
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Connect with Nancy
https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa
1 hr 8 min
September 09The Power of Your Own Voice: Finding It, Trusting It, Using It
What changes when you discover who you are, trust what you have to say, and recognize the impact your voice can make? In the final episode of our Curtain Call series, Nancy and Theatre of Public Speaking CEO Misty Megia bring listeners two conversations about finding, trusting, and using your own voice. Certified Fraud Examiner Candy Bellau spent her career uncovering deception, but her latest investigation is far more personal: uncovering the fraud within. She shares how she learned to become a chameleon, adapting herself to the people around her to feel safe, accepted, and loved—and the work she’s now doing to find and express her authentic self. Emily spent years happily behind the scenes at her beloved nonprofit, Spike’s K9 Fund, until its mission required her to step forward. She discovered that she couldn’t simply borrow the voice of the gifted leader who came before her. She had to find her own. Their stories come from different places, but share a powerful realization: finding your own voice can change both how you show up in the world and the impact you’re able to make.

Sponsors
Bill - http://bill.com/shecounts
Relay - https://relayfi.com/shecounts
Karbon - https://karbonhq.com/

(00:00) - Welcome to She Counts
(01:24) - Curtain Call Setup
(02:08) - Finding Your Real Voice
(04:45) - Meet Candy Bellau
(05:56) - Fraud Examiner Origins
(07:45) - Rules Tools and Ethics
(09:33) - Spotting Fraud Patterns
(12:25) - Trauma and Chameleon Skills
(15:05) - Controls Compensation Culture
(20:56) - The Fraud Within Explained
(22:18) - Honesty Kindness and Feedback
(26:59) - Kindness Across Contexts
(27:24) - Work Boundaries vs Loved Ones
(28:27) - Saying No to Friends
(29:40) - Vulnerability and Inner Fraud
(31:03) - Candy Journey Reflections
(32:45) - Chameleon and Belonging
(34:50) - Approval and People Pleasing
(36:39) - Emily Finds Her Voice
(39:43) - Mission to Protect K9 Heroes
(43:59) - Tools for Confidence
(47:08) - How to Support Working Dogs
(48:31) - Take the First Step
(50:30) - Misty on Transformation
(55:10) - Fully Becoming Yourself
(58:30) - Series Wrap and Call to Action

Resources
Misty Schachtell Megia on LinkedIn - Misty Schachtell | LinkedIn
Candy Bellau on LinkedIn - Candy Bellau, CFE, PI | LinkedIn
Dawn Brolin on LinkedIn - Dawn W. Brolin, CPA, CFE | LinkedIn
Nicole Landau on LinkedIn - Nicole Landau, CFE 📊👷‍♀️🔦 | LinkedIn
Robert Berry aka “That Audit Guy” on LinkedIn - Robert Berry | LinkedIn
Valerie Heckman on LinkedIn - Valerie Heckman | LinkedIn
Scaling New Heights - https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights-2027-about
Emily Soccino Grey on LinkedIn - Emily Soccino Grey | LinkedIn
Spike’s K9 Fund.org - Spikes K9 Fund | Advocates for America's Working Dogs
Spike’s K9 Fund on LinkedIn - Spike's K9 Fund: Home | LinkedIn
Spike’s K9 Fund on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/spikesk9fund/
Spike’s K9 Fund on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/spikesk9fund/
Spike’s K9 Fund on Twitter - https://x.com/Spikesk9fund
Spike’s K9 Fund on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCswqkkwkdkGwqyjKCkD5Jfw
Theatre of Public Speaking - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/?ref=857055
SPONSORS: [Bill, Relay, Karbon]

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/
1 hr 2 min
August 26Understanding Yourself: Honoring How You’re Wired and Who You’ve Become
What happens when the way you’ve always moved through the world stops working for you? Nancy brings Mellisa Miller Furgeson (filling in for Questian) two more conversations from the Theatre of Public Speaking Advanced Retreat. Jean Zick shares how understanding her introversion helped her stop fighting the way she’s wired and start building around it. Terri Warren faced a dramatic reckoning after two strokes forced her to reconsider what she could ask of herself. Together, their stories explore what becomes possible when we understand ourselves well enough to honor what we need.

Sponsors
Bill - http://bill.com/shecounts
Relay - https://relayfi.com/shecounts
Karbon - https://karbonhq.com/

(00:00) - Welcome to She Counts
(00:35) - Sponsors and Support
(01:17) - Why These Stories Matter
(04:55) - Meet Jean Zick
(05:48) - Millionaire Introvert Origin
(07:19) - Introvert vs Extrovert Energy
(08:34) - Conference Survival Tips
(14:38) - Introvert Superpowers
(16:42) - Small Group Networking
(18:15) - Building Virtual Connection
(22:15) - Final Takeaways
(24:28) - Jean Wrap Up Reflection
(25:18) - Reframing Conference Breaks
(26:03) - Teri’s New Reality
(27:04) - Cape of Confidence Story
(27:52) - Letting People In
(30:33) - Layoff Shatters Identity
(32:10) - Building Your Own Walls
(33:41) - Stroke Rips Cape Away
(35:03) - Second Stroke Wake Up
(36:58) - Fear and Denial
(39:27) - Acceptance and New Scoreboard
(40:59) - Redefining Work and Energy
(43:54) - Two Sided Cape Metaphor
(49:35) - GROW Model and New Cape
(50:50) - Connecting Jean and Teri
(53:34) - Final Takeaways and Sign Off
Resources
Melissa Miller Furgeson on LinkedIn - 👩🏻‍💻Melissa Miller Furgeson | LinkedIn
Jean Zick on LinkedIn - Jean Zick | LinkedIn
Sharrin Fuller on LinkedIn - Sharrin Fuller | LinkedIn
Kelly Gonsalves on LinkedIn - Kelly Gonsalves | LinkedIn
Nancy’s MSN article on Tips & Tricks for Intuit Connect - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/expert-tips-for-attending-intuit-connect-2025/ar-AA1soTN6
Nancy’s MSN article on Top 10 Accounting Conferences - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/growth-community-and-cpe-10-accounting-conferences-that-deliver-in-2025/ar-AA1Cnqrk
Tori Staub McKee on LinkedIn - Tori Staub McKee | LinkedIn
Terri Warren on LinkedIn - Terri Warren | LinkedIn
Realize - https://www.rlz.io/
World Health Organization stats on missed workdays due to mental health issues - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work
It was never a dress - https://itwasneveradress.org/
Women Who Count - https://womenwhocount.com/
Erin Pohan on LinkedIn - Erin Pohan | LinkedIn
WAVE-Seattle - https://www.instagram.com/wave.seattle/
Nicole Davis on LinkedIn - Nicole Davis, CPA | LinkedIn
GROW Model - GROW model - Wikipedia
Theatre of Public Speaking - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/?ref=857055
SPONSORS: [Bill, Relay, Karbon]

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/
56 min
August 12Beyond Fear: The Courage to Begin Again
Big changes rarely happen all at once. And when fear has been making our decisions for a long time, even the first small step can feel enormous. Nancy and Questian bring listeners two conversations from the Theater of Public Speaking “Curtain Call” retreat, recorded by Nancy with women whose stories start in different places and arrive at the same realization. Katie Helle spent seven years staring at the same spreadsheet before burnout finally pushed her to leave a stable CPA role and start her own firm; Mariana Alvarez spent years rebuilding her sense of self after heartbreaking domestic abuse, learning that forgiveness — of the people who hurt her and of herself — couldn't be rushed. Both chose to move forward while still scared, and discovered that you don’t need to see the whole path to begin walking it.
Sponsors
Bill - http://bill.com/shecounts
Relay - https://relayfi.com/shecounts
Karbon - https://karbonhq.com/

(00:00) - Welcome to She Counts
(00:31) - Sponsors and Support
(01:14) - Two Stories One Theme
(02:40) - Retreat Setup and Interviews
(03:35) - Meet Katie Heele
(04:11) - Fear as Information
(07:01) - Starting a Firm Doubts
(09:44) - Entrepreneur Roots and Risk
(12:00) - Seven Years to Act
(13:13) - Burnout Flips the Switch
(15:38) - Steps Not Leaps
(18:20) - Find Help and Community
(20:50) - Modern Firm Models
(22:22) - Fear Means Growth
(23:53) - 60% Want Change
(24:17) - Write Down Fear
(25:16) - One Step Plan
(25:37) - Katie Closing Advice
(27:19) - Fear Into Willingness
(29:31) - Mariana Joins the Show
(31:26) - Self Forgiveness Path
(34:34) - Anger As A Wall
(40:36) - Purpose And North Star
(43:45) - Peace After Survival
(45:59) - Be True To Yourself
(47:23) - One Step Takeaway
(48:30) - Wrap Up And Quote
Resources
Katie Helle on LinkedIn - M Katie Helle, CPA | LinkedIn
Source for Job Change stats cited - Resume Now. (2025). 2025 Career Gridlock Report
Mariana Alvarez on LinkedIn - Mariana Alvarez | LinkedIn
Theatre of Public Speaking - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/?ref=857055
SPONSORS: [Bill, Relay, Karbon]

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/
51 min
July 29Two Sides of Leadership: Building Resilient Firms & Guiding Client Change
Nancy and Questian compare notes on their two very different sessions from Scaling New Heights that turned out to have more in common than expected, leading to insightful lessons about leadership. Nancy's panel on Vulnerability as a Strength started with a deliberately invasive survey she gives accomplished leaders, designed to surface what they never say out-loud; Questian's session on Change Management with Ashley Rhoden dug into leading clients and teams through change. Talking it through afterwards, they realized both sessions kept circling back to the same two ingredients that impact our ability to lead — self-awareness, and the ability to recognize what someone else is carrying. They close with the question Nancy asked her own audience: who actually knows what you're carrying, and whose load could you help lighten?
Sponsors
Bill - http://bill.com/shecounts
Relay - https://relayfi.com/shecounts
Karbon - https://karbonhq.com/

(00:00) - Welcome to She Counts
(01:14) - Conference Lessons Intro
(02:03) - Vulnerability Panel Origin
(07:43) - Change Management Session
(10:07) - Leadership Overlap Themes
(12:52) - Vulnerability Panel Framework
(16:03) - Lonely at the Top
(17:24) - Sharing Failures Honestly
(22:39) - Admitting Weakness Safely
(24:23) - Word Cloud Breakthrough
(27:20) - No Perfect Firm Myth
(29:22) - Empathy in the AI Era
(30:48) - Vulnerability and Awareness
(32:05) - Spotting Change Signals
(37:25) - Asking Better Questions
(40:33) - Trusted Advisor Mindset
(42:11) - Using AI for Prep
(44:00) - Handling Change Resistance
(50:21) - When Scope Must Shift
(53:04) - Pricing Without Guilt
(56:28) - Key Takeaways Recap
(57:19) - Questions on Vulnerability
(59:35) - Closing Quote and Wrap
Resources
The OG Vulnerability as a Strength Panel at Bridging the Gap 2024 - https://youtu.be/gY6b5RYSbrw?si=Mz0jyz4uWxRo1J_Z
Anna Dynia - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-dynia-cpa-483838/
Al-Nesha Jones - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alneshajones/
Nayo Carter-Gray - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayocartergray/
Hector Garcia - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hectormgarciacpa/
Dawn Brolin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbrolin/
Randy Crabtree - https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-crabtree-cpa-1945a67/
Tony Proctor - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyproctor/
Brittany Brown - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-brown-b8324812/
Ashley Rhoden - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyrhodenmba/
Twyla Verhelst - https://www.linkedin.com/in/twylav/
Shirley Koss - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleykoss/
Liz Farr - https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-farr-5165244a/
Terrell Turner - https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrellturner/
Nicole Davis - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoledaviscpa/
The Disruptors Podcast - https://cpatrendlines.com/category/the-disruptors/
NATP Taxposium - https://taxposium.natptax.com/home
Scaling New Heights - https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights-2027-about
Bridging the Gap - https://www.btgconference.com/
REFRAME - https://reframeaccounting.com/
SPONSORS: [BIll, Relay, Karbon]

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/
1 hr 2 min
July 15LIVE Recording at WAVE-Seattle Conference!
Live from Wave Seattle, Nancy and Questian are joined by conference founder Erin Pohan to put the audience's own definitions of success on trial. Nancy explains why she'd rather work in her business than scale it, even after a vendor once told her she was leaving money on the table; Questian describes firing almost every client to become a firm of one built entirely around nonprofit CFO work. It's a room full of women in accounting answering the same question out loud: what definition of success have you personally outgrown?

Sponsors
Bill - http://bill.com/shecounts
Relay - https://relayfi.com/shecounts
Karbon - https://karbonhq.com/

(00:00) - Welcome and Sponsors
(01:29) - Live at Wave Seattle
(02:58) - Erin Creates Wave
(07:51) - Redefining Success
(14:16) - Permission to Be You
(17:03) - Moments That Felt Seen
(20:23) - Mindset Shifts to Take Home
(25:16) - Your Personal Board
(30:28) - Borrowed Balls Energy
(31:35) - Build Your Personal Board
(32:44) - Ditch Like Minded Advice
(35:33) - Rapid Fire Q And A
(35:46) - Leadership Coach Warnings
(37:26) - Finding The Right Therapist
(40:06) - Firm Too Big Now What
(41:41) - Selling Clients Live Poll
(42:33) - Impact Through Giving
(43:21) - Best Conferences And Networking
(47:38) - Hallway Wisdom And Outreach
(49:20) - Scholarships And Foundation Plug
(50:55) - Closing Quote And Farewell
Resources
Erin Pohan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinpohan
Nicole Davis - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoledaviscpa
Lynnette Oss-Connell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnette-oss-connell/
Corry Jankowski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/corry-jankowski/
Alicia Katz Pollock - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciakatzpollock
Jeanne Hardy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannehardy/
Jennifer Dymond - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenndymond/
Roman Villard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdvcpa/
Melissa Miller Ferguson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamillerfurgeson/
Kim Kelleher - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimkelleher/
Brittany Brown - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-brown-b8324812/
Hope Brown - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hope-brown-msa-afsp-463a44239/
Aneisha Velasquez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneisha-v/
Madeleine Reeves - https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinekreeves/
Katie Helle - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkatiehelle/
Andrea McDonald - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-macdonald-cpa-4704042b/
Tori McKee - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-staub-mckee-b1872427/
Sharrin Fuller - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharrinfuller/
Nayo Carter-Gray - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayocartergray/
WAVE-Seattle (Women in Accounting & Finance Visionaries and Entrepreneurs) - https://cec4-erin.systeme.io/0cc9badd
Upkeeping (Erin Pohan's firm) - https://www.upkeeping.co/
Ask a CPA community discount code: ACS30 - https://aska.cpa/
Counter community - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/logangraf_in-case-you-didnt-know-i-run-a-community-activity-7475204470356766720-6g4A/
Bridging the Gap Conference discount code: BTGloyaltyattendees2026 - https://www.btgconference.com/
Accounting Cornerstone Foundation - https://accountingcornerstone.org/
Theater of Public Speaking - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/?ref=857055
Scaling New Heights - https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights-2027-about
Advisory Amplified discount code: Nancy-roadie - https://www.advisoryamplified.com/
Jason on Firms - https://www.jasononfirms.com/
Unofficial QuickBooks Accountant Podcast - https://uqb.show/
SPONSORS: [Bill, Relay, Karbon]

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/
53 min
July 01Trashie Cassie aka “Why You Need an Alter Ego: Acting With Authority Before You Feel Ready”
We all have moments that ask more of us than we think we're capable of giving: the difficult client conversation, the boundary that needs to be set, the meeting where it's time to speak up. It happened to Cassie Divine, too. In two decades leading at Intuit, she discovered that authority isn't something you earn once you feel ready. It's something you access when the moment demands it. Most career advice tells women to become more confident, more assertive, or more strategic. But what if you don't need to become someone new at all? Cassie joins Nancy and Questian to explore the idea of an alter ego—not as a fake persona, but as a way to access the version of yourself that's already proven she can do hard things. From the sixth-grade story that gave birth to "Trashy Cassie" to the executive conversations that later demanded her, they unpack why authority is a behavior, not a personality, and how to stop waiting until you feel ready.
Sponsors
Bill - http://bill.com/shecounts
Relay - https://relayfi.com/shecounts
Karbon - https://karbonhq.com/

(00:00) - Welcome and Sponsors
(01:16) - Meet Cassie Divine
(02:30) - Origin of Trashy Cassie
(06:38) - Executive Double Standard
(09:26) - Alter Ego as Access
(16:52) - Permission and Intentionality
(20:45) - Catalog Your Strengths
(24:14) - Celebrate Wins Rituals
(28:04) - Behavior Over Feelings
(29:57) - Act As If Confidence
(31:37) - Permission To Be Bold
(34:52) - Yoga Pants Shortcut
(36:20) - Focus On The Why
(40:36) - Evidence You Can Do Hard
(43:19) - Gratitude Interrupts Panic
(46:05) - Situational Armor Guardrails
(47:50) - Talk Less Say More
(53:16) - Career Hack Origin Story
(57:23) - Final Takeaways And Wrap
Resources
Cassie Divine | LinkedIn
About — Cassie Divine
Career | Cassie Divine | Substack
SPONSORS: [Bill, Relay, Karbon]

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
1 hr 2 min
June 17Presence, Not Performance: The Confidence Others Feel Around You
The need for “executive presence” is the vague phrase that shows up in performance reviews as the reason women don't get the promotion – even though almost no one can define it. Lindsay Patterson, co-founder and CEO of CPA QualityPro, joins Nancy and Questian to strip it down to something simpler and more meaningful: instilling confidence in others that you're the right person for the job. They dig into the double-standard that turns an assertive woman into "aggressive"; what to do when office culture rewards the loudest jerk in the room; and why walking away from a toxic culture is never failure.
Sponsors
Bill - http://bill.com/shecounts
Relay - https://relayfi.com/shecounts
Karbon - https://karbonhq.com/

(00:00) - Welcome to She Counts
(01:14) - Meet Lindsay Patterson
(04:14) - First-Day Reporter Shock
(07:07) - Lessons on Respect and Power
(08:18) - Defining Executive Presence
(11:45) - Double Standards and Toxic Cultures
(17:13) - Presence Without Assimilation
(19:35) - Being Yourself in Leadership
(23:28) - Overprepared to Be Taken Seriously
(25:07) - Research Gravitas Competence Warmth
(27:46) - Practical Steps to Build Presence
(29:30) - Rehearse Like a Pro
(29:58) - Audio vs Body Language
(32:00) - Handling Tech Chaos
(32:31) - Dress Rehearsal Wardrobe
(33:51) - Zoom Outfit Fails
(35:05) - Camera On Executive Presence
(37:29) - Zoom Setup and Focus
(38:14) - Confidence and Composure
(40:08) - First Impressions Take Space
(42:32) - Navigating the Double Bind
(44:24) - Power Systems and Allies
(47:28) - Bias Culture and Inclusion
(50:04) - Everyone Is Faking It
(53:34) - Confidence Equals Preparation
(55:40) - Community and Final Signoff

Show notes:
• Guest on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/lindsaypatterson
• CPA QualityPro – cpaqualitypro.com
• The Accounting Podcast – “Solving for CPA Mobility with Lindsay Patterson” – accounting.show/472
• Amy Cuddy TED Talk – “Your body language may shape who you are” – ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy
• Sylvia Ann Hewlett – Executive Presence: The Missing Link Between Merit and Success
• Earmark CPE – earmark.app

SPONSORS: [Bill, Relay, Karbon]

Join Our LinkedIn Page!
https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcast

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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/
59 min
June 03The Courage to Be Nominated: Wanting It, Dreading It
Nancy and special guest Melissa Miller Furgeson, stepping in for Questian, get honest about the awards nomination cycle in accounting: the longing for recognition tangled up with the dread of asking to be nominated, the fear of losing in public, and the jealousy and imposter feelings most of us have but few admit. They reframe awards as visibility events rather than verdicts, and talk through why showing up, even when you feel undeserving, gives the people around you permission to do the same.

Sponsors
Bill - http://bill.com/shecounts
Relay - https://relayfi.com/shecounts
Karbon - https://karbonhq.com/

(00:00) - Welcome and Sponsors
(01:28) - Episode Theme Awards Anxiety
(02:00) - Nomination Text Thread Story
(05:07) - Application Glitches and Follow Up
(09:33) - Middle School Energy and Visibility
(11:43) - Asking to Be Nominated
(13:16) - Fear of Losing and Imposter Feelings
(17:16) - Jealousy and List Shame Spiral
(20:38) - Age Based Awards and Pride
(22:45) - Awards as Visibility Machines
(25:47) - Nominations Matter Most
(26:22) - Sharing the Nomination
(28:04) - Awards as Visibility Engines
(29:13) - Visibility Gives Permission
(30:06) - Ask Anyway Mindset
(32:41) - Community Beats Imposter Feelings
(34:53) - Why Support Feels Vulnerable
(36:08) - Nomination Frenzy Success
(39:25) - Discomfort Means Growth
(41:45) - Practical Ways to Show Up
(44:52) - Scripts for Self Promotion
(47:12) - Tag Sponsors and Amplify
(48:10) - Final Takeaways and Call In
(50:53) - Closing Quote and Farewell
Resources
Melissa Miller Furgeson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamillerfurgeson/
Insightful Accountant's 2026 Top U.S. ProAdvisor: https://blog.insightfulaccountant.com/insightful-accountants-2026-top-u.s.-proadvisor-awards
Insightful Accountant's 2026 Top Advisor Awards: https://blog.insightfulaccountant.com/insightful-accountants-2026-top-advisor-awards
Scaling New Heights - https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights-2026
Bridging the Gap - https://www.btgconference.com/
Forbes Best-in-State - https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-in-state-cpas/
Kate Johnson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-josephine-mcgill-johnson/
Ask a CPA - http://aska.cpa/
Bookkeeping Buds - https://www.bookkeepingbuds.com/
Financial Cents Top Firm Owners to Follow - https://financial-cents.com/resources/articles/top-accounting-bookkeeping-firm-owners-to-follow/
Theatre of Public Speaking - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/?ref=857055
AICPA Global Women to Watch - https://www.aicpa-cima.com/membership/article/aicpa-and-cima-global-women-to-watch
Accounting Cornerstone Foundation - https://accountingcornerstone.org/
Alicia Katz Pollock Unofficial QBO Accountant’s Podcast - https://uqb.show/141
Bookkeeping Buds - https://www.bookkeepingbuds.com/
Cindy Schroeder on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brightbooks/
Nancy McClelland’s LinkedIn post re: Ask a CPA members in Top 100 - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:share:7442429419517837312/
Varonica Frye LinkedIn post - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7465778446334357504/
Jackie Meyer LinkedIn post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jackiemeyercpa_jackie-meyer-cpa-cca-phd-candidate-activity-7314405422084300800-Ba9Y
Sandy Rehart LinkedIn post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sandyrehart_news-i-was-selected-in-insightful-accountants-activity-7467312899435286528-lYj7
Heather Deibele LinkedIn post - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7445849113671397376/
Donna Reade LinkedIn post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/donnareade_i-almost-didnt-post-this-and-it-was-hard-activity-7445940183075627008-_T9n/
Debra Kilsheimer LinkedIn post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/debliberate_insightfulaccountant-top100-accountingawards-share-7443370349401923584-8vvh/
Nicole Davis LinkedIn post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nicoledaviscpa_womentalking-entrepreneurship-entrepreneur-activity-7120392377961254914-xanR/
Candy Bellau on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/candybellau/
Jamie Peña on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-pe%C3%B1a-teamlegacy/
SPONSORS: [Bill, Relay, Karbon]

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.r...
53 min
May 20Conference Season, She Counts Style
Nancy and Questian make the case for why conferences can have such impact for women in accounting, and how to get the most out of them when you show up. They share their industry favorites; what they look for when prioritizing certain events over others; how to define and reach your attendance goals; and the mistakes that sometimes keep people from getting full value out of the experience. Whether you're a self-described introvert who sets out to introduce yourself to just one other person, or a woman who could spend the whole week connecting in the hallways and soaking up education… there's a conference for you.

Sponsors
Bill - http://bill.com/shecounts
Relay - https://relayfi.com/shecounts
Karbon - https://karbonhq.com/

(00:00) - Welcome to She Counts
(02:15) - Nancy Conference Stories
(04:24) - Camp Timberwood Lesson
(05:50) - Expo Hall Handler
(07:49) - Wave Live Recording
(09:35) - Markle Sparkle Nickname
(11:03) - Listener Full Circle
(12:55) - Are Conferences Worth It
(14:38) - Scholarships And Access
(16:53) - Introverts And Belonging
(19:10) - Start Small Meetups
(21:35) - Partnerships From Networking
(23:55) - Sessions Versus Hallways
(26:46) - Keynotes Love Hate
(28:50) - Pick Your Conference
(29:40) - Celebrity Keynotes Story
(31:22) - Define Your Goals
(32:20) - Expo Hall Tool Wins
(34:54) - Find Your People
(37:03) - Favorite Events Rundown
(39:34) - Why Bridging Gap Works
(41:23) - How She Picks Lists
(47:01) - Conference Value Beyond CPE
(49:58) - Network Without Clinging
(51:48) - Goals And Women Impact
(54:30) - Meetups And Closing Thought
Resources
Nancy’s MSN article: “Where Accountants Are Going Next: Conferences Worth Your Time in 2026” - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/where-accountants-are-going-next-conferences-worth-your-time-in-2026/ar-AA21uJnZ
Nancy’s MSN article - “Expert Tips For Attending Scaling New Heights” - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/expert-tips-for-attending-scaling-new-heights-2025/ar-AA1FYrFy
Tony Proctor on LinkedIn - Tony Proctor, EA | LinkedIn
Erin Pohan - Erin Pohan | LinkedIn
WAVE Conference - WAVE - Seattle
Jen Posner - Jennifer Posner | LinkedIn
Katie Helle - M Katie Helle, CPA | LinkedIn
Greg Bossen - Gregg Bossen | LinkedIn
Megan Tarnow - Megan Genest Tarnow | LinkedIn
Kelly Gonsalves - Kelly Gonsalves | LinkedIn
Jina Etienne - Jina Etienne, CPA, CGMA | LinkedIn
Valerie Heckman - Valerie Heckman | LinkedIn
Nicole Davis - Nicole Davis, CPA | LinkedIn
Brittany Brown - Brittany Brown | LinkedIn
Cindy Schroeder - Cindy Schroeder | LinkedIn
Gail Perry - Gail Perry, CPA | LinkedIn
CPA Practice Advisor - https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/
Hope Brown - Hope Brown, MSA, AFSP | LinkedIn
Tri-Merit - Tri-Merit | Maximize Tax Savings With Expert Specialty Credits
Randy Crabtree - Randy Crabtree, CPA | LinkedIn
Unique CPA Podcast - The “Hive Mind” Effect at Bridging the Gap: Randy Crabtree
Bridging the Gap - Bridging the Gap 2026 | Top Accounting Conference
Melissa Miller Furgeson - Melissa Miller Furgeson | LinkedIn
Realize - REALIZE
Jason Staats - Jason Staats, CPA | LinkedIn
Jason on Firms - Events
Madeline Reeves - Madeline Reeves | LinkedIn
Advisory Amplified - Advisory Amplified | Live Financial Advisor Events 2026
SPONSORS: [BILL, Relay, Karbon]

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
57 min

About She Counts

From the publisher's feed

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…