Introducing Caleb Jenkins, the 2024 Insightful Accountants Pro Advisor of the Year.

We Caleb's journey in accounting, his early influences, and the importance of community service. Caleb shares insights on wealth management, values-based investing, and the significance of having a vision and direction in one's career. The conversation highlights the impact of family support, personal growth, and the drive to make a difference in the community. In this conversation, Caleb Jenkins discusses the importance of trust in community programs, the complexities of different types of poverty, and how these insights have revolutionized his approach to business. He emphasizes the shift from compliance to advisory work in accounting, the significance of community engagement, and the balance between leadership and following. Caleb also shares practical advice for aspiring accountants and personal insights into his life and values.

Takeaways

- Caleb Jenkins emphasizes the importance of community service and giving back.

- He started his accounting journey at a young age, influenced by his father's firm.

- Caleb's passion for accounting was nurtured through hands-on experiences.

- He believes in the power of leadership over following.

- Education and self-directed learning played a crucial role in his career.

- Caleb chose to pursue an Enrolled Agent designation instead of a CPA.

- He is passionate about values-based investing and wealth management.

- Caleb's outreach work in Haiti has significantly impacted his perspective.

- He encourages others to take accountability for their career paths.

- Caleb's success is attributed to hard work, determination, and a clear vision. Trust is essential for community programs to succeed.

- Understanding the difference between crisis and chronic poverty is crucial.

- Chronic poverty requires a deeper analysis of root causes.

- Business practices should focus on solving underlying issues, not just surface symptoms. - Advisory work in accounting is about addressing root problems.

- Daily routines can impact work-life balance and productivity.

- Community engagement provides inspiration and growth opportunities.

- Effective leadership involves having a clear vision and inspiring others.

- Aspiring accountants should seek certification and community involvement.

- Personal experiences shape our professional journeys and values.

Sound Bites

"I loved the eight hours of shredding."

"I started tracking my own books on QuickBooks."

"The aspect of being a leader rather than a follower."

"Advisory work is about solving root problems."

"Community inspires me and seeing others grow."

"Vision is the intersection of your higher principle."

"Get certified as a QuickBooks Pro Advisor."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Protea Conversations

01:18 Caleb Jenkins: A Journey in Accounting

03:50 Early Influences and Family Background

10:03 The Path to Accounting: Passion and Opportunity

22:40 The Importance of Vision and Direction

27:48 Outreach Work and Community Impact

28:51 The Importance of Trust in Community Programs

30:09 Understanding Different Types of Poverty

35:41 Revolutionizing Business Practices

37:40 The Shift from Compliance to Advisory

42:31 The Value of Community Engagement

46:16 Leadership: Balancing Vision and Following

49:20 Advice for Aspiring Accountants

51:50 Personal Insights and Fun Facts

Connect with Caleb: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebjenkins1994/

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/