Meet Georgia!

In this conversation, Zane speaks with Georgia Athanasiou, founder of Bay Area CFO Consultants, about her extensive experience in finance and consulting.

They discuss the evolution of fractional CFO work, the importance of understanding profitability and cash flow, and Georgia's career journey from public accounting to consulting. Georgia shares insights from her time at fast moving start-ups, lessons learned in cash flow management, and the significance of forecasting in today's volatile market.

They also touch on the importance of networking, finding a niche, and the challenges faced by aspiring consultants.

Takeaways

- Georgia Athanasiou has over 20 years of experience in finance.

- Fractional CFO work has evolved significantly over the years.

- Understanding unit economics is crucial for business profitability.

- Cash flow management is essential for business sustainability.

- Networking is vital for consultants to thrive in their careers.

- Finding a niche can lead to greater success in consulting.

- Visibility and marketing are important for attracting clients.

Sound Bites

"You need a team around you."

"Networking is key for consultants."

"Having savings helps reduce stress."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Georgia Athanasiou

03:04 The Evolution of Fractional CFO Work

06:15 Understanding Profitability and Cash Flow

08:26 Georgia's Career Journey in Finance

16:45 Lessons in Cash Flow Management

20:45 The Importance of Forecasting

24:04 The Appeal of Consulting

28:55 Finding Your Niche

32:54 Making an Impact with Clients

36:59 The Power of Networking

38:30 A Day in the Life of a Consulting CFO

43:14 Balancing Work and Personal Life

46:37 Travel Experiences and Challenges

48:22 Advice for Aspiring Consultants

51:28 Financial Wisdom for Success

53:46 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions

Connect with Georgia: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaathanasiou/

Meet Lori Beth!

In this conversation, Zane interviews Lori Beth Merrill, a professional fiduciary, who explains the vital role fiduciaries play in estate planning and management.

Lori Beth shares her personal journey into the field, the services fiduciaries provide, and the emotional dynamics involved in working with families during sensitive times. She emphasizes the importance of having a solid estate plan and the need for fiduciaries in various situations, including special needs trusts.

The discussion also touches on the qualifications needed to become a fiduciary and the advice for success in this rewarding yet challenging profession.

Takeaways

- A fiduciary acts as a professional child for estate management.

- Expecting children to handle estate duties can be burdensome.

- Fiduciaries help optimize estates to save costs.

- It's crucial to have an estate plan in place before illness.

- Fiduciaries provide emotional support during difficult times.

- Communication with family members is key to reducing conflict.

- The demand for fiduciaries is growing due to complex family dynamics.

- Regular updates to estate plans are essential at life milestones.

- A career in fiduciary services requires a blend of empathy and financial acumen.

Sound Bites

"It's a recipe for disaster."

"It's a hidden world."

"This is too complicated."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Professional Fiduciaries

02:52 The Role of a Professional Fiduciary

06:08 Personal Journey into Fiduciary Services

14:49 Services Offered Before Passing

19:30 Navigating Family Dynamics

22:18 The Importance of Estate Planning Updates

27:49 When to Seek a Fiduciary

28:18 Understanding the Role of Fiduciaries

30:11 Finding a Fiduciary: Resources and Recommendations

32:29 The Hidden World of Fiduciaries

36:37 Who Should Consider Becoming a Fiduciary?

38:58 A Day in the Life of a Fiduciary

42:40 Keys to Success in the Fiduciary Profession

47:05 Personal Insights: Balancing Work and Life

Connect with Lori Beth: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-beth-merrill-305a612a1/

Meet Lisa!

In this conversation, Zane interviews Lisa Hannah, a vice president at Berghof Realty Corporation, specializing in estate transition and legacy planning for vineyard and winery owners.

They discuss the complexities of wealth transfer, the role of women in real estate, and the importance of education and mentorship in navigating these challenges. Lisa shares her diverse career journey, insights on the changing landscape of real estate, and the necessity of having difficult conversations about family assets.

The discussion emphasizes the need for more women in decision-making roles and the impact of generational wealth transfer on the future of real estate ownership.

Takeaways

- Estate transition is a complex and personal journey.

- Women are increasingly becoming key players in real estate ownership. - The greatest transfer of wealth is currently happening.

- Education and empowerment are crucial for women inheriting properties.

- Many families are unprepared for the transfer of wealth.

- Mentorship plays a vital role in career development.

- Difficult conversations about assets should happen early.

- Commercial real estate is still male-dominated.

- The landscape of real estate is changing rapidly.

Sound Bites

"We are in a revolution of change."

"You can't mediate your own life."

"We need to have the hard conversations."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Estate Transitions in the Wine Industry

04:58 Lisa's Journey: From Wall Street to Real Estate

11:12 The Gender Disparity in Real Estate Investment

16:59 Understanding the Commercial Real Estate Landscape

23:39 Preparing for the Great Transfer of Wealth

31:18 The Changing Landscape of Urban Living

33:17 Navigating Family Wealth and Property

35:55 A Day in the Life of a Mediator

39:10 Finding Purpose in Mediation

41:11 Goals and Aspirations in Mediation

44:27 The Importance of Mentorship

46:54 Advice for Future Leaders

49:46 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions

Connect with Lisa: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisahannah/