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Protea Conversations

Protea Conversations

By: Zane Stevens
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About this listen

"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 52 - Anshul Agrawal - Building Global Teams with Offshoring
    Mar 4 2026

    Meet Anshul!

    In this episode of Protea Conversations, discover how direct ownership offshoring can give your business control, reduce compliance risks, and unlock access to global talent.

    Anshul Agrawal shares his journey from immigrant to offshoring expert and offers insights into how firms of all sizes can leverage international talent pools effectively.

    In this episode:

    - The difference between agency sourcing and direct ownership offshoring

    - How to build and manage a global team without high physical infrastructure costs

    - Key legal, compliance, and cultural considerations for offshore hiring

    - Why Argentina and South Africa are emerging as popular offshoring destinations

    - Anshul’s personal journey from studying in the US to founding an international consulting business

    - Common myths and misconceptions about offshoring and how to address them

    - Practical advice for accountants and entrepreneurs looking to go global

    - The role of education and mindset shifts in overcoming old-school stigmas

    - Actionable tips on how to start small with testing offshore arrangements

    For those considering offshoring, Anshul emphasizes the importance of education, starting small, and addressing misconceptions. His approach makes global talent accessible for firms of all sizes, helping you solve your biggest business challenges by leveraging international resources.

    Connect with Anshul:

    Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshul12/

    June15 Consulting - https://www.june15consulting.com/

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    51 mins
  • Episode 51 - Randy Crabtree - How a Stroke Shifted a CPA’s Perspective on Success and Human Connection
    Feb 18 2026

    Meet Randy!

    In this episode of Protea Conversations, Randy Crabtree shares his inspiring journey of overcoming personal challenges, building vibrant communities, and embracing vulnerability to lead with authenticity in the accounting industry.

    Discover practical advice on fostering mental wellness, creating impactful cultures, and finding fulfillment in both professional and personal life.

    Key Topics:

    - How a stroke changed Randy’s perspective on work and life

    - The importance of vulnerability and authentic leadership

    - Building a community-focused culture centered on mental health and wellness

    - Strategies to empower teams through trust and openness

    - The significance of niche expertise and aligning passion with profession

    - Balancing family, personal growth, and professional impact

    - Practical ways to implement positive change within organizations

    - The role of diversity of thought in fostering innovation and growth

    - Randy’s upcoming conference: Bridging the Gap and its focus on wellness and collaboration

    - Tips for newcomers entering the accounting profession: identifying what makes you happy and pursuing it

    Connect with Randy:

    Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-crabtree-cpa-1945a67/

    Personal Website - https://www.randycrabtree.com/

    Follow Protea:

    Website - https://proteafinancial.com/blog/

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/proteafinancial

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/10833176

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/protea_financial/

    Twitter - https://twitter.com/FinancialProtea

    Follow Zane:

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zane-stevens/

    Twitter - https://twitter.com/zane_stevens_

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zane_stevens_/

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    50 mins
  • Episode 50 - Justin Stephen - From Sales to Taxes: Journey to securing a legacy
    Dec 17 2025

    Meet Justin!

    In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane Stevens interviews Justin Stephens, the second-generation owner of Stephens Tax Services. Justin shares his journey from initially avoiding the family business to taking over after his father's passing. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of running a tax service, the importance of maintaining personal values, and his commitment to client-first service. The conversation also touches on Justin's personal health journey and the future of his business.

    Takeaways

    - Justin initially avoided the family business, pursuing a career in sales.

    - His father's illness prompted Justin to take over the tax service.

    - Justin emphasizes a client-first approach, valuing personal connections.

    - He successfully expanded the business, doubling the client base.

    - Justin's personal health journey involved losing 70 pounds.

    - He stresses the importance of aligning business with personal values.

    - Justin plans to continue growing the business while maintaining its core values.

    - Technology plays a key role in adapting to client needs.

    - Justin values making tax services accessible and affordable.

    - He believes in the importance of hard work and perseverance.

    Sound bites

    "I'm giving you the football, you take it, you run with it."

    "The life you want is on the other side of the work you're avoiding."

    "I can't imagine doing anything else."

    "It's about seeing that it's not shying away from it."

    "It's the people first. Need to remember that."

    "You can't take care of anybody else if you don't take care of yourself."

    "There's no shortcuts. And when I stopped looking for shortcuts, my life gets better."

    Connect with Justin:

    Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-stephens-5bb114b/

    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
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