What do you do when your world falls apart—but the deadlines don’t stop?
In this deeply personal episode, we’re getting real about the moments that nearly broke us. Nancy shares what it was like to run a firm while surviving months without being able to sit or lie down due to seizures. Questian opens up about her son’s sudden hospitalization and the toll it took on her body, business, and spirit.
We talk about the pressure women in accounting feel to keep it together, to "suck it up," even in the middle of a crisis—and why perfectionism is a lie that keeps us isolated. We explore how transparency and community support can be lifelines when life feels impossible, and talk through actionable recommendations for how we can help each other manage personal emergencies while duty calls.
Sponsors
Forwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts
Ignition - https://www.ignitionapp.com
Keeper - https://keeper.app/shecounts/
Forwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts
Ignition - https://www.ignitionapp.com
Keeper - https://keeper.app/shecounts/
- (00:00) - Welcome to She Counts
- (01:02) - Nancy's Personal Story of Medical Crisis
- (04:03) - Support Systems and Client Management
- (14:02) - Question's Story: Navigating Personal Trauma
- (19:49) - The Importance of Empathy and Community
- (28:10) - Practical Tips for Supporting Others
- (32:55) - Challenges Women Face in Accounting
- (34:11) - Breaking Point: Embracing Vulnerability
- (35:32) - Redefining Resilience
- (39:10) - Managing Expectations and Mental Health
- (44:16) - The Power of Communication
- (46:40) - Building Support Systems
- (50:28) - Practical Solutions and Automation
- (55:27) - Planning for Unplanned Absences
- (57:47) - Final Thoughts and Resources
Links
- Bookkeeping Buds - https://www.bookkeepingbuds.com/
- Mindy Leubke - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindyluebke/
- Brene Brown - https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-on-shame-and-accountability/
- Lynnette Oss Connell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnette-oss-connell-cpa/
- Bridging The Gap conference - https://www.btgconference.com/
- Jennifer Dymond - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenndymond/
- Scaling New Heights - https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights-2025
- Erin Pohan’s Scariest Part of Running a Firm - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/erinpohan_scariest-part-of-running-a-firm-the-unexpected-activity-7316932835863416832-65kJ/
- Dawn Brolin’s “The Elevation of Empathy” - https://www.amazon.com/Elevation-Empathy-Leading-WIN/dp/B0F2FFXY61
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 the Earmark Media
