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The accounting profession starts with gender parity… but ends with a massive leadership gap – and the discrepancy has nothing to do with either talent or capability. This episode examines the structural issues that cause firms to lose women mid-career, from unconscious bias in performance reviews to assumptions about working mothers. Nancy and Questian break down the research on interruption patterns, pay disparities, and the "motherhood penalty," then offer concrete ways leaders can create more equitable pathways to partnership.ResourcesDespite equal entry rates, women hold only about 19% of partner positions in CPA firms nationwide.https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/landing/diversity-equity-and-inclusionhttps://www.icpas.org/information/copy-desk/insight/article/spring-2023/inspiring-progress-a-look-at-the-state-of-women-in-accountingIn broader business contexts, women occupy 14.3% of executive officer roles.https://us.aicpa.org/career/womenintheprofession/genderissues?utm_source=chatgpt.com3 Ways to Empower the Women at Your Firm - Jodi Chavez of CPA Practice AdvisorWhy women leave firms — and what we can do about it - Joey Havens of Journal of AccountancyRobin Williams - The Day Dad Made Toast” from “Free To Be… a Family”https://youtu.be/cIVnuzRf2fE?si=gEDRslsh2DqgkTK9Women+Workplaces - a community for workplaces that see the value of workers long on skills but short on time and specific availability, and women that have great skills and want to work but need jobs that can accommodate personal situations.https://sites.google.com/rawbookspdx.com/womenplusworkplaces/homeJason Ackerman on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlackerman/SPONSORS: Forwardly, Justine Lackey's The Incubator, Keeper,Join Our LinkedIn Page!https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcastSubscribe on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcastFollow She Counts on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/Connect with Nancyhttps://www.thedancingaccountant.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpaConnect with Questianhttps://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666Thank you to our sponsors!https://www.forwardly.com/shecountshttps://womeninaccounting.ignitionapp.com/https://keeper.app/shecounts/Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcasthttps://www.earmark.app/This podcast is a production of Earmark Media

Dawn Brolin, CPA, CFE and author of "The Elevation of Empathy," shares her raw story of surviving a toxic partnership where she endured cruel comments about her weight and appearance, and how that shaped her perspective on leading with empathy. Through personal examples including her own leadership failures at work and lessons from her time as a softball coach, Dawn reveals how empathy can be cultivated, practiced, and wielded as a strategic advantage. The conversation tackles the unique challenges women face when leading with empathy, the emotional labor often expected of female managers, and why caring for others doesn't make you weak – but does make you dangerous to systems built on indifference.LinksDawn Brolin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbrolin/Dawn Brolin “The Elevation of Empathy” book - https://dawnbrolin.com/books/Accounting Cornerstone Foundation - https://accountingcornerstone.org/Crisis Text Line - https://www.crisistextline.org/Randy Crabtree’s Unique CPA podcast - https://tri-merit.com/podcast/presenting-the-she-counts-podcast/Bridging the Gap conference - https://www.btgconference.com/Brad Smith - https://braddsmith.com/John Garrett - What’s Your ‘And?’ - https://whatsyourand.com/Mike Payne on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpaynejdcpa/Kellie Parks on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-parks/Catalyst 2022 Study - https://www.catalyst.org/insights/2022/emotional-tax-teamsDeloitte, “Women @ Work 2023: A Global Outlook” - https://www.deloitte.com/content/dam/assets-shared/docs/collections/2023/deloitte-women-at-work-2023-a-global-outlook.pdfKatelyn Carey TEDx Talk: “The Problem with Empathy” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=987xaGgb2XQThe Audre Lorde Project - https://alp.org/Join Our LinkedIn Page!https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcastSubscribe on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcastFollow She Counts on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/Connect with Nancyhttps://www.thedancingaccountant.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpaConnect with Questianhttps://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcasthttps://www.earmark.app/This podcast is a production of Earmark Media

Nicole Davis, Forbes Top 200 CPA and CEO of Conscious Accounting, shares her journey from being called "darling" in client meetings to becoming a force who dominates every room she enters. She candidly offers advice on how to feel like you own a room… that wasn’t “built” with you in mind. She reveals how true power isn't about titles or corner offices, it's about owning your story and making others accept who you are on your terms. Nicole discusses why women are uniquely positioned to lead the AI revolution in accounting, the critical difference between mentorship and sponsorship, and how showing up as your authentic self gives others permission to do the same.LinksNicole Davis on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoledaviscpa/Nicole Davis in recent Forbes article - https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2025/07/01/getting-to-know-you-tuesday-nicole-davis-cpa/Kelly Phillips Erb on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/taxgirl/Ruth Bader Ginsburg quote: “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception.” - https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/10433440-women-belong-in-all-places-where-decisions-are-being-madePresence is Power - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23168536-presence-is-powerTheatre of Public Speaking Fall Cohort begins August 6th! - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/bundles/tops-fall25?ref=857055 - contact shecounts@thedancingaccountant.com for a 20% off discount codeAshley Francis on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-francis-seattle/Lisa Simpson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasimpsoncpa/AICPA Town Halls on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkLAoUtMuQEP70ZfJdnL_nFmaBRl5C_HQJeff Drew on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdrewjoa/“Rewrite the guest list so that your name is on it.”Fabulous Nicole Davis quotes:"I used to do things to prove others wrong, but now I do things to prove myself right.""Authenticity is your permission slip."“Flying your freak flag is like broadcasting your wifi – others will get your signal!”"Mentors guide but sponsors vouch."Join Our LinkedIn Page!https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcastSubscribe on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcastFollow She Counts on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/Connect with Nancyhttps://www.thedancingaccountant.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpaConnect with Questianhttps://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcasthttps://www.earmark.app/This podcast is a production of Earmark Media

Recorded live at Scaling New Heights, Nayo Carter-Gray shares her hard-won wisdom on setting client boundaries, and her frustration in receiving a scathing one-star review that turned into a teaching moment. From effective communication skills, to tools such as using answering services and shared email inboxes, to crafting the perfect out-of-office message and managing client expectations through education… she reveals how clear strategies and proactive systems create better client relationships, not damaged ones. You'll learn why "no" is a complete sentence and discover practical tools to protect your time without the guilt.Links mentioned in this episode:Nayo Carter-Gray  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayocartergray/First Step Accounting - https://1ststepaccounting.com/about/Accounting Cornerstone Foundation - https://accountingcornerstone.org/Bridging the Gap conference - https://www.btgconference.com/The Net Gains - https://www.thenetgains.co/Scaling New Heights - https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights-2026Hope Brown on LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hope-brown-msa-afsp-463a44239/Insightful Accountant - https://insightfulaccountant.com/The Proposal & Beyond: Designing an Effortless Client Onboarding Experience - Insightful Accountant w/ Questian Telka - https://hubs.li/Q03wDSSD0Out-of-Office Message Template:Dear [Client's Name], From [start date] to [end date], I’ll be taking some much-needed time off. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name]. I value our partnership and assure you that all tasks will be handled with the same dedication and efficiency.Join Our LinkedIn Page!https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcastSubscribe on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcastFollow She Counts on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/Connect with Nancyhttps://www.thedancingaccountant.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpaConnect with Questianhttps://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcasthttps://www.earmark.app/This podcast is a production of Earmark Media

Nancy and Questian dive deep into the difference between fearlessness and courage, sharing vulnerable stories: about becoming a dancer at age 40, speaking to a room of hundreds of people, and starting their own businesses. They explore why saying "don't be afraid" misses the point—true courage isn't the absence of fear, but choosing to act despite it. From imposter syndrome to asking for money, they discuss the specific fears women in accounting face and offer practical tools, such as: affirmations; breaking down scary tasks; remembering your “why”; and borrowing confidence from mentors.Links mentioned in this episode:Ashley Francis - Kitchen Table Automations - https://www.kta.ai/Financial Cents WorkflowCon - Nancy teaches the Time Warp - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dwFyP3M824&t=437sKate Johnson - Bookkeeping Side Hustle - https://www.youtube.com/live/0Ze2ayjEFSkMisty Megia - https://www.instagram.com/misty_megia/Geni Whitehouse - https://geniwhitehouse.com/Join Our LinkedIn Page!https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcastSubscribe on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcastFollow She Counts on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/Connect with Nancyhttps://www.thedancingaccountant.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpaConnect with Questianhttps://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcasthttps://www.earmark.app/This podcast is a production of Earmark Media

Burnout coach and CPA Lynnette Oss Connell joins us and shares her personal journey from running a successful accounting practice while juggling five kids, to recognizing and addressing signs of complete burnout. She explains how women experience burnout differently than men due to biological and social factors, and why 99% of accountants struggle with chronic stress. Lynnette introduces the concept of time versus energy management audits, as well as different strategies for burnout prevention versus recovery. Lastly, we discuss the critical importance of building authentic community before crisis hits.Links:Lynnette Oss Connell’s website - https://www.burnoutbestie.com/Lynnette Oss Connell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnette-oss-connell-cpa/Lynnette Oss Connell on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/burnoutbestie/Theatre of Public Speaking - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/bundles/tops-fall25?ref=85705599% of Accountants Suffer Burnout: Study - https://www.cfodive.com/news/most-accountants-suffer-burnout-study/627850/Book - “Burnout: the Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” by Emily & Amelia Nagoski - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42397849-burnoutBridging The Gap panel hosted by Questian - https://www.btgconference.com/event/tech-ai-bounce-back-build-forward/Shirley Koss on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleykoss/Will Lopez on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wlopezjr/Join Our LinkedIn Page!https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcastSubscribe on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcastFollow She Counts on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/Connect with Nancyhttps://www.thedancingaccountant.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpaConnect with Questianhttps://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666Thank you to our sponsors!https://www.forwardly.com/shecountshttps://womeninaccounting.ignitionapp.com/https://keeper.app/shecounts/Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcasthttps://www.earmark.app/This podcast is a production of Earmark Media

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.LinksBookkeeping 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-2025Erin 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/B0F2FFXY61Join Our LinkedIn Page!https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcast Follow She Counts on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/Connect with Nancyhttps://www.thedancingaccountant.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpaConnect with Questianhttps://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666Subscribe on YouTubeEarn CPE for Listening to This Podcasthttps://www.earmark.app/This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

Nancy McClelland and Questian Telka introduce their new podcast dedicated to women in accounting, sharing their unconventional paths into the profession and the friendship that sparked this project. They discuss their mission to create an authentic community where women can share challenges and triumphs without filtering, preview over 50 future topics they've accumulated over two years, and explain how their "conversational chemistry" transformed casual chats into a platform for collective wisdom. Through personal stories about struggles with confidence, education, and finding community, they establish that this isn't about preaching solutions, but creating a space where everyone's voice counts.Links mentioned in this episode Nancy’s ‘Ask a CPA’ community free bookkeepers’ annual review checklist https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/bookkeepers-guide-to-annual-reviews/Bookkeeping Buds - https://www.bookkeepingbuds.com/The Unique CPA Podcast Presents “She Counts” - https://tri-merit.com/podcast/presenting-the-she-counts-podcast/Join Our LinkedIn Page!https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcastConnect with Nancy https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpaFollow She Counts on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/Connect with Questianhttps://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666 Subscribe on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcast Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcasthttps://www.earmark.app/This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

Mentorship can transform careers, yet women in accounting often struggle to find female leaders to guide them - despite equal numbers entering the profession, only 19% of partners are women. Questian and Nancy explore how seeing someone who looks like you succeed makes your own success feel possible, sharing personal stories of mentors who believed in them before they believed in themselves. The hosts discuss both the psychology behind effective mentorship and practical ways to find mentors who align with your values, regardless of their age or position.Links mentioned in this episode Bridging The Gap conference - https://www.btgconference.com/Theatre of Public Speaking - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/bundles/tops-fall25?ref=857055Nancy’s ‘Ask a CPA’ community free bookkeepers’ annual review checklist https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/bookkeepers-guide-to-annual-reviews/Bookkeeping Buds - https://www.bookkeepingbuds.com/The Unique CPA Podcast Presents “She Counts” - https://tri-merit.com/podcast/presenting-the-she-counts-podcast/Join Our LinkedIn Page!https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-counts-podcast Follow She Counts on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/Connect with Nancyhttps://www.thedancingaccountant.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpaConnect with Questianhttps://www.reqoncilefinancials.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/questian-telka-ea-78383666Subscribe on YouTubeEarn CPE for Listening to This Podcasthttps://www.earmark.app/This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media