Podcasts have become an essential part of our daily life. You’ve probably heard of the “Podcast Movement” - the world's largest community of podcasters. You may not, though, know the amazing CPA and founder who started it all (yet!) - our incredible guest this week, Dan Franks! Dan is a great example of how accountants can do cool things; it was so much fun and incredibly interesting to learn about his journey and how he turned his interest and passion into a career!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
1. MAKE SURE TO CARVE OUT TIME FOR PASSION PROJECTS
Between work, friends, family, and an everpiling array of “to-dos,” passions and hobbies are sometimes pushed to the side. Dan advocates for a specific carving out of time for passion projects, keeping yourself engaged with the aspects of yourself that bring joy and spark excitement. For Dan, joy and passion came from listening to information through audio mediums; when he put himself in the position to be able to have opportunities in this field, the Podcast Movement was born.
2. AS A CPA, YOU CAN GO ANYWHERE, ESPECIALLY ENTREPRENEURS
Dan started his work as a CPA in public accounting in KPMG, but built his career around the podcasting industry because of his fascination with entrepreneurs and small businesses. Accountants, he explains, can make amazing entrepreneurs; they often already understand money flow and budgeting and can serve as their own financial advisors, all while learning to build and grow their passions in the form of businesses. For individuals seeking to combine their personal passions with their accounting skills, Dan can serve as an amazing role model; he explains well that because accounting is an open book, it’s okay to switch directions.
3. PROFESSIONAL MENTORS BUILD A CIRCLE OF TRUST
Your circle of trust should be individuals who would support, analyze, and encourage your professional development in authentic ways. These mentors are the people in your life that have only your best interest at heart, give well thought out answers, and are trying to be helpful throughout your career. Turn to your circle of trust when you are considering career changes, and take note of their advice when making important professional decisions.
🎧 To learn more about these ideas, dive deeper into passion projects, learn more about mentoring, or find yourself a mentor in Cece, head to the Dear Accountant Podcast here.
🎙 “Dear Accountant” podcast is a uniquely insightful and entertaining podcast for aspiring young business professionals. Each episode is packed with actionable advice to help young finance professionals get ready for whatever challenge they may face next. Aside from all of the many cool things in accounting (technical topics and trends), we bring in industry experts and influential leaders to share their journey, insights and perspectives. We will also cover topics that were not taught in school - life essential skills such as personal finance, emotional intelligence, mentorship, networking, body language and human behaviors, and so much more!
💬 About our guest, Dan Franks: Dan Franks began his career as a CPA. Spending the first 8 years of his career in public accounting, starting in the big four with KPMG, but he realized his true passion was working with small business owners and entrepreneurs. That’s when he discovered podcasting, becoming the business manager for a major podcasting company, Midroll / Stitcher. He worked alongside the CFO, helping with all aspects of the business side of the company. At the same time, in 2014, he helped co-found and launch “Podcast Movement” - the world's largest conference and trade show for the podcast industry. In 2018 it became his full-time job. Now “Podcast Movement” welcomes over 3,000 podcasters and industry professionals from around the world to their annual event.
📖 Get the amazing advices from the 20 mentors in the “Dear Accountant” Book: The book offers a unique immersion into the lives and careers of 20 inspiring leaders in finance from different disciplines - their backstories, pivotal moments, career trajectories, and hiccups along the way.
🎧 Listen to Cece’s interviews about her passion and mission in writing this book and paying it forward to help young professionals to find meaning and fulfillment in their life and career: