Don’t Call Me Darlin’

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts221/v4/73/a3/9f/73a39fa1-ec5e-c40e-f428-70f528cfe0d1/mza_15567968600482889851.jpg/600x600bb.jpg

She Counts

Questian Telka, EA & Nancy McClelland, CPA

13 episodes

1 day ago

She Counts brings together respected educators Nancy McClelland, CPA, and Questian Telka, EA, for candid conversations about what it’s really like to be a woman in accounting. Whether you’re in corporate, at a firm, or running your own show, this podcast offers a space to feel seen, heard, and understood. From taboo topics to everyday challenges, She Counts is more than a podcast—it’s a community where women in accounting, tax, and bookkeeping can come together and get real.

All content for She Counts is the property of Questian Telka, EA & Nancy McClelland, CPA and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Careers

Education,

Business

https://img.transistor.fm/CyKRrDNOQKMaVE0cuag7oEe-kQBeop7P7B-k_Z63LG4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8zYzM4/YjBhNDU5ZTBjY2Qw/ZWFkYzU5ZDAzMDFl/NzYwMS5wbmc.jpg

Don’t Call Me Darlin’

She Counts

1 hour 9 minutes

3 months ago

Don’t Call Me Darlin’

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.

Sponsors
Forwardly - https://www.forwardly.com/shecounts
Justine Lackey's The Incubator - https://justinelackey.com/register
Keeper - https://keeper.app/shecounts/

(00:00) - Introduction and Episode Overview
(00:51) - Meet Our Guest: Nicole Davis
(02:33) - The Story Behind 'Don't Call Me Darling'
(04:57) - Defining Dominance and Power
(11:04) - Representation and Role Models
(18:35) - Breaking Barriers in Male-Dominated Fields
(25:43) - Proving Yourself and Gaining Respect
(36:30) - Maintaining Leadership Identity
(37:18) - Balancing Warmth and Firmness
(39:28) - Flying Your Freak Flag
(42:18) - Embracing AI in the Workplace
(49:13) - Women and Tech: A Perfect Match
(01:01:47) - The Power of Sponsorship
(01:06:48) - Final Thoughts and Farewell

Links

Nicole 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-made
Presence is Power - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23168536-presence-is-power
Theatre 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 code
Ashley 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_HQ
Jeff 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-podcast

Subscribe on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@SheCountsPodcast

Follow She Counts on IG

https://www.instagram.com/shecounts.show/

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

Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast

https://www.earmark.app/

This podcast is a production of Earmark Media