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Description

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
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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

• 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."

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This podcast is a production of Earmark Media