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was attracted to the fact that CalCPA is the
largest statewide professional association for
CPAs and partners with AICPA and other
state societies to elevate, advocate and educate
the profession and its members. The icing on
the cake was that my son, who has a financial
position in a large bank, lives in Santa
Monica, so visits will be much easier and
winter will be much warmer. I’m honored and
thrilled to be here!
Q: What do you see as the
most pressing issues for CPAs?
For CalCPA?
A: Like many professions, one of the most
pressing issues for CPAs is relevancy—
continuing to elevate CPAs to be seen
as strategic, trusted advisers addressing
changing client priorities and business
models. Connected with this is an increasing
need for the profession to stay on top of a
growing number of legislative and regulatory
challenges that can have wide-ranging
implications for clients, the public and the
profession itself. It’s important we all remain
vigilant and engaged to ensure that CPAs
remain the trusted advisers, valued employees
and preferred providers of financial and
advisory services to consumers everywhere.
Another critical issue is managing
the wave of technological disruption that
continues to impact the work, planning and
decisions of CPA leaders; thereby heightening
the need for adaptation and embracing
key technology advancements—making
continuous upskilling crucial. The war for
talent also affects CPAs. Finding skilled,
capable and diverse professionals will set
the stage for innovation, retooling and
repositioning. In concert with the talent war
are the needs to enhance work experience,
increase employee fulfillment and demonstrate
corporate social responsibility.
CalCPA also faces several pressing issues:
digital innovation, future of work, competition
for both our member’s attention and wallet
share, remaining relevant, continuing to
amplify our voice and having a seat at the
table when legislative and regulatory issues are
discussed. Many associations are facing these
similar challenges; we need to be focused,
aligned and adaptable.
challenges for women in the CPA
profession today?
A: Through the years, women have gained
ground as CPAs and partners; however, the
number of female partners remains within
the low 20th percentile. COVID didn’t help
women advance into the leadership ranks;
in fact, the working conditions during the
pandemic drained stamina and appetite
for career advancement. Finding firms and
roles that provide flexibility and support a
holistic career path is a challenge; however,
I’m optimistic we will see creative career
models and pathing. Tied into this is the lack
of female role models, especially for women
of color. Open and honest conversations
surrounding future career paths help to
recognize and promote high-potential talent.
Q: Where do diversity, equity and
inclusion (DE&I) issues rank on your
to-do list? How can we address DE&I
concerns in terms of the profession
and CalCPA?
A: Diversity, equity and inclusion matter to
me because it’s at the heart of humanity—
the human experience. We all need to be
at the table to build a better world and a
better tomorrow for our children. It’s all
our responsibility; each of us is uniquely
positioned to help build a more diverse and
inclusive world.
The best way to address DE&I is to be
curious, have uncomfortable conversations,
remember it’s a journey not a destination and
continue to move forward with measurable
results. There will be bumps in the road and
times we skin our knees, but we need to keep
moving. Over the past few weeks I’ve had
the privilege and honor to talk with CalCPA
leaders, team members and the CalCPA
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission—
all passionate, resilient and committed to
coming together and affecting change. I
look forward to continuing to work with our
leaders to help build a framework/blueprint
that advances DE&I and is sustainable.
Q: What advice do you have for
accounting students or those just
starting their CPA journey?
A: It’s never too early to build your network
and get to know a wide range of people:
faculty, staff, students and other professionals
you meet throughout your day-to-day
activities. And ask for help when you need it.
Most people are eager to help and unless you
tell them what you need, they will never know.
Getting involved with your local CalCPA
chapter is another way to expand your
network, develop your leadership skills and
give back to the professional community.
I will share author Wilfred Peterson’s
quote that I frequently mention to my son:
“Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the
courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the
doers, the successful people with their heads
in the clouds and their feet on the ground. Let
their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this
world better than when you found it.”
Q: What has been your biggest
learning experience?
A: Perseverance and the ability to be flexible
to change with varying situations.
NewCEO
Q: What one word describes
you best?
A: The word that describes me best is
“optimistic”—the glass is neither half full or
half empty, it can always be refilled.
Q: How would you describe your
leadership style?
I embrace Simon Sinek’s viewpoint: “A
leader’s responsibility is to see those around
them rise and be successful, taking care of
those you oversee.” My approach is one of
inspiration, flexibility and transparency.
Leadership at its core is to serve and
encourage the people you lead by teaching,
coaching and mentoring with the supreme
goal of growing more leaders.
Q: Most recently read book? Bingedwatched
show on Netflix?
A: I recently read the book “A Most Beautiful
Thing” by Arshay Cooper, which was thought
provoking and hopeful. I would suggest it
as a must on your reading list. I just bingedwatched
“The Maid” on Netflix—beautiful
and gritty.
Q: What would we find you doing in
your free time?
A: I would be spending time with family or
friends hiking, walking on the beach, traveling
and enjoying a wonderful dinner together.
Q: Favorite app and why?
A: Pocket is one of my favorite apps. It allows
me to save my favorite articles in one place,
tag portions based on pertinent categories,
select favorites and then highlight to quickly
access. Check it out!
Q: If we looked at your texts, what
emoji would we see the most?
A: The smiley face and clapping hands; there’s
so much to celebrate and be grateful for.
Q: Cubs or White Sox?
A: Tough question. I’m a fan of great
entertainment, which given the ebbs and flows
of sports allows for choosing what to watch
and whom to cheer for on any given day.
When it comes to baseball, I’m originally from
the Milwaukee area and tended then to root
for the Brewers (and football for the Packers).
Neither are really possible nor even welcomed
in Chicago where I have favored the Cubs,
although the White Sox have a hip appeal and
are interesting to watch.
www.calcpa.org
DECEMBER 2021 CALIFORNIA CPA 3
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