Sponsors vs. Mentors? What’s all the Buzz?

I recently received important feedback from a client. John had been serving as a sponsor in a specific Sponsor-Protégé program we launched in his firm He is an owner and leader in a large regional, soon to be national, firm. He spoke about the profound experience of his journey to understanding exactly what sponsorship means.…

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Bridging the Gap-The Conclusion

On behalf of the members of the CPA Consultants’ Alliance, I hope you have enjoyed and benefited from our 2015 blog series focused on the central theme of Bridging the Gap-Strengthening the Connection Between Current and Emerging Leaders. The membership of the CPA Consultants’ Alliance is comprised of many of the top thought leaders in…

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Sponsorship-Barrier to Exit for Talent

Jayne is a woman with ten years of experience in public accounting.    She is certified and versatile in multiple areas of practice in which she might contribute now and in the future.  She has deep community roots in the major metropolitan area in which she works and she has shown great promise in promoting the…

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People at the Center of CPA Firm 2015 Top Issues

The CPA Consultants’ Alliance (CPACA), a group of thought leaders working together to further leadership within the CPA profession, recently held its annual meeting to discuss the most pressing leadership challenges facing the CPA profession and identify solutions to address these challenges.  Following the meeting, CPACA members were asked to comment on the single most…

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Unlikely Source of Career Life Integration

Jayne is a team player. She is very passionate about her work and life. She has many things she wants to be involved in. She can be relied on to take things and run with them.  Unfortunately at this stage in her career, as a director, she is seriously considering leaving the organization. She is…

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The Concept of Privilege

Recently in working with a group of senior leaders in an accounting firm, one of the baby boomer white males said to me:  “I have learned in my journey of understanding regarding diversity in our profession that I was born on third base, yet all my life I have thought I hit a triple”. This…

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Flexibility- Not Just About Part Time Work Schedules

Flexibility??  …Been there done that?  Or that won’t work here…our customers and clients are too demanding?  Do these comments sound familiar?  Read on to learn how flexibility may not be what you think. Building flexibility into a work culture impacts so much more than your employee’s intention to stay and contribute their very best to the organization.  While…

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The Myths of Diversity & Inclusion

Every day there is more conversation about diversity and inclusion in the accounting profession.  The AICPA formed the National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion[1]  to begin looking at ethnic diversity which is only one aspect of diversity.  The AICPA has also had a focus on gender diversity for over thirty years which continues with the…

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13 Leadership Insights & Tips for CPA Firms

The CPA Consultants’ Alliance (CPACA), a group of thought leaders working together to further leadership within the CPA profession, met recently to identify and discuss the most pressing leadership challenges facing the CPA profession and identify solutions to address these challenges.  Following the meeting, CPACA members were asked to identify the single most significant leadership…

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