As part of this year's Top 100 Most Influential People survey, Accounting Today asked, "If you could go back, what is one thing you would change in your career?"
The full responses of all the candidates are below. (The full T100 list is available
My accounting career has spanned over 32 years – and there are moments of great accomplishments and there are moments I've learned a tremendous amount from. Every challenge and accomplishment shaped the leader I am today. I will always remember a pivotal 360 review early on, when candid feedback taught me the power of authenticity and empathy in modern leadership. It inspired me to lead with greater vulnerability and actively seek out new and unique perspectives. That shift was critical, deepening trust and strengthening my teams. I've learned that progress matters much more than perfection. Leading major transformation initiatives throughout my career required grit, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks, but every setback was a lesson in developing a growth mindset. I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything—they're integral to how I lead and connect with others now. In short, I value every step of the journey. Each lesson—good or bad—helped me evolve as a leader and better empower those around me.
— Lara Abrash, chair, Deloitte US
I wouldn't change anything. I firmly believe there is something to be learned and gained from every experience (whether it's seen externally as a success or failure) and each step has shaped who I am as a leader and strategist. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in my career than where I am today, building technology that has the potential to transform this profession that I care deeply about.
– Justin Adams, CEO & co-founder, Aiwyn
Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing. I'm not quite fifty years old and this has already been a more fulfilling career than I could ever have imagined. I've also been given key opportunities at the right times that changed the trajectory of my work life. I'm so incredibly grateful.
– Amanda Aguillard, chief operating officer, Padgett
Nothing, I have no regrets. I always point myself forward. My past has been great for learning what went well and what didn't. The lessons of my past help me in moving forward. I listen, learn, and focus, and I am willing to admit when I need to make a change.
— Alan Anderson, founder and president, Accountability Plus
I wouldn't change a thing. Every serendipitous opportunity that came my way led to greater things that I couldn't have anticipated. Every choice – from taking an accounts payable job as my first job out of college to staying in the National Guard to the firms I worked at – has enriched my life and given me experiences I wouldn't have gotten had I made different choices.
The only thing I might have done differently would have been to study a little harder for the CPA exam early on so that it wouldn't have hung over me so much during my first years at the firm.
But all those paths, like streams, have led me to the river that is my life now. Right now, I'm glad to be on this one; everything in the past has led to it. I'm at this place because having all these different experiences combined allows me to be the best consultant for CPAs that I can be.
– Tyler Anderson, partner, Accountability Plus
I would have aligned earlier with an Alliance firm, other consultants and bodies of knowledge (AICPA) where my impact, education and passion for the industry could have been louder and more impactful.
I had been told far too many times that I was too young or too early in my career to get in on critical conversations and professional advancements – so I listened and learned instead of acted upon my instincts. If I could go back, I would have set out to be more integral in larger industry-affected roles so that I could be part of a greater impact, affecting change.
— Rachel Anevski, CEO, Matters of Management
I probably would have decided to leave Wipfli at a year or two earlier and focus on giving back to the profession in the capacity as a consultant. I am truly glad that I have found a home at Winding River Consulting and value the impact that I am having on the many firms we get to work with.
– Brian Blaha, managing director, Winding River Consulting
I would have abandoned the billable hour and tracking time from day one. They kept me mired in the mentality that customers buy our time. They don't. They aspire for transformation, to change. As Michael Hammer says, "A professional is someone who is responsible for achieving a result rather than performing a task." It took me years to unlearn that time spent does not equate to economic value. Today, AI is accelerating the reckoning: if you think what you sell is "hours," then you're already behind—because machines will always have more of them. Efficiency is for robots. Transformation is for humans.
— Ron Baker, co-founder, Threshold
I would have been an accountant! I found my way into the profession through my background leading businesses that educate financial professionals. I've worked with bankers, financial planners, investment managers, and many more, but this profession attracts and produces the very best people delivering essential services through the economy and everyday lives.
– Adam Batchelor, CEO, CPA Crossings; chief operating officer, Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs
I'd recognize sooner that balance isn't a luxury; it's how great work gets done. Earlier in my career, I tried to outwork every deadline. Knowing what I know now, I'd put guardrails in place –planning capacity ahead of busy season, protecting recovery time, and modeling it for my teams. With today's technology – from automation and e-signatures to collaborative platforms –we can redistribute work more evenly, reduce after hours churn, and still deliver exceptional quality. That shift makes the profession more sustainable and more appealing to future CPAs.
— Elizabeth Beastrom, president, tax & accounting professionals, Thomson Reuters
I love my career, so I don't know that there is anything I would change. Each step I took provided opportunities for learning and growth that prepared me for the next, and I wouldn't be the leader I am today without those experiences.
One of the most valuable lessons in my career has been recognizing the broader impact having an innovative and strategic mindset can have on leadership. Early on, I focused on applying innovation to solve client challenges. Over time, I've seen how that same mindset—curiosity, agility and a drive to simplify complexity—can shape culture, strategy and growth across the entire firm.
That perspective now informs how we lead at RSM: aligning innovation with purpose, empowering our people, and building a digital first, globally connected organization. It's a reminder that the most meaningful progress often comes from scaling what's already working—and giving great ideas the room to grow.
— Brian Becker, managing partner and CEO, RSM US
Looking back on my 25+ year career, I wouldn't change a thing. Every mistake and hardship has taught me valuable lessons and strengthened my ability to persevere. These experiences inspire me to share what I've learned with others facing similar challenges. As accountants, we are shaped by our experiences, and it's those moments that shape us and help us provide strategic insight to our clients and colleagues.
– Matthew Becker, national managing principal of tax, BDO USA
I started teaching at the university level when I was 30 and taught for two years, which I truly enjoyed, but at the time I didn't have the bandwidth to continue. I returned to teaching 25 years later and rediscovered the passion I had for it. That experience has deepened my appreciation for my career and the importance of the work I do. If I could go back, I would have made more time to teach earlier and more often.
— Michael Bernard, VP, tax content strategy and chief tax officer, Vertex
There are always opportunities here or there that weren't taken, or choices made that, in hindsight, may not have been ideal. However, while it may sound corny, because my prior career decisions led me to be the Chair of the GASB – a position I have loved – I have a hard time saying I would change anything.
— Joel Black, chair, Governmental Accounting Standards Board
I probably would have decided to leave Wipfli at a year or two earlier and focus on giving back to the profession in the capacity as a consultant. I am truly glad that I have found a home at Winding River Consulting and value the impact that I am having on the many firms we get to work with.
– Brian Blaha, managing director and partner, Winding River Consulting
That's a tough question because I've genuinely loved every chapter of my career. Whether it was building lasting relationships with clients, leading a practice, mentoring others, or now influencing the profession by sharing my knowledge, each experience has brought me a deep sense of accomplishment and joy. I wouldn't want to change any of that. If I had to choose one thing, though, it would be striving for better work–life balance. I've never been particularly good at it, and looking back, a healthier balance might have served me — and my personal life — a little better along the way.
– Kimberly Blascoe, senior director, CAS professional services, CPA.com
I have had a great career. I am proud to have undertaken the many varied opportunities I had and my accomplishments. If I could roll back time; I would tell my younger self to always celebrate the wins (even the small wins) with family and friends. My desire is to continue to be a role model and a mentor to the next generation – our future.
— Julie Boland, U.S. managing partner and Americas managing partner, Ernst & Young
If I could change one thing, I would have prioritized balance earlier. Like many in this profession, I spent a lot of years equating long hours with success. What I've come to realize is that sustainable success comes from recharging, spending time with family and protecting energy so you can show up fully for clients and team.
— Jim Boomer, CEO, Boomer Consulting Inc.
Read and travel more. I am extremely grateful for the peer relationships and exposure to innovative thinking. I recall a quote from Charlie "Tremendous" Jones: "The people you meet and the books you read will determine who you will be in five years." Strategic Coach, A-360 and my peers have also provided great opportunities.
— L. Gary Boomer, founder, visionary & strategist, Boomer Consulting Inc.
I would have embraced innovation quicker. In a field rooted in precision, it is easy to default to incremental change. But the challenges we face—from private equity investments in the audit to new technologies—demand creative thinking and a willingness to reimagine how oversight works. I have learned innovation is not just about adopting new tools—it is about cultivating a mindset that questions assumptions, invites experimentation, and puts the public interest at the center of every decision.
– George Botic, acting chair, PCAOB
If I could go back and change one thing in my career, I would have focused 100% on offering advisory services many years before I actually did. In the early days I felt that I needed to maintain a reasonable book of business in the firm, offering and servicing legacy tax and audit clients. It was not until I gave up 100% of my client base and put 100% of my efforts into offering advisory services that my firm realized growth and expansion of our advisory vertical. It took me awhile to figure this one out, but you CAN'T give everything 100%. I used to say yes to taking on every new task and I would never clear my plate to do so. As much as I believed that I gave everything 100%, I now realize that was not possible.
— Jim Bourke, managing director, advisory services, WithumSmith+Brown
I wouldn't change the journey itself; I've loved every moment of ups and downs. Every experience has shaped the lens I bring to building Springline, focusing on clients and talent, and the opportunity to create something enduring and people-first in middle-market accounting and advisory.
If I could change one thing, and if I were to give my past self some advice, I'd say take more risks. There is a resilience and confidence that comes with experience, but paradoxically, experience only comes with taking the first step.
– Tim Brackney, CEO, Springline Advisory
While I have enjoyed each step of my career, if I could change one thing it might be to explore some additional areas of specialization (for example, by getting more hands-on experience with forensics, taxes, and technology).
— Jennifer Burns, chief auditor, AICPA-CIMA
Early in my career, I focused on doing the work and proving myself through hard work and technical skill. It took time to find my voice and the confidence to speak up, share a different perspective, and advocate for what I believed in. Over time, I learned that leadership is not only about the right answer. It is about asking the right questions, creating space for others, and using your voice to influence and inspire change.
Today I encourage less tenured professionals to find their voice earlier. Their insights matter and our profession is stronger when every voice is heard. If I could go back, I would tell myself that you do not have to have it all figured out to lead. You need to show up with integrity, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Looking back, every twist in my career taught me something, and I would not change the path. I would have permitted myself to step into leadership sooner rather than waiting to earn it over time. That is a message I want to pass on to those rising in the profession today.
– Deanna Byrne, US assurance leader, PwC
Even if I could go back, I wouldn't change anything about my career path. It brought me to this moment and it has been a testimony of how all things work together for good. However, I would be more intentional about reflecting more along the way. Every challenge, detour, and opportunity has shaped how I lead and serve today. I've learned that growth often happens in the moments that feel the least comfortable, and I would remind my younger self to embrace those moments fully.
– Arianna Campbell, shareholder and chief operating officer, Boomer Consulting
I would have stepped into entrepreneurship sooner. Early in my career, I saw the friction everywhere: talented professionals spending countless hours on manual tasks that added little value, while the real potential of their expertise remained untapped.
At the time, I believed leaving the profession was the only way to find purpose. Ironically, that journey brought me back with more clarity and conviction than ever. I realized the change I was seeking had to come from building new solutions for the profession itself.
Starting later gave me valuable perspective and resilience. But starting earlier could have accelerated the mission of Fieldguide and the impact we are now making on the profession.
– Jin Chang, CEO, Fieldguide
I took a very atypical pathway to my current role. However, I think it is what makes me a well-rounded professional now and well as providing multiple areas of deep domain depth. Tom Hood spotlights the concept of the T-Shaped Professional, and I like to think I am a pi (ϖ) shaped professional!
I am usually confident in the decisions that I make with the information I have at the time. There are lots of little items that, with the luxury of hindsight, I would go back and slightly change, but to this day I concur with my decisions at the time with the information I had and would still make those same decisions.
The one thing I'd probably change is how I internalize the various stresses of work. That said, because that stress comes from a place of genuine care, I wouldn't want to lose that quality entirely. Still, there have certainly been times when I could have managed that stress more effectively.
– Danielle Supkis Cheek, SVP, AI, analytics and assurance, Caseware
My first instinct is to say I should have studied something more technicalduring that last quarter of college instead of taking horseback riding, golf,and English literature, like computer science.But actually, I regret nothing there.
What I would change is to cut my losses sooner when things weren't working,Entrepreneurs are wired to believe we can bend reality—and often, we can.But not everything is bendable. There is a thin line between beinginspirational and being delusional.It took me a few cycles to learn how to recognize that line, and how to stay onthe right side of it (and it's not delusional).
– Ellen Choi, CEO & Founder, Edgefield Group
I have loved and been blessed every day of my career. If I had to do it all over…I would do it all over. I wouldn't change a thing. I'm grateful for all those I've been able to work alongside. It's been an awesome ride!
— David Cieslak, EVP, chief cloud officer, RKL eSolutions LLC
I often say that if I could change one thing, it would be to have discovered association management earlier in my career. I truly love this work — the variety it offers, the creativity it requires, and, most importantly, the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for the people I serve and the profession they represent. I feel a deep sense of accountability to helping our members advance in their careers and elevating their role within the profession. That responsibility brings me tremendous fulfillment and pride.
At the same time, I know the experiences I gained in other roles and industries helped prepare me for this path. Those perspectives shaped my ability to lead in association management and serve effectively in my role today.
— Rhonda Clark, executive director, Association for Accounting Marketing
I would have taken ownership of my career and exercised greater agency in my decisions earlier. Early on, I allowed the expectations of the profession to shape too many of my choices, rather than intentionally charting my own course. Over time, I've learned the importance of aligning my work with my values, vision, and goals. This has also led me to help others do the same. Having that clarity and confidence earlier would have accelerated both my growth and my impact in the profession.
– Jeremy Clopton, managing director, Upstream Academy
If I could go back, I would speak up sooner and share my ideas with greater confidence. Over time, I've learned the value of trusting my instincts and contributing my voice and that growth has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
– Erin Collins, National Taxpayer Advocate, Taxpayer Advocate Service, IRS
I graduated with an accounting degree, and I'm an accountant, but I'm not a CPA. If I could go back, I would absolutely approach life a little differently, and make sure that I obtained that important credential. I know I can still take it now, but life has taken me down the path intended for me, and I'm blessed to be able to live my purpose and passion and be successful (my definition of success) without it. I am where I need to be. It does show how powerful an accounting degree is though. It has propelled me into organizations and spaces I didn't even realize would be so impactful to my career growth. And despite me not receiving the credential, I do still see strong value in it. I always promote getting it. I tell students to definitely work to obtain it if they have the means. You never want a reason for anyone in your career to tell you "no," and when you're in accounting without your CPA, there is that chance. So, get it and choose how you want move through this profession. But, if you enjoy the profession and happen to not be licensed like me, know that you can absolutely still achieve great success. You can't go wrong. 😊
— Crystal Cooke, director, diversity and inclusion, AICPA
I wouldn't change anything. I love where I am thanks to every experience I have had. For others, I'd suggest prioritizing your health, seeking help early, building your role around strengths and passions, investing in mentors, fostering relationships, saying no more often, and including recovery in your routine. Utilize technology for efficiency, measure results over hours, lead honestly, and take smart risks sooner. These steps boost your progress and fulfilment.
— Randy Crabtree, partner, co-founder, Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals
If I could go back, I would push myself earlier in my career to be more proactive in exploring opportunities outside my comfort zone. I've been fortunate to end up where I am today not through a rigid plan, but by being open to connections and possibilities as they arose. Looking back, leaning into that mindset even sooner by seeking out new experiences, building networks more intentionally, and embracing challenges earlier, might have accelerated my growth.
That said, I value the path I've taken, and it shapes the advice I now give to rising professionals: stay open, stay curious, and don't be afraid to explore opportunities that may not fit neatly into your original plan.
– Evan Croen, head, Bloomberg Tax, Bloomberg Industry Group
I wouldn't change a thing. Every decision and experience led me to where I'm supposed to be – which is now!
— Gale Crosley, president and founder, Crosley+Company
I would have taken a role in public accounting a little sooner and embraced advisory work earlier in my career. Like many, I started in compliance and operations before realizing the power of forward-focused guidance. If I'd transitioned into public accounting and advisory earlier, I could have spent even more years empowering clients through insight, not just information. That realization fuels my mission today—to help other accountants make that shift faster, with confidence and clarity, so they can step into the strategic roles our profession now demands.
– Deborah Defer, director, CAS consulting, Woodard
I wouldn't change a thing, every experience, especially the challenging ones, has shaped the person, and leader, I am today. Growing up in a blue-collar environment, being the first in my family to graduate college and a first-generation American, all while building my professional network taught me to be comfortable with disruption and change and that no hurdle cannot be overcome with persistence, teaming and communication.
That philosophy is the foundation of my leadership approach. It fuels my optimism and my conviction that we can always find a solution, and it is a continuous improvement philosophy I strive to embed in the practice.
– Dante D'Egidio, Americas vice chair — assurance, EY
I wouldn't change my career path. I've spent over thirty years working in roles that enabled me to help and inspire individuals to invest in their personal learning and development so they can achieve professional goals, and provide a better life for themselves, their families and for the organizations in which they work.
I think I'm doing what I was meant to do – leading a global organization that is making a positive impact on individuals, organizations, society, and the profession of accounting and finance.
It's not often you get an opportunity to do that kind of meaningful work. One thing I would tell my younger self would be to not sweat the small stuff, and to embrace discomfort in my early leadership roles. I learned later in my career the importance of being comfortable with discomfort and how that enables personal growth and development.
– Mike DePrisco, president and CEO, Institute of Management Accountants
Instead of changing anything, I would focus on listening to my instincts sooner. Every decision, even the tough ones, has contributed to where I am today, but trusting myself earlier could have accelerated that journey.
— Sarah Dobek, president and founder, Inovautus Consulting
Looking back, I wish I had pursued a law degree in addition to a Masters of Taxation. Although my initial experience centered on tax advisory, possessing a formal education in the legal framework of tax law would have provided additional perspective and strengthened my understanding of the dynamic and complex nature of tax policy. By integrating my solid foundation in accounting and business strategy with a law degree, I would have been even better prepared to navigate the significant transformations within the industry driven by private equity investment and mergers and acquisition activity.
– Jeremy Dubow, CEO, Prosperity Partners
I wouldn't change a thing. My career spanning work in public accounting, state government, and later the regulation of the profession has provided me with a broad understanding of business and the accounting profession. Reflecting on those experiences provides me with a unique perspective to deal with contemporary issues in the profession.
– Daniel Dustin, president & CEO, National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
I'm not one for regrets, so there's very little, if anything, I would change because my past got me to my present, which I'm very grateful for! However, one thing does come to mind – as a woman, in a male dominated field, I did struggle with impostor syndrome over the years (and sometimes, it still pops up, even now!). My lack of confidence held me back from speaking up and led me to diminish some of my thoughts, ideas, and contributions for fear of what others might think.
– Sarah Elliott, co-founder & principal, Intend2Lead LLC
If I could go back, I would have started my firm earlier — not because I have regrets, but because I now recognize how the experiences that shaped my career uniquely prepared me to lead one.
Every chapter of my journey built upon the one before it. Had I attended a university with an accounting program, I likely wouldn't have majored in information systems, which became one of my greatest assets. That early grounding in technology allowed me to oversee the financial and administrative mainframe at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, and later, to speak confidently about innovation and transformation across the accounting profession.
When I realized I needed additional coursework to qualify for the CPA exam, I enrolled in a community college — a decision that not only gave me the classes I needed but also deepened my appreciation for nontraditional pathways into the profession. Without that step, I might never have earned my CPA, which was essential for serving as Chair of the Maryland Association of CPAs, and later, as Chairman of the AICPA and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.
Each opportunity connected to the next. If I hadn't joined Oracle, I may never have had an employer supportive and large enough to allow me to serve as AICPA Chair for 15 months an experience that expanded my voice and influence globally. (A 15 month term was needed to synchronize AICPA's and CIMAs volunteer leader terms.)
So, while I wouldn't undo any step, if I could make one change, I would have moved from intrapreneur to entrepreneur sooner. Looking back, I see how early entrepreneurship could have amplified my impact — allowing me to serve clients, mentor professionals, and influence the accounting ecosystem.
I believe every role was preparation for purpose. Each experience — from NASA to Oracle, from state leadership to global chairmanship — gave me the tools, perspective, and conviction to serve others even as I continue to evolve. And for that, I wouldn't change the journey — just the timing of when I decided to step fully into my own vision.
— Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, founder and CEO, KET Solutions LLC
I've always taken a non-traditional path, and I'm genuinely grateful for it. Each stop along the way—and the mentors and colleagues I met—shaped how I think about leadership, technology, and the profession itself. If I could revisit one decision, though, I would have stepped into the technology space earlier. I've always been fascinated by how new tools can transform the way accountants work, and joining those conversations sooner would have let me influence innovation at a deeper level.
I also wish I had found my voice earlier in encouraging the profession to move faster with technology. Back then, I sometimes hesitated to push others out of their comfort zones. Looking back, I can see how an earlier embrace of cloud and AI could have set firms up for the moment we're in now. Those reflections guide me today, especially in a role where I finally have that seat at the product table and the chance to help shape what comes next.
– David Emmerman, chief revenue officer, Clockwork.ai
I struggled a bit with this question because every step, even the hard ones, has shaped how I see the profession and the people in it. At first, I thought of this question through the lens of regret, but that isn't how I see my career. I saw it through the lens of gratitude – for the lessons, the people, the growth – all of the things I've been able to see, do and experience that I never dreamed would be possible as an accountant.
If there were one thing I'd change, I would have stepped back earlier to see the profession as a whole and appreciate the industry ecosystem I mentioned earlier. I fell victim to the hierarchy, both perceived and lived. Those perceptions influenced my image of what a CPA was supposed to be. As a result, I spent years trying to fit that image. I spent a lot of years being hard on myself for not fitting neatly into those expectations I set for myself. Understanding how I think and work has been freeing and helped me see that the very things I once viewed as flaws are actually the sources of my empathy and insight. I'd have allowed myself to be more authentic and more visible earlier in my career.
I might also have gotten involved with students sooner, helping them see how meaningful and diverse a career in accounting can be. By that, I mean working with students and helping them see the possibilities in this profession beyond the traditional paths. We lose too many bright minds before they've had a chance to see how dynamic and meaningful accounting can be. The profession has given me so much – opportunities, community, and a sense of purpose – and I wish I had realized earlier how much joy there is in giving that back. Some of the most fulfilling moments I've experienced have been mentoring students – listening, encouraging, support and hopefully inspire the next generation of accountants.
– Jina Etienne, CEO, Etienne Consulting
If I could go back, I would take advantage of more of the learning resources while I was at EY. EY offered a multitude of badges that taught you everything from data analysis to data integration and coding. Unfortunately, during my time at EY, I only took advantage of the minimum needed to meet my CPE requirements and I wish I learned more about other service lines and data/AI. This would have helped me earlier on in my career, rather than needing to learn it on my own after leaving Big 4.
– Rachel Farris, founder/CEO, Tax Stack AI
I do not think there is anything to change. The fact that this is my second career, this is difficult to answer. When my father brought me into the profession, I kept my ears open, my mouth shut, and I learned. I reached out to other professionals who gave me guidance and counsel over the years. I have given back to the profession by my involvement in NCCPAP, and have given guidance and counsel to others who have reached out to me.
If, for some reason, my career in accounting fizzles out, I can always fallback on my degree in Theatre.
– Neil Fishman, president, National Conference of CPA Practitioners
I'm a big believer that all experiences help you build and develop your professional toolkit, so I wouldn't change anything.
– Reyes Florez, CEO, Platform Accounting Group
If I could go back, I'd tell myself to take more risks—to experiment, to fail faster, and to see mistakes as part of the process. Early in my career, I played it safe, thinking success came from precision and predictability. What I've learned is that real growth—and real leadership—come from curiosity, courage, and stepping into the unknown.
Both of my parents were entrepreneurs, and after my dad passed away, I realized their greatest strength wasn't just building something from nothing—it was their fearlessness. They didn't wait for certainty; they created it. That lesson completely reshaped how I lead.
The moments that have defined me weren't the perfect ones—they were the ones that stretched and challenged me. They reminded me that boldness is where transformation begins. And I'm endlessly grateful for my team—for their grace, support, and willingness to grow right alongside me.
— Denise LeDuc Froemming, president and CEO, California Society of CPAs
I'm not really one to look in the rearview mirror and ponder "what if." I do my best to live by the mantra of "extreme ownership" – a leadership concept made popular years ago by a book, of the same name, written by Jocko Willink. However, if pressed to name one thing I would change, it would be to have accelerated our remote workforce adoption sooner than we did, even though we had begun embracing remote work long before the pandemic. Remote work isn't just about where employees physically work; it's about how we work. It's about autonomy, shared values, purpose and trust. I draw these values from having a diverse professional background, including time spent undercover in law enforcement, and I find immense value in bringing together team members from diverse backgrounds and geographies. Sikich thrives because our employees take extreme ownership in their work, wherever it happens. We can't control external factors, but we can control our responses and take ownership of our circumstances. Take responsibility; own everything in your orbit. This mindset is what will set apart successful organizations in the coming years.
– Christopher Geier, chairman & CEO, Sikich
I wouldn't change anything—but I would lean in sooner.
I started as an intern at PwC—wide-eyed, curious, and eager to learn. And from that very first experience, I've been shaped by the people I've worked with, the challenges I've taken on, and the opportunities that came from saying "yes," even when it wasn't easy.
Looking back, I wouldn't change the path. But if I could offer my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to lean in even earlier—to speak up, take the chance, and trust that growth often comes before you feel ready. The biggest lessons in my career didn't come from the moments that went perfectly. They came from the ones that stretched me—and from the people who believed in me before I believed in myself.
Every step since that internship has been a chance to grow, to lead differently, and to make a bigger impact. And I wouldn't trade that for anything.
– Paul Griggs, U.S. senior partner, PwC
I would not change the amount of work I have put in, but I would certainly focus a bit more on prioritizing time to rest and reset. I would block my calendar for more preparation time. I am now able to limit my travel since we have built a robust team and are also delivering programing virtually. Now I get to choose where to travel and a lot of it is global. So, no real regrets but balance has always been tough!
— Angie Grissom, owner, chief relationship officer, The Rainmaker Companies
With the wisdom and experience I've acquired over the years, I'd have known when to be more confident and when to be less confident, but hindsight is 20/20. And, doubtless, if you ask me the same question in 5 years, I'll give you the same answer.
— Aaron Harris, global CTO, Sage
I would've shared my voice and story even sooner. That includes taking "risks" like breaking the typical mode (wearing tshirts, having and showing tattoos, embracing TikTok ). The profession benefits when leaders are visible, vulnerable, and vocal.
— Calvin Harris Jr., CEO, New York State Society of CPAs
If I could go back, one thing I would change in my career would be weaving ESG into our business operations sooner. Looking back, the potential to align purpose, sustainability, and strategy with everyday accounting practices was enormous, and acting earlier could have amplified the impact we've been able to create for our clients and for our own organization. That said, the journey has been invaluable.
— Jennifer Harrity, ESG & sustainability director, Sensiba
Honestly, I do not think I would change anything. My career has taken some interesting and unexpected turns. I knew I wanted to be a professor very early in my career. I grew up in an academic family. However, I also knew I wanted experience in the profession to take into the classroom. I loved my time in public accounting. My time as a professor at Wake Forest University was a very special time. Seeing students grow and alumni succeed was so very important to me. When the AICPA contacted me about a position there, I nervously left a tenured position to take on a new challenge and have more of a global impact. All these experiences led to me being qualified for my current position. It took all of them, in succession, to lead me to the CEO position of an organization I have been engaged with since I was a child My father would take our family to the annual meetings every year. It felt like coming home to me. My life has come full circle due to the turns my career has taken so I would change absolutely nothing.
– Yvonne Hinson, CEO, American Accounting Association
Nothing at all.
I am a product of this profession and a proud lifelong volunteer — from my first MACPA committee in 1982 to my current leadership at AICPA-CIMA. The combination of accounting and technology has been the defining catalyst of my career and continues to be the foundation of my passion for the future of our profession.
— Tom Hood, EVP business engagement & growth, AICPA
I would have embraced public speaking and thought leadership earlier in my career.
Sharing ideas, lessons, and insights not only advances the profession but creates
opportunities for connection, collaboration, and impact that extend far beyond any single
firm or engagement.
– Jon Hubbard, shareholder & chief growth officer, Boomer Consulting; director, Boomer Circles and Boomer Circle Summit
When I was a Shareholder at The Growth Partnership, one of my few regrets was that we didn't build a dedicated technology arm. Our focus was on growth and people development, both critical areas, but in hindsight, the impact of technology on our profession and our people has played a major role in the transformation of an accounting firm. I wish TGP could've played a larger part.
– Charles Hylan, managing member, Hylan Advisory
I would have embraced technology even earlier. Accounting is the language of business - but AI is becoming the new grammar. The earlier we merge the two, the more powerful our profession becomes.
– Varun Jain, founder & CEO, Miles Education
In December 2019, after twelve years of running my own CPA practice, I made the difficult decision to close it and accept a position with a larger firm. This move meant my employees had to choose between joining me at the new firm or seeking opportunities elsewhere. While I was deeply committed to my team, I was also aware of the limitations I faced as a sole proprietor—particularly when it came to offering competitive benefits like robust health insurance and other perks that larger firms could provide.
At the same time, my personal life was evolving rapidly. I had started my firm in 2007 as a single woman, but by 2019, I was a wife and mother to two young children under the age of five. Balancing the demands of business ownership with the responsibilities of motherhood was becoming increasingly difficult, and I knew something had to give.
In January 2020, we transitioned to UHY, bringing both my clients and team along. Just three months later, the world was upended by a global pandemic. Looking back, remaining a sole practitioner during COVID might have offered certain advantages, but it also would have brought immense stress and uncertainty.
Ultimately, I believe every challenge and setback has shaped me into the professional I am today. While it's natural to wonder about the road not taken, I've learned that the most difficult moments often carry the most profound lessons. If I were to change the past, I might lose the growth, resilience, and perspective that came from navigating those struggles. So instead of rewriting my journey, I choose to honor it as the foundation for future success.
– Gina James, partner, MarksNelson
Accounting is such a dynamic profession. I've served the profession for nearly eight years, and I would have started sooner.
— Aiysha Johnson, CEO and executive director, New Jersey Society of CPAs
I would have taken longer engagements on interesting projects to develop more depth. While I appreciate my current broad knowledge base, the complexities of various industries are rapidly increasing, and having more in-depth knowledge would have been beneficial.
— Randy Johnston, CEO and founder, EVP, NMGI and K2 Enterprises
If I could go back and change one thing, it would be to explore different opportunities within the profession at an earlier age.
— Richard Jones, chair, Financial Accounting Standards Board
I've been blessed with career challenges that have redirected my knowledge and professional trajectory and serendipitously brought me to where I am today, which I look back and am very happy with. So, the best thing I can come up with is that I shouldn't have wasted 80 hours of classes trying to learn Microsoft Axcess because I never ever used it for any actual work after giving up two weeks of my life!
— Roman Kepczyk, director of firm technology strategy, Right Networks
I would have started my volunteer journey with our profession much earlier. I encourage others to get outside of the walls of their business and engage, learn and bring it back. I had no idea how much interacting with other professionals would affect my thinking and personal growth. Having a broader base of knowledge has served me well in whatever I do.
– Lexy Kessler, chair, American Institute of CPAs and Association of International Certified Professional Accountants; partner, Aprio
I would have tried to be less combative and more Socratic in my conversations with people who have disagreed.
– Ed Kless, co-founder, Threshold
If I could go back and change one thing in my career, I wouldn't alter the core path. I'm proud of the journey I've taken as a CPA and the experiences that have shaped me professionally. However, I do wish I had prioritized developing strong communication and presentation skills earlier in my career.
Technical expertise is the foundation of accounting, but I've come to realize that the ability to clearly articulate complex financial information, influence decision-makers, and build trust with clients and colleagues is equally vital. As I advanced into roles that required more leadership, collaboration, and client-facing responsibilities, I saw how essential it is to be a confident communicator. The ability to convey ideas with clarity and empathy can elevate a CPA from being a technical expert to a strategic advisor. Strong communication also helps bridge the gap between finance and other departments, fostering better teamwork and more informed decision-making across an organization.
– Jeannette Koger, VP, experience, AICPA
Maybe it's the old age in me and 45 years of being in this profession, but I don't know that there is anything I would have changed, other than maybe relaxed a little bit more and understood more quickly that today's problem will often lead to tomorrow's solution.
— Allan Koltin, CEO, Koltin Consulting Group
If I could go back, I would take more time early in my career to step back and see the bigger picture. When you're starting out, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day details, the work, the deadlines, the next goal. Over time, I realized that real growth happens when you look beyond the task at hand and start thinking about where you are headed and why. I would remind my younger self to pause, listen more, ask better questions, and focus on learning from every client and colleague along the way.
— Richard Kopelman, CEO and managing partner, Aprio
Not a single thing. I now get to represent the greatest profession in the world, in a role I never had dreamed of doing. It's amazing how as an individual if you make the most of your role, you can help control your own destiny. I believe that every work experience I've had prepared me for my current role. I never would've imagined being able to lead the profession that I believe to be the greatest profession in the world.
– Mark Koziel, president & CEO, American Institute of CPAs; CEO, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
I would have been more appreciative to the many mentors and teachers who invested in me and believed in me. Sadly, some of them are no longer with us. I would have expressed more appreciation, said more thank yous, and let people know – Do you remember that time when you expressed belief in me? I needed that. Thanks. It made a difference.
– Brian Kush, principal, co-founder, Intend2Lead
Learn how to integrate work life balance earlier in my career along with knowing when to say no.
— Melanie Lauridsen, VP, tax policy & advocacy. Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
Absolutely nothing. I've made many painful mistakes but each mistake has allowed me to get to where I am today.
– Ryan Lazanis, founder/CEO, Future Firm
Nothing!
— Jennifer Leary, CEO, CLA
I would have opened a CAS practice and sold it in this market.
— Bob Lewis, president, The Visionary Group
I would start from my own outsourced accounting/CAS practice from scratch with a focus in a niched industry vertical. There is endless opportunity to do this right now with the tools and technology available to professionals who want to put in the work.
— Doug Lewis, managing director, The Visionary Group
I couldn't be happier with my career and my life right now. But if I had a parallel life I would've enjoyed the challenges of being a partner at KPMG where I think I would've done very well. Big 4 firms require loyalty and an investment in time that in some cases can have an impact on an individual's personal and family life and at the time I wasn't willing to make those sacrifices – a decision that worked out well. But on the other hand a Big 4 firm provides an environment where the right individuals can face new challenges every day, work with super-smart people and tackle many cutting edge financial, management and workplace issues.
– Gene Marks, CEO, The Marks Group
If I could go back, I would have leaned into change even sooner. The pace of transformation in the accounting profession has never been faster. Stepping into change early, rather than waiting for it to settle, creates the richest opportunities for growth and learning. Getting comfortable with change isn't just about adapting; it's about discovering new perspectives, skills and possibilities.
– David Marquis, CEO, Caseware
I would have invested in building my network earlier. Relationships are currency; every mentor, sponsor, and peer connection has shaped my growth. I now tell young professionals: don't wait until you need a network to start building one.
– Jessica McClain, chief financial officer, American Staffing Association
I would have pursued my six (and soon seven) professional designations earlier in my career and started my own practice sooner. Taking these steps earlier would have accelerated both my personal growth and my impact on the profession.
– David McLaren, founder & managing partner, McLaren & Associates CPAs
I would have embraced the role of storyteller earlier — realizing sooner that leading transformation is not just about frameworks and solutions, but about inspiring people with a vision of what's possible.
– Kalil Merhib, EVP, growth & professional services, CPA.com
I would have adopted value pricing and advisory services earlier. For years, I equated long hours with impact, only to realize true transformation came when I focused on strategic outcomes over transactions.
That shift not only transformed my firm but became the foundation for my ROI Method™ and the Balanced Millionaire movement - empowering others to find both profit and peace through purpose.
– Jackie Meyer, founder and president, TaxPlanIQ
I have been fortunate to have worked in industry, public accounting and academia. I have taken advantage of numerous opportunities to volunteer my time and expertise (and improve my expertise) through professional organizations and help shape what they do and offer. I have enjoyed the opportunity as an academic to research, write, present and blog on tax reform and tax policy matters and to help more people understand policies underlying our tax systems and the types of improvements needed. One thing I would have changed is to have found a way - and time, to develop and distribute materials to help improve tax literacy for young people (I still hope to do this).
– Annette Nellen, professor and director, SJSU MS Taxation Program, San Jose State University
I'm grateful for the path I took, even if it wasn't traditional. If I could change one thing, I would have jumped into accounting sooner. I started as a music major and found this profession after college, and a head start would have moved me faster. The conservatory to CPA journey gave me discipline, listening skills, and a deep understanding of systems I use every day, so I wouldn't trade it. I'd also tell my younger self to start networking earlier. This is a people business, and mentors and peers open doors that technical chops alone don't. Every stop along the way shaped me, and I carry the lessons forward.
– Blake Oliver, founder and CEO, Earmark
I would have trusted my radical instincts earlier. Every breakthrough I've had came when I stopped asking for permission and moved forward boldly. If I had leaned into that power sooner, I could have accelerated my impact even faster.
— Jody Padar, co-founder, XcelLabs
Early in my career, I focused on "learning to do" things at work, meaning I concentrated on gaining knowledge and skills. I did try to imagine "I gave my work to someone (to the manager, to another department, to clients, etc.) and am curious what that person will do with my work, and what happens after that." So, in a way, "workflow" was on my mind, although I did not know then that it could be termed as workflow.
But the moment I realized it was about "what happens because of what I do," my entire career transformed. If I could go back in time, I would have adopted that mindset from the very beginning. That epiphany has been fueling my mission to help accountants measure success not by what changes because of what they deliver.
— Hitendra Patil, CEO, Accountaneur
It's tempting to say that I would have changed what I studied as an undergraduate, that I would have entered the profession sooner, or that I would have reacted differently to certain situations. But I'm someone who believes that the journey is just as important as the destination. Every step - even the missteps, the moments of professional naivety, or the things that I now look back on with embarrassment or laughter - played a part in shaping the professional and entrepreneur that I have become. I'm genuinely happy with where I have landed and where I continue to grow. For that reason, I can't honestly say I would go back and change anything.
– Lindsay Patterson, CEO and co-founder, CPA QualityPro
I don't think I would change anything. I'm happy personally and professionally, and moderately successful. I got into tax by accident and that accident has opened doors I don't think would have opened otherwise.
— Scott Peterson, VP of government relations, Avalara
I think I would put less weight on feeling a need to make my first serious career role work out. I had a lot of fears that I'd "blow it" if I went out and tried to find a new role that might be a better fit for my skillset and personality, and started to question myself a lot instead of just looking at it as a wrong fit for who I am. Otherwise, I am extremely grateful for every step in my career because of what it has taught me, where it has led me, and the people I met along the way.
– Dominic Piscopo, founder, Big 4 Transparency
If I could go back… well, I probably would've rolled up a bunch of firms by now — just kidding. Honestly, I don't think I would have changed much. I decided to become a CPA back in high school. A family friend of ours was a very successful entrepreneur, and he steered me toward the profession. I told him I wanted to learn how businesses really worked so that one day I could start my own. He said something along the lines of, "Go become a CPA. You'll get to see how so many different businesses operate, and you'll get to know those owners. That will let you see countless scenarios."
When I was in public practice, I approached every client engagement as a learning opportunity — and it truly was. Now, after running my own business for 22 years, I can honestly say it's been a great career and a rewarding journey.
– Brannon Poe, founder, Poe Group Advisors and The Accounting Practice Academy
One thing I would change in my career is placing an even earlier emphasis on strategic advisory services and technology integration. While the profession has traditionally focused on compliance and reporting, the shift toward Client Advisory Services and the rise of AI have shown how impactful it is to be at the forefront of innovation. Embracing these changes sooner could have accelerated my growth, deepened the client relationships I developed, and positioned the teams I built for even greater success.
— Kane Polakoff, partner, client advisory services practice leader, global consulting solutions, CohnReznick Advisory
When I was managing partner of my firm for 5 years from 1993 - 1998, I would have been much more aggressive introducing necessary changes to our firm to make it better and I would have more aggressively pursuing growth initiatives.
— Terry Putney, senior managing director, Whitman Transition Advisors
I would like to have had a better transition situation at my last firm (I might have stayed!). I wish I had realized that I could be a really effective leader without having to be the most technical person in the room. I got hung up on not loving the technical and that drove me to leave public practice. Today, I absolutely love what I do, and it's a great fit for my skills, but I do wonder how my career would have turned out if I hadn't left public.
— Kristen Rampe, managing partner, Rosenberg Associates
I would take more risks. I believe I have taken very strategic and calculated risks, however, I did not have a safety net, so I took fewer risks as a young professional. The decisions that I made have resulted in a respected and fulfilling career and created opportunities for my children to take more risks, however, if there was anything I would change that would be it.
— Okorie Ramsey, vice president, Sarbanes/Oxley
To trust the process and not judge outcomes as a report card of value. That hard work, really understanding the technical and mechanics of accounting and auditing would pay off.
It took me longer than I'd planned to pass the CPA Exam as I was working a lot as a staff, senior and supervisor; I prioritized billable hours over most things. At the time, I didn't realize that learning what was being tested on the exam — not just studying to get a passing score — would build a foundation of knowledge that still benefits me today. And today, while not in practice, I find myself sharing core accounting and auditing topics with my peers — many who are not CPAs but work in and for the profession. Everything works out for a reason, and what is meant for you will not pass you by if you apply the knowledge, experience and lessons that you learn along the way. This is especially true in business.
– Emily Remington, director, audit product management, CPA.com
A good accountant does more than record what happened. They understand why it happened and what it means for the future. They bring context, skepticism, and insight to every transaction.
– Wenzel Ryan Reyes, head of methodology, audit solutions, MindBridge AI
None. I believe that Accounting is Awesome!
– Miklos Ringbauer, principal/founder, MiklosCPA
I'd have focused on transforming CPA-firm pricing & revenue models far earlier than I did.
— Michelle Golden River, CEO, Fore LLC
I would have started my company, Rootworks, 10 years earlier.
— Darren Root, co-founder, Better Everyday
Learn to play golf because of the networking and business development opportunities gained by flailing at a gopher ball with a stick.
A second- being more alert and proactive in seeking mentors because of the impactful, priceless benefits of having a mentor, especially before my mid-30s. Perhaps if this occurred, I could have started my consulting career 10-15 years earlier than age 46 when I launched my advisory business.
— Marc Rosenberg, managing partner and founder, Rosenberg Associates
People are at the core of everything we do. Even in the world of agentic workflows, keeping humans in the loop is essential. If I could change one thing in my career, it would be to engage more like-minded people because collaboration accelerates change and drives greater impact for the profession.
– Cathy Rowe, senior vice president and segment leader, U.S. professional market, Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting North America
While my career has had its fair share of bumps and U-turns, I honestly wouldn't change a thing. Every twist has brought me to where I am today. While no day is perfect, I love what I do, the ability to (mostly) shape my own path, and the chance to support a profession filled with smart, generous, and genuinely lovely people.
— Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk, president, BBR Cos. and Accounting MOVE Project
As Maya Angelou so aptly said: "I wouldn't change nothin' from my journey now."
— Guylaine Saint Juste, president & CEO, NABA Inc.
I would have gotten my college degrees earlier so I didn't have to wait 15 years to get my CPA certificate and I would have charged more for my services from the get go.
– Heather Satterley, director of education and media, Woodard
Nothing, it's been a remarkable journey from leading my accounting firm's boardroom to leading my client's boardrooms to leading many non-profit's boardrooms that I have had the utmost privilege to serve and collaborate with over the past 30 years of my career.
— Peter Scalise, national partner-in-charge, federal tax credits & incentives practice leader, SAX
I wish I'd learned the audit standards immediately. It is such a competitive advantage to know the rules and use them in your favor to help you understand why you're doing what you're doing. Knowing the standards gives you freedom to serve your clients, to provide them with insight, and help them build stronger businesses.
Many accountants perform tasks without understanding why they're doing those tasks, which leads to inefficiency and job dissatisfaction.
As slowly as this profession moves, there is an advantage to knowing the standards and AI. Use that knowledge to challenge the methodology and do things differently to deliver value to your clients. You can quickly create a super profitable firm with a substantial competitive advantage over the firms doing their work the way
they've always done it.
– Corey Schmidt, partner and director of audit innovation, Accountability Plus
I started my first company in 2008 while still a senior in college and I promptly made every mistake in the book. However, the one mistake that doomed the business was I failed to appreciate the importance of bringing diverse skill sets to the founding team. I started the company with my two best friends, who were both fellow computer science majors. We built great software, but none of us knew anything about marketing or had any interest in it. We completely failed to get distribution, were unable to raise a Series A, and ultimately sold the company to Box in 2009. It was a great learning experience that I took to heart, and I made sure my co-founder for both Crashlytics and Digits was a world-class expert at GTM. But I still think about what could've been if we had gotten that right the first time around—we likely had a path to building a way better Box/Dropbox and being the acquirer rather than the acquired.
– Jeff Seibert, founder & CEO, Digits
Take more accounting courses! As a non-accountant who has spent his career emersed in the world of accounting, more accounting courses early on would have been truly beneficial.
– Tom Seidenstein, chair, International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board; co-CEO, International Foundation for Ethics and Audit
I have traveled quite a bit during my career, but I would have liked to work overseas (e.g., Europe) if I could do it again. Having hands-on experience with statutory accounting, emerging issues during my generation, such as the launch of the EURO and cultural experience is invaluable.
– David Sekula, CEO/executive director, Global Tax Management Inc.
Fifty years ago, I set aside my initial dream of becoming a doctor and instead built a fulfilling career as a CPA. Looking back, I wouldn't change that decision—I've found great satisfaction and pride in the path I chose.
— Gary Shamis, CEO, Winding River Consulting
I am sure there are some individual situations where I could have handled situations better or with substantially improved interactions with bosses and colleagues, but I am not someone who spends a lot of time looking over my shoulder.
When I think about what I might have changed or work I might have done differently, I realize that I learned things and met people along the way that I wouldn't have accomplished if things had gone differently. Stephen Kings book "11/23/63" is a time travel book that focuses on stopping President Kennedy's assassination and ultimately how the world would be different. The outcomes weren't really what the protagonist expected.
I accept that my career has been so much more than I ever dreamed it would be and not sure I would risk a different outcome!
– Jere Shawver, chair, Private Company Council
I would have broken away from the "traditional molds" earlier and not been afraid to be myself and promoted the non-traditional things that I believe we need to do as a profession more vocally. I've wasted too much time trying to "play the politics" in the profession when I should have been leading people down the path less traveled instead—because that is the path to a sustainable future for our profession.
— Donny Shimamoto, founder and managing director, IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC
If I could go back and change one thing in my career, honestly, I wouldn't. My journey has been a true example of the "choose your own adventure" opportunities this profession offers. Every role I've taken, whether I loved it or not, taught me something valuable. Those lessons shaped the leader I am today and prepared me for the responsibilities I hold now. Even the positions that challenged me or pushed me out of my comfort zone gave me perspective and resilience.
If I had changed even one decision along the way, I might not be in the incredible role I have now as VP of Firm Services. The path wasn't always linear, but it was purposeful. Each experience added a layer of insight that I draw on every day. So rather than wishing for a different past, I'm grateful for the journey that brought me here.
— Lisa Simpson, vice president – firm services, AICPA & CIMA
I wish I'd started building my network much earlier. Like most accountants, I didn't view accounting as a sales profession, and that was a trap. The best selling isn't transactional, but based on relationships, trust, and being connected LONG before there's an engagement letter. Our profession should start teaching networking at the staff and senior levels, so that by the time they reach leadership, they're activating a network they've already built instead of scrambling to build one.
I'm not sure if networking earlier in my career would have changed my career trajectory, but it would have made the journey a lot more fun.
– Douglas Slaybaugh, owner and founder, The CPA Coach; chief growth officer, uiAgent
If I could change one thing I would take more risks, specifically risks that relied on betting on my adaptability to navigate complicated situations.
— Sean Stein Smith, accounting working group chair, Wall Street Blockchain Alliance
I would have listened more to mentors. Sometimes I took a more difficult road just because I thought I knew better, or "that" wouldn't happen to me. That said, I'm also passionate about evolving mentorship to better align with the goals of the next generation and a healthy workforce.
Final Comment: As the industry continues to redefine itself, I remain driven to champion thoughtful adoption of technology, nurture the next generation of talent, and serve as a trusted advisor to clients and colleagues alike.
– Chris Spurio, president, CBIZ Financial Services; senior vice president, CBIZ Inc.
I would also add MBA to my Masters of Accounting. I love deep finance issues and challenges.
– Val Steed, director accountants, Zoho Corp.
Would have gotten involved in the tax and accounting profession earlier. Filled with wonderful people, fascinating challenges, limitless opportunity.
— Rick Telberg, founder & CEO, CPA Trendlines Research
I would have pursued greater specialization earlier in my career. While building a broad client base gave me valuable experience, it also meant that I was spread across many industries and services. By becoming more specialized earlier, I would have been able to develop deeper expertise and serve as an even stronger advisor, bringing sharper insights and more tailored strategies to my clients. This would have allowed me to have embraced the role of 'advisor' earlier. Like many, I was focused on technical excellence and client service, but I sometimes undervalued how much clients needed guidance on strategy, leadership, and big-picture decisions.
— Gary Thomson, managing partner, Thomson Consulting
Seriously, just one? If I could go back, I would have gone deeper into data analytics earlier in my career. As a marketer, I was often called a "data geek," and over time I realized that what set me apart wasn't just creativity, but the ability to interpret numbers and connect them to real-world growth strategies.
Looking back, I see how a stronger formal foundation in analytics could have amplified my impact even sooner. Data tells the story behind every client decision, growth opportunity and innovation. Combining that analytical discipline with my marketing and advisory experience is what fuels me today, but I have to wonder how some focused education way before it was cool could have changed what I do today and how I do it.
– Katie Tolin, co-founder, XcelLabs
I would have gotten into the accounting profession sooner!
— David Toth, chief growth officer and managing principal, Winding River Consulting
I am very happy with where I am currently at. Every step - including the challenges and detours - has shaped who I am and brought me to a role I enjoy and where I can make a difference in helping shape the profession. Because of that, I wouldn't change a thing.
– Rob Trexler, director, audit professional services, CPA.com
From a business perspective, I would have applied today's scalable, cloud-based systems to my early startups. I would've shed my corporate rigidity sooner and led more entrepreneurially - especially in building team culture, technology, client-first approach, and client collaboration.
If I could change one thing, I would remind my younger self to pause more often and celebrate progress along the way. I've always been deeply committed to my work and to building something meaningful, and while that dedication helped me grow, I've learned that balance and presence with family are equally important. Today, I make a conscious effort to integrate both - leading with purpose at work while staying fully engaged with my loved ones: my wife and daughters.
– Cenk Tukel, founder and CEO, Tukel Accounting
That is difficult since everything through my career, both positive and negative, has created who I am and where Sorren is today as a firm. I am extremely confident on where Sorren and the profession are going. But with everything, if I could have looked into a crystal ball, I would have embraced the re-tooling or re-training of how we service our clients and how we view ourselves as an advisor even earlier in my career—to have set up my clients, team members and communities in even better spot today.
– Josh Tyree, CEO, Sorren
I would have gotten my masters before starting my career. While I know there is a lot of discussion around eliminating the requirement, it doesn't get easier to do once you are working.
– Barbara Vanich, chief auditor and director of professional standards, PCAOB
I would have taken more risks earlier. The best moment in my career came when I stopped waiting for permission and started building what the profession truly needed via CPAClub.
— Chris Vanover, founder & president, CPA Club Inc.
Honestly there is nothing I would change. Even the bad experiences I have learned from and have gotten me where I am today. I am grateful for the career I have had, mistakes, failures and successes.
— Amy Vetter, CEO, The B3 Method Institute
My career has brought me rewards I could never have imagined. The role I have today would have never been in my mind back in 1992, when I started my career. So, there's not a lot that I would change. That said, if I could do some things over again, I would have always worked to have more of a One Firm mindset. So many times, especially early in our careers, we get so focused on personal achievement that we lose focus on how we can best serve those around us. I've learned that the right decisions work out over time, even if they might not directly benefit you, as an individual, in the immediate moment. The Golden Rule is right every time!
— Tom Watson, CEO, Forvis Mazars
I would have a better work-life balance. Someone once told me, "The days are long, but the years are short," as it relates to raising children. I blinked, and my oldest son is already taller than me and about to be a teenager! You can't get that time back so cherish it and be intentional about it while you can.
– Shelly Weir, president & CEO, Florida Institute of CPAs
I don't have any regrets. I always say I have been very lucky with all the opportunities that have crossed my professional path.
– Lee White, CEO, International Federation of Accountants
I would be better about setting boundaries between my work life and my family. I missed far too many important times in the lives of my children due to work and tax season deadlines. I greatly respect upcoming professionals who have a very different perspective on balancing life and work, although I know it is still not easy to do.
— Geni Whitehouse, president, Information Technology Alliance
I took the CPA firm immediately after graduating from Rutgers and inasmuch as I had a new girlfriend (now my wife), I missed more than 50% of the Person Wolinsky CPA firm review course classes. I came close but invariably did not pass the exam, which at that point in time was five tests over three days and if you lived in NJ you had to take them all together. Fast-forward, I'm out of college 12 years, still haven't passed the CPA exam and I get a call from my college roommate who tells me he is being promoted to partner at Price Waterhouse. On my way back from a celebratory lunch with him I mutter to myself "I can't believe he is a partner at PW and now partners with my Dad, who was a partner at PW and I haven't even passed the exam." Well I got serious! It was tough. I had a one year old and was commuting to work. The exam format changed. But I buckled down and locked my self up studying every weekend and on the train both going to and coming home from work. Hard work pays off…I passed all four parts in one sitting – NJ still made you take everything together and on April 4, 1996, 12 years after graduating I final was a CPA. What I would have changed – I would have buckled down 12 years earlier, made some sacrifices and gotten it out of the way immediately.
— Philip Whitman, CEO, Whitman Transition Advisors
I honestly wouldn't change a thing. That may sound a little flippant, but I have truly loved every stage of my career. I've made mistakes that taught me valuable lessons and celebrated successes I'm proud of. Together, the challenges and achievements have shaped a career I'm grateful for and excited to continue building in the years ahead. The road hasn't always been straight, but the journey has been meaningful, and the destination is remarkable.
— Sandra Wiley, president, Boomer Consulting Inc.
I wish I had savored it more in every moment. I wish I could have slowed it down a little to truly soak it in -- it has gone so fast! I have had the opportunity to be mentored by some amazing people and while it was happening, I don't think I truly understood the impact of the investments they were making, or the faith they had in me, and how incredible that was. Work is a wonderful whirling of ideas, people, commitments, and communications, and it's hard to consistently absorb and appreciate each moment as it's hurtling by. The many different firms, workshops, speaking engagements, cities, young leaders, retired leaders, team members, friends and supporters along the way – it's been the absolute best.
— Jennifer Lee Wilson, co-founder and partner, ConvergenceCoaching LLC
I would have become a CPA, not in practice but in credential. Doing so would have provided much needed credibility around my existing expertise and experience, which would have open doors of opportunities with CPA firms. Note: We now employ CPAs to close this gap, as well as alumni from highly reputable CPA firms.
— Joe Woodard, CEO, Woodard
I wouldn't change anything; I would just tell my younger self that this is all going somewhere just right for you even though you cannot see it yet… don't worry!
— David Wurtzbacher, founder & CEO, Ascend
I really can't say that I have any regrets about how my professional career has evolved, as my time at Grant Thornton has provided so many diverse experiences that I never imagined I'd have. Looking back, however, there was one critical point in my career where I was lucky to make the right decision. After law school and a two-year stint as a corporate and securities attorney, I took an extended break to reassess what I wanted to accomplish in my career, while I set off to write the great American novel. While the novel never got published, that period of time helped clarify my desire to shift into the field of tax. I was fortunate enough to land an interview with an accounting firm (the old Andersen, in New York). Not knowing which area of tax would be worthwhile or interesting, I chose SALT in part because it was a relatively new field that offered potential advancement. During the interview process, it became clear that SALT was a compelling choice – one where I could blend technical writing with enough art and creativity to navigate the gray areas that define the SALT world, then and now. If I had to change anything, it might be recognizing even sooner how well SALT aligned with my strengths and interests and encouraging others to do the same by exploring what truly fits them. Finding that alignment can make all the difference in building a fulfilling and impactful career.
– Jamie Yesnowitz, partner, Grant Thornton Advisors
