2023 Top 100 People extra: Meaningful mentorships

As part of this year’s Top 100 Most Influential People survey, Accounting Today asked, “Do you currently mentor someone? What do you get out of it?”

The full responses of all the candidates are below. The full T100 list is available here.

There is just as much to be gained from mentoring others as there is from being mentored. Lara finds that helping others reach their full potential and supporting them at each step of their career journey is rewarding beyond measure, but also ensures that she is being held accountable as a good role model. Lara has often said that mentoring others forces you to look critically at your own behaviors, values, and support systems to provide your mentees with the best, most authentic advice you have to offer based on your lived experience. 

Lara also finds that mentoring more junior professionals provides her with an invaluable glimpse into the mindsets, goals, and top issues for professionals. As she has progressed throughout her career and solidified her place in rooms of influence, she uses her influence to advocate for many whose voices need to be amplified.

— Lara Abrash, chair, Deloitte US

 I mentor about half a dozen other technology entrepreneurs. Ranging from Suzy  who has an idea but doesn’t know how to build a working prototype or raise  funding to Samir who has built an eight figure business and is in the process of  selling his healthcare technology company.  

The entrepreneurial journey can be a lonely and frustrating one. It gives me joy to  be able to come alongside and encourage folks who are pushing the boundaries of  changing how the world works. Sometimes just sharing my own lessons learned  and mistakes made along the way is enough to help these entrepreneurs continue  moving forward. 

— Justin Adams, CEO, Aiwyn  

Yes, I currently mentor several Centri employees who are interested in developing their skills and careers in the accounting and advisory industry. I get a lot of satisfaction from mentoring them, because I believe in the value and potential of our firm and our people. By mentoring them, I am not only sharing my knowledge and experience, but also learning from their perspectives and challenges. My priority is to foster a culture of collaboration, excellence, and growth that aligns with our firm’s values and vision. I see mentoring as a way of leading by example and empowering others to become experts and leaders in their fields.

— Michael Aiello, CEO & managing partner, Centri Business Consulting

I guide multiple women in the profession who struggle with balancing their careers and personal lives, particularly when considering growing their families. One can excel in their profession while also being a devoted parent or partner. The weight of guilt can be overwhelming, but with time, one often sees that these personal decisions have not fortified their family bonds. Hearing, years later, that I’ve had a positive influence on such pivotal life decisions is truly heartwarming.

— Sona Akmakjian, global head of strategic accounting partnerships, Avalara

I believe we mentor every firm we work with. I get tremendous satisfaction from  helping staff at firms see that there is hope and giving them permission to think  about what they do, how they do it, and why they do it. When firms realize that  what they do is relevant to the client, to their teams, and to their communities when  they do their work the right way, that gives me personal satisfaction. Seeing firms  and leaders change and grow as we work with them is why I do what I do.  

— Alan Anderson, founder and president, Accountability Plus

Yes, I presently serve as a mentor to our team of 50 employees at Corvee, as well as to a select group of 40 top clients who are tax and accounting firm owners based in the United States. Guiding others in their professional journeys, and often extending that guidance to aspects of their personal lives and development, has been immensely gratifying. Being in the accounting profession and having the privilege of being an entrepreneur has given me the unique opportunity to shape products, cater to clients, and foster a movement around tax advisory services which has become my life’s work and meaning.

For me, the act of mentoring, aimed at benefiting our profession, clients, employees, and other stakeholders, has been transformative. It has not only allowed me to aid others but has also facilitated my own personal growth. Through the journey of mentoring, I’ve evolved, becoming the best version of myself to support these diverse groups.

— Andrew Argue, CEO and co-founder, Corvee

We have a very active coaching and leadership program at CPA.com, and I learn a lot through these discussions. One of the key components of successful mentoring and coaching is to make it two-way. Though I actually probably learn the most from my four daughters. 

— Erik Asgeirsson, CEO & president, CPA.com

I used to say that my best career advice was to get an internship…then got a mentor – then I became a mentor. I’m privileged to have the opportunity to mentor several amazing individuals both at work as well as outside of the office. Being able to encourage, challenge, advise, and help hold someone accountable is life changing. Helping someone become the best version of themself is one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had in my life, let alone my career. And, I get far more out of it than they do!

— Kim Austin, director, strategic accounting alliances, Avalara

Absolutely. A feeling of gratitude that I am able to help others learn from my experience, and the delight in seeing them succeed, and then pay it forward.

— Ron Baker, founder, VeraSage Institute

Yes. I mentor multiple colleagues (both current and former Thomson Reuters colleagues). I personally feel that as a mentor I get as many benefits from these relationships as my mentees – it’s very rewarding. Supporting their growth is top of the list and I do that by drawing on my professional experiences. It helps me grow as a leader, too. Through the conversations I have with mentees, I gain different insights, and diverse thoughts and opinions. This perpective helps me to make sure this is ultimately reflected in our culture.

— Elizabeth Beastrom, president, tax & accounting professionals, Thomson Reuters

Yes. I mentor several people and have always found that the mentor benefits just as much, if not more, than the mentee. The satisfaction and pride I receive from watching mentees gain confidence and succeed in their endeavors is priceless. It is so rewarding to get to know a person, build a strong relationship and share mutually beneficial insights. Some of the greatest lessons I’ve learned over the course of my career have been from the people I’ve mentored, including those I’m currently mentoring. 

— Brian Becker, managing partner and CEO, RSM US

For years, I’ve acted as a mentor and coach to various professionals. The focus of our discussions is not just the goals they wish to achieve in terms of their profession, but specific opportunities they want to pursue either within or outside of their organizations. My hope is that our mentor/mentee relationship gives them the perspective and confidence needed to achieve great things in their life and career.

As for what I get out of it, it’s the knowledge that I’ve possibly made a positive impact in another person’s life. The personal stories they share with me or their thoughts on what is truly important to them is quite humbling. 

— Michael Bernard, VP, tax content strategy and chief tax officer, Vertex

The BDO leadership team initiated a group to help us gain greater insight on decisions that impact the entire firm. This group is called the Executive Team Advisory Council (ETAC). The council includes BDO employees spanning all levels and major practice areas. We wanted employee perspectives on the decisions we are considering that will have far-reaching impact. We invite the council to bring their honest perspectives. This group helps minimize our blind spots, and I can hear and learn directly from my fellow BDO colleagues.

— Wayne Berson, CEO, BDO USA

Yes, actually a few individuals. I believe mentoring is a valuable two-way process. While I can pass on experiences and processes in decision making, I can better understand the evolution of new ways of thinking by a younger, future leader.

— Ken Bishop, president and CEO, National Association of State Boards of Accountancy

I provide advice to our postgraduate technical assistants (PTAs) who come to work at the GASB for one year following their postgraduate study before going out and continuing their work in the profession.  It always rewarding to see the great careers that GASB PTAs go on to have.

— Joel Black, chair, Governmental Accounting Standards Board

I am a strong advocate of mentorship as well as equitable sponsorship. In my role, I am a champion of our efforts to give all our people access to the coaching, meaningful work experiences, influential relationships and networks they need to help them succeed. The result is a true culture of care, belonging and teaming – where our people feel they can thrive both personally and professionally and bring their whole selves to work. On a personal level, I believe that it is the small moments that matter – checking in with your colleagues to see how they’re doing and a willingness to offer guidance and ask the right questions to help them navigate whatever challenges they may be facing. To me, mentorship and sponsorship happens organically as a direct result of relationship-focused leadership at every level, rooted in a commitment to inclusive practices brought to life within all our teams.

— Julie Boland, U.S. chair and managing partner and Americas managing partner, Ernst & Young

I’m fortunate that in my role as CEO at Boomer Consulting, I have the opportunity to mentor many of our team members. Further, our work with our clients also rewards me with mentorship opportunities that help accelerate the growth of individuals both personally and professionally. Regardless of which setting, it really comes down to helping people be successful and to continuously improve.

— Jim Boomer, CEO, Boomer Consulting Inc.

Yes. An increased sense of confidence in the profession’s future and confirmation that leadership and the clear messaging of your vision are critical.

— L. Gary Boomer, founder, visionary & strategist, Boomer Consulting Inc.

Yes, here at Withum, I informally mentor a number of managers and senior managers that are on their path to partner. I also mentor a number of technology CEOs that are creating tools for our profession. 

I hope that they feel that I am giving them advice that will allow them to hit their goals and realize their aspirations in a short amount of time, but more importantly, I am learning from each of them more than I could ever give to them. I gain satisfaction when I see them taking my advice and knowledge and to achieve their goals.

— Jim Bourke, managing director, advisory services, WithumSmith+Brown

I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and was the first in my family to graduate from college. There are many individuals who mentored me from those small town days to now, and have had a profound impact on my life. Their actionable advice has pushed me to pursue new opportunities, ultimately helping me carve out a career path that led me to several public service roles at the SEC and leadership positions at PwC. From college to law school and throughout my career journey, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors to lean on and to glean valuable information to guide my decision making, which is one of the reasons I’m passionate about mentoring. 

I really enjoy meeting and spending time with college students across the country. Through these interactions, my goal is to help students better understand the accounting profession and provide them with insights to guide their career decision making. And at PwC, I always enjoy spending time with mentees of mine to answer their questions and provide career guidance. By mentoring others, I’ve shared knowledge, insights and experiences that aim to help others grow and succeed. Through this, I’ve had the chance to reflect upon my own experiences while also learning from the perspectives and challenges of my mentees. Along the way, I’ve gained new ideas, approaches and insights that broaden my own perspectives. Mentoring has also provided me with personal fulfillment as I contribute to the development of future accountants and help shape the next generation of professionals. 

— Wes Bricker, vice chair, Trust Solutions co-leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers

I have a team of 70 accountants that I try to influence. I consider myself a mentor to each of them. I get immense satisfaction knowing that I allow them to do what they love without them feeling like they sold their soul. I enjoy knowing they have legit family time even during tax season. I pleasure in teaching them how to protect clients from the bullying nature of the IRS, thus making their clients lives better too. And, knowing they are working for me, means they don’t have to be exposed to the unconscionable work hours required by other firms. 

— John Briggs, founder, Incite Tax

Dawn’s Dugout, I found it difficult to mentor people one on one, but I wanted to help more people so we started Dawn’s Dugout. It allows me to touch and help many people, an open forum to follow up from webinars, speaking opportunities, Q & A.

— Dawn Brolin, CEO, Powerful Accounting

Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to have had several mentors that have helped coach me through many important decisions and life transitions. I’ve leveraged relationships with my mentors to navigate everything from selecting a college to homing in on a career field. Because of those experiences, I knew that it would be important for me to do the same for others.

I’ve worked tirelessly to mentor those whose voices and ideas weren’t being heard, helping them capture opportunities to excel. More importantly, I believe in coaching, mentoring, and supporting the next generation by empowering them to find their own solutions to common and uncommon issues. I’m proud of the number of individuals from historically marginalized communities that I’ve mentored and supported throughout my life. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help steward highly talented and motivated individuals to help them seize opportunities to contribute. As a result, I’ve been rewarded by watching those individuals achieve more in business and life.

— Geoffrey Brown, president and CEO, Illinois CPA Society

Yes.  I’ve learned many things through mentoring.  Helping others through their career questions and challenges, drives me to think and reflect on my own goals and career.  I think it has also helped me evolve as a leader – hearing insights from mentees allows me to reflect on my own leadership style and approach.  It’s also improved my coaching and communication skills.  

— Jennifer Burns, chief auditor, AICPA

I’m lucky to have five people that I meet with monthly as mentees. We discuss career development, applying different approaches to work and life, and how interconnected our work life is to our home lives. I can’t think of a time when I’ve not left inspired and having learned such profound lessons from our conversations. It really reinforces the concept that you’ve not learned anything until you can teach it. 

— Ted Callahan, director, Intuit QuickBooks partner segment

Founder/CEOs in Silicon Valley. I love interfacing with very passionate entrepreneurs who bring an authentic care for solving important problems for the world. I understand that entrepreneurship is a difficult journey, and appreciate having a circle of friends to support and root for. These conversations also help me stay on top of the latest innovations in other industries, meaning I can hone my perspective on what AI can do for our industry. 

Venture Capital investors in Silicon Valley. I have several friends who are growing in their investor careers, and I meet with them regularly to help their trajectories. I also love conversations with incredibly ambitious and intelligent people, and find 

that these conversations aid in my ability to see what technology can do to help the CPA industry’s most pressing issues. 

— Jin Chang, CEO and co-founder, Fieldguide 

Yes, I have mentored a few UCLA students across several majors (quantitative economics & social sciences).  Not only has this experience been rewarding and enriching for me, it’s been a wonderful way to peek through the eyes of next generation of professionals (the challenges they face, and their mindset to address them).  Very much a win-win.  

— David Cieslak, EVP, chief cloud officer, RKL eSolutions LLC

I’m currently mentoring a team member who desires to grow in the association management profession. Mentoring has been a rewarding experience for me, and I have gained a lot from it. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction. Helping someone develop their skills and navigate their career path is a fulfilling way of giving back and paying it forward to the profession that has been so rewarding for me.

Mentoring also provides me with a fresh perspective. I get to see the industry through their eyes, with all its new challenges and opportunities. This helps me stay current and adapt to the evolving landscape of association management. It’s like a two-way learning experience.

Overall, mentoring is not just about what I give to my mentee; it’s about what I gain as well. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that enriches my professional and personal life.

— Rhonda Clark, executive director, Association for Accounting Marketing

Yes.  Not only do I mentor, but I advocate for and sponsor my mentee, which has resulted in greater exposure and opportunity for her within AICPA&CIMA.   I am personally rewarded by this, because it has challenged me to reflect on my own journey, to assess what I would and would not have done differently, and to continue my own personal and professional growth.  

— Susan Coffey, CEO, public accounting, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

As my career has evolved, I spend less time on mentoring and more time out educating  the profession. However, I make sure that I reach out to every new person who starts  with us at Tri-Merit and I get to know who they are, not what they do for work.  

It is so rewarding to me to learn about the people I work with and the passions they  have outside of work. We actually have installed this as part of our company meetings.  At the end of meetings one person gets to share their outside of work passions. 

— Randy Crabtree, partner, co-founder, Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals

I mentor 2 young ladies who joined mid-market accounting firms after graduating from college about 18 months ago. I’m also mentoring the Chair of the Accounting Department for a university. The mentoring has created my awareness of how much business experience I have, and they’ve told me is valuable to them.

— Gale Crosley, president and founder, Crosley+Co.

Becoming a CPA has transformed my life and my family’s life.  I’m passionate about helping to create access to the CPA profession, and mentorship is one way that I accomplish that goal.  For the past two years I’ve mentored a young woman early in her public accounting career.  We meet monthly to discuss all aspects of her professional life.  I also informally mentor many students and early career professionals within my role as PICPA’s CEO.  

In both cases, I get back far more than the time I invest.  Supporting students and early career professionals as they navigate the decision points leading to CPA is critically important to building the next generation.  I greatly enjoy hearing their perspectives – their concerns, their questions, and the perceptions they have of the profession.  Those conversations directly inform my work in leading the profession in Pennsylvania and nationally.  

— Jen Cryder, CEO, Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs

I currently participate in the Executive Women’s Forum’s mentorship program, where I work to increase the number of women in the accounting and technology profession who reach the management level. Mentoring is a deeply enriching experience for me, and I believe I often gain as much, if not more, from it than my mentees.

One of our core values is that “people come first,” and mentoring aligns perfectly with this principle. It allows me to truly understand and connect with people on a personal and professional level. I gain valuable insights into different perspectives, experiences, and challenges that young professionals face, which, in turn, helps me become a better leader. Mentoring also offers me the opportunity to share my experience and guidance in a way that contributes to the overall growth and progress of the industry. Witnessing the development and success of my mentees is incredibly fulfilling, knowing that I played a part in helping them reach their potential.

I firmly believe that there’s an opportunity to learn from everyone around us, regardless of their experience level or background. Mentoring reinforces this belief as I continuously learn from the fresh perspectives and unique experiences my mentees bring to the table. It’s a reciprocal relationship where we both grow, and it’s one of the ways I gain a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of our profession.

— Avani Desai, CEO, Schellman

Throughout my life, I’ve benefitted personally, both formally and informally, from mentoring by several incredible people and in return, I’ve been honored to mentor many younger leaders. Since I became Global Chairman and CEO, I’ve concentrated on informal mentoring relationships, as I believe it’s a big part of my role to help identify and nurture our next generation of leaders. I maintain an open-door policy with members of our General Executive and try, as much as possible, to offer time and guidance to any of our leaders looking for advice.

What do I get out of it? I learned very early in my education that a commitment to lifelong learning sets you up for success at work and in life. You must stay curious about new possibilities, collaborate even with your competitors, and persevere when faced with the most difficult of challenges. The most important lessons I’ve learned haven’t come from books or courses, rather from other people — peers, mentors, colleagues, friends and family — everyone with whom I’ve been lucky enough to forge personal relationships. 

That’s why I mentor: because spending time with our new or aspiring leaders benefits me as much as it helps them (possibly more). I always come away having learned something new and encouraged by the highly capable, intelligent, enthused and fun people who will lead EY in future. It challenges me, keeps me on my own game and holds me accountable — these young women and men are sharp and keep me on my toes. They are always gracious in thanking me for my time and input, but the truth is I’m the one who is grateful to them. 

— Carmine Di Sibio, global chairman and CEO, Ernst & Young

Yes- It’s an opportunity to give back and help develop the next generation.

— Sarah Dobek, president and founder, Inovautus Consulting

Yes.  I mentor many people.  I get new ways of thinking and approaches.  There are many ways to get to an outcome and as I listen to the new ideas, visions, and dreams, I appreciate the influences of the macro environment, technology, and trends that will accelerate someone’s path or change their starting position.  Mentoring helps me stay current. I don’t presume that my path or the traditional path is the only path so I have to consider all of the factors with fresh eyes with each mentor.  

— Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, founder and CEO, KET Solutions LLC 

Yes, I currently mentor one of our practice leads in our London office. It’s incredibly rewarding to me as it gives me an opportunity to share my learnings from leading different teams while I also gain new perspectives from my mentee. A key focus for me is helping my mentee build connections outside of her immediate team and gain new awareness of other parts of our business. Being a mentor is incredibly valuable and rewarding to me. The insights I gain from my mentee have certainly broadened my thinking around how we can improve and expand our professional development initiatives.

— Lisa Fitzpatrick, president, Bloomberg Tax & Accounting

I take pride in mentoring individuals, finding a great deal of satisfaction in witnessing their growth and learning. This satisfaction mirrors my experiences as a university professor, reaffirming my passion for nurturing talent. 

— Lee Frederiksen, founder emeritus, Hinge

Yes, I mentor numerous individuals; honestly, I often derive more from the  experience than they do. It is a privilege I deeply cherish and never take for  granted! The opportunity to inspire someone, to illuminate paths they might not  have noticed, or to offer alternative perspectives is profoundly rewarding. It’s not  merely about sharing knowledge but also about learning from them, gaining fresh  insights, and enhancing my own understanding. Especially in today’s rapidly  evolving world, the human touch and genuine understanding have become  paramount. Engaging in dialogues that might not always align with my views but  are respectful and tolerant is vital for growth and fostering a culture of continuous  learning and empathy – which today separates true leaders. 

— Denise LeDuc Froemming, president and CEO, California Society of CPAs

I mentor groups of young professionals within my firm as well as in my role as an accounting professor at Montclair State University.  I believe strongly in paying it forward in hopes that others will do the same based upon my example.

— Daniel Geltrude, CPA, founder & managing member, Geltrude & Co.

I  mentor minority accountants and students looking to be a great accounting resource to their local communities

— Julio Gonzalez, CEO, Engineered Tax Services Inc., The Growth Partnership, ABLE CRM for Accountants, Rosenberg Survey, Inside Public Accounting

Through Tax Rep Network I mentor hundreds of accounting professionals. It’s so rewarding  watching them succeed, when they help taxpayers, win their first IRS case and learn how they can make more money without working more doing IRS rep work.

— Eric Green, founder, Tax Rep Network

Yes. I mentor several people. I love investing in and supporting people in my personal and professional life. It is truly rewarding to assist and watch others in their development and progress. I believe we should all invest in others whether people invested in us or not. Many times, when I ask my clients and students to reflect on the best leaders they have had in their careers, they remark they haven’t had many good ones. Many times, we learn as much from mediocre or “bad” leaders as we do from good ones.

— Angie Grissom, owner, chief relationship officer, The Rainmaker Companies

Yes, I actively mentor a few outstanding professionals. What is always exciting for me is how much in the process of helping and sharing with others I learn. I learn about myself, I learn about what really matters, and I learn how to think differently. For me it is one of the best investments of time I make. If you bet on great people you always win.

— Ray Grove, head of corporate tax and trade, Thomson Reuters

As a beneficiary of mentorship and sponsorship throughout my career, I understand the critical value of mentorship, as both mentee and mentor, to build relationships, learn from each other, and provide advice and counsel along the way. I encourage mentees to garner many mentors over the course of a career because at different stages you can learn from a variety of people with different perspectives. Reverse mentorship is extremely important. I make sure that I am spending time with our early career professionals as they are the future of our business and profession. Understanding their values and what motivates them, from having flexibility in where and how they work, to working on projects that contribute to a larger purpose, all factor into the decisions I make in leading our business forward. 

— Dipti Gulati, CEO, Audit & Assurance, Deloitte & Touche LLP 

I enjoy advising and mentoring the next generation of technology entrepreneurs.  This is where all the lessons I learned the hard way pay off.  A bit selfishly for me, these young leaders are a huge source of inspiration.  They stretch and challenge my own ideas and views.

— Aaron Harris, global CTO, Sage

Yes I do. I get the opportunity to give back. Considering just how many people have mentored, coached, and sponsored me over the years I feel a responsibility to pay those people back by helping the next generation of leaders succeed.

— Calvin Harris Jr., CEO, New York State Society of CPAs

I am somewhat of a mentor to all our office owners, but it is not as formal as many mentor programs, it’s part of my day-to-day duties. I find it very rewarding when my experience helps someone else achieve their goals. At this stage in my career having someone say thank you is better than writing you a check. 

— Roger Harris, president, Padgett Business Services

I love mentoring and have many mentees, at my firm and in the community. Some are structured and some are on an as needed basis. I learn and grow just as much from them as they learn from me. It’s a total win, win for time and effort.

— Jennifer Harrity-Cantero, director, Sensiba Center for Sustainability

My “why” is always about ‘forward motion’ in the lives of others. Mentoring sits squarely in that space of fulfilling my why. I am doing some informal mentoring to a small handful of people, and some mentorship as a paid service to others. It is good to hear the passion of other people and see that it varies as well as being reminded to dig into what I am passionate about. Mentoring also allows me to see things from other perspectives and consider rationale that I had not previously considered. When challenging mentees, I am also reminded to respond better when I myself and challenged. As a whole, mentoring continues to grow my perspective and round out my approach to other problem solving. 

— Will Hill, owner, Will Hill Consults

Yes, I mentor several people and it gives me a perspective of what the experiences of different generations and career stages are and makes me a better listener and leader.

— Tom Hood, EVP business engagement & growth, AICPA

I’ve always enjoyed mentoring and developing future leaders. While at Boomer, helping current leaders such as Arianna Campbell and my current business partner Michael Wherry launch their consulting careers was incredibly rewarding. To see them blossom, grow in confidence and ability and drive change in the profession is so fun to see. 

Currently, I am also leading an advisory training program for rising leaders within CPA firms around the country. This too is incredibly fun and rewarding and ties into my desire to solve the pipeline and value of the profession challenge – to get more young people to see that there is a tremendous amount of advisory opportunity out there they just need to be proactive. We make advisory and consulting less scary, we provide support and mentorship, and the results are starting to speak for themselves. One recent example… two senior/supervisor level individuals in a multi-office regional top-100 firm who were in one of our cohorts with this firm took what they learned and identified multiple 5-figure consulting opportunities with mutual clients, using each other’s unique talents, within the first couple of months. Getting CPAs to think more curiously about their clients and get comfortable asking questions drives opportunity and I’m going to stay on the leading edge driving these points home and mentoring our future advisors.

— Dustin Hostetler, co-founder and visionary, Transformity Solutions

When I first moved to New York, I formally mentored a few people. One person comes to mind who wanted to work for start-ups recruiting but didn’t have much background. I helped her think through her experiences and find “her story.” She was able to obtain an HR Generalist position and then moved to a technology company. For me, this example shows that the mentoring/mentee relationship has to be intentional on both sides; it doesn’t have to be overly formal. 

— Aiysha Johnson, CEO and executive director, New Jersey Society of CPAs

Yes, I mentor a few women in technology and business. I was blessed to have multiple mentors that really helped me grow and understand the profession better, so its important to me that I pass that kindness on and support other women in their professional development. I learn from them just as much as I hope they learn from me. The younger generations have a unique lens and perspective, and we can all learn from each other’s experiences. 

— Kacee Johnson, VP, strategy & innovation, CPA.com

Yes, five different CEOs at no charge. I’m learning how they think the world is evolving, the opportunities, and creative solutions to difficult problems. I’d say they keep me on my toes and thinking innovatively.

— Randy Johnston, CEO and founder, EVP, NMGI and K2 Enterprises

Yes. There is no greater accomplishment for a leader than to be surpassed by those they mentor.

— Richard Jones, chair, Financial Accounting Standards Board 

Mentoring is incredibly important. It has played a HUGE role in my career. It’s why my commitment to helping others succeed runs deep. It is a North Star in my personal and professional life. What we do as CPAs matters. We’re more than just tax preparers or accountants. We are year-round problem solvers. We help inform business strategies while delivering quality information to help organizations in every industry function with efficiency and integrity. As CPAs we serve the public…we serve the people. It is the foundation of our profession. 

By investing in the careers of others and sharing lessons learned along the way, I hope to continue to foster the next generation of CPAs. My career was built on the counsel from mentors over many years. Because of that, I strive to pay it forward. Every year, I speak to our new class of interns and set aside time to coach and provide guidance to those just starting out at the firm. A career highlight of mine has been mentoring and sponsoring partner candidates. Seeing them accepted into the partnership and embarking on a new, exciting career journey is incredible. It’s also exciting to see mentees go on to mentor others in the profession. When we invest in one person, they invest in others.

To expand mentorship beyond the physical workplace, I launched a LinkedIn Live series called Candid Career Conversations to more broadly share leadership advice. During these live discussions, I invite a guest to join me to discuss a range of topics spanning from how to find a mentor to how to thrive in a hybrid work environment with the goal of sharing actionable career advice for both seasoned and up-and-coming professionals. I enjoy it as I personally learn a lot. It has exposed me and others to diversity of thought and I’ve developed some new friendships as well. 

— Kathryn Kaminsky, vice chair – Trust Solutions co-leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers

Yes, I mentor several individuals. One of the most rewarding experiences was helping a mentee achieve her CPA status after she’d struggled through multiple attempts. When we began working together, she had already faced two setbacks. Guiding her and watching her persevere to succeed, even after a breast cancer diagnostic and chemo treatment, was both inspiring and fulfilling. Through mentoring, I not only share knowledge but also learn from each journey, making it a mutually enriching experience.

— Wassia Kamon, founder, BeyondCertifications.com

Not formally, but YES: Have been bringing along a person for security engagements and hoping to pass that part of my consulting onto her. I had great mentors throughout my career and want to pay that forward.

— Roman Kepczyk, director of firm technology strategy, Right Networks

I have two direct reports who are relatively new to their Director-level roles who I mentor. They are so smart, and they have unique and interesting motivations; understanding their perspectives and what drives them challenges me in the best ways possible. I am constantly trying to look at myself through their lens so that I can be a better guide for them and a better leader in a holistic sense. I trust that they can call me out if they need something more from me, and that transparency and trust is something I work intentionally to keep. 

— Courtney Kiss, president, Association for Accounting Marketing 

Yes. He is a fellow Sage colleague who hungers to increase his knowledge and skill set. Seeing him grow intellectually is one of the best parts of my job!

— Ed Kless, meta consultant, Sage

Mentorship is incredibly important and becomes increasingly difficult as you move up in an organization. However, I have mentored and been mentored by many people throughout my career, and these experiences have taught me how much you can truly benefit from someone else’s thinking and ideas. Establishing a two-way dialogue about what somebody wants to achieve in their life and career can give you a fresh perspective while ensuring that you are being inclusive and intentional in your own professional journey. 

— Paul Knopp, chair and CEO, KPMG LLP

Yes. A feeling of giving back and watching others achieve success.

— Allan Koltin, CEO, Koltin Consulting Group

Yes!  I mentor many of our partners formally and informally around areas of leadership, building teams, driving growth, and balancing life happenings.  Beyond Aprio, I have many client mentoring relationships where we mutually benefit from sharing learnings and experiences from a personal and professional standpoint.  I gain valuable insights from reverse mentoring – to me, it’s about reciprocal behavior.

— Richard Kopelman, CEO and managing partner, Aprio

Yes.  My biggest take away is that I need to slow down when explaining something new to someone else. 

— Art Kuesel, president and founder, Kuesel Consulting

I feel privileged to be working with the African Diaspora Network’s Accelerated Black Leadership and Entrepreneurship (ABLE) program to mentor and share my experiences with young Black entrepreneurs. 

Small businesses are an essential part of our communities and our economy. They create jobs, income and opportunity that benefits our communities. This is why I’ve always believed in the power of entrepreneurship, and the value in helping more small businesses to grow – especially businesses that are run by, and benefit, underserved or underrepresented communities. 

Black or African Americans make up around 14% of our population, but only about 2% of employer businesses. Closing the gap in Black business ownership won’t happen overnight. There are many economic and social factors at play. For my part, one thing I’m trying to do is help support the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. Mentorship has been a big part of my entrepreneur journey, and I know it is for others as well. 

— René Lacerte, CEO and founder, Bill

In leading my current and past teams, I make myself available to them for mentorship. I’ve been fortunate to have good mentors that took the time to develop me and had confidence in me even when I didn’t. Acceptance of who we are and acceptance of the differences between us and others is key to growth – both personally and professionally. I enjoy watching people grow and seeing how they implement their unique perspective into their work.

— Melanie Lauridsen, VP, tax policy & advocacy. Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

I currently mentor a number of people in our firm, outside of CLA and in college and high school.  I had a call with one of them today and I said what I believe to be true for each, which was that I appreciate the time I get to spend with them because I feel like I learn more from them than they learn from me.  I believe as leaders we need to stay connected – from the youngest person we can impact to the most senior.  We can learn from everyone – and we need to be connected to stay relevant and do our best leading our organizations. 

— Jennifer Leary, CEO, CliftonLarsonAllen

Yes, I do. Doug Lewis, my son who is a Director and Bobby Riesterer my Sr. Director. Personally, I get a sense of satisfaction watching both progress and each are moving forward in different ways. Doug co-speaks with me on main stages and via webinars across the country. I see how poised he is as a speaker at 31 years old and how good he is at interacting with Managing Partners in these M&A conversations. Bobby has taken over the lead role as the architect of our Market Value Accelerator (MVA) which we designed to help firms break down their practice differently so they can rebuild it to increase their firm enterprise value. The MVA has really been making an impact inside firms. It shows them more than numbers. It shows them who their clients are and how they are pricing incorrectly. 

— Bob Lewis, president, The Visionary Group

Yes, having the privilege to share all the experience which I have been fortunate enough to obtain at such an early stage in my career is something I enjoy passing down. Like any mentor relationship, my goal is to be replaced or become obsolete by those who I am fortunate enough to work alongside and mentor. 

— Doug Lewis, director, The Visionary Group

As the head of the CAQ, I mentor others on the leadership team, and in turn, they mentor their direct reports. I also learn a lot from those I mentor – the CAQ is comprised of diverse teams with backgrounds in accounting, law, public affairs and more. I believe this cross-learning is key to the success of our teams at the CAQ and has led to a highly-collaborative working environment. 

— Julie Bell Lindsay, CEO, The Center for Audit Quality

Yes, I have the privilege of mentoring several people. I get the privilege of being on a journey with them as pursue their career goals and balance them with personal and family commitments. Sometimes, my role as a mentee is to listen while they sort out the obstacles that they see to achieving what they say they are committed to. Often, the biggest obstacle that is stopping them is their own self-doubt or limiting beliefs. I help them set those beliefs aside and invent a new belief, because they get to say which one is true. So, one of the biggest rewards for me is when a mentee calls or emails me to say, “I did it!” and I respond with, “I knew you could.”

— Tamera Loerzel, partner, ConvergenceCoaching LLC 

Yes – Sovos organizes a formal mentoring program and I have served as a mentor on three occasions. I am currently mentoring someone and find the benefits to be tremendous.  It keeps me connected to parts of the business which I don’t necessarily interact with, it gives me the chance to influence the next generation of organizational leaders, and it continually reminds me what it’s like to be just starting out in your career. As leaders, we sometimes forget what it was like to be a rookie and remembering what it was like, what we didn’t know and what we didn’t yet understand, makes us much more effective leaders of people.

— Charles Maniace, VP, regulatory analysis and design, Sovos

I do not currently mentor and have not “officially” mentored anyone.  With that being said, I am one that will talk with students and those entering the Accounting Profession and provide my feedback and thoughts on how they can succeed.  And with the upcoming changes in the CPA Exam, this will be even more in the forefront.  

What do I get out of mentoring?  Mentoring provides me with the comfort in knowing that I am helping people find their direction in a field that I have served throughout my professional career.  I honestly believe that given the opportunity, we should strive to leave our chosen profession in a better state than when we began our career.

— Stephen Mankowski, co-chair, National Tax Policy Committee, NCCPAP

Yes. As part of my role as a Mentor for the Minnesota Emerging Software Advisory (MESA), I am currently acting as a business mentor for a consumer health-care start-up in the Minneapolis. I find it very personally rewarding asI get as much as I give, providing unbiased counsel and unvarnished, straightforward feedback shaped by experience.  My only motivation with MESA is a pure desire to see my mentee(s) succeed. As a mentor, I can be an educator and a coach to help these entrepreneurs get to where they want to go faster, and hopefully leverage my experiences and contacts.

— Jason Marx, president & CEO, Wolters Kluwer Tax and Accounting, North America

One of the ways I am personally influencing the profession is by providing mentorship to a lot of students and young professionals. I get a great deal of satisfaction and learning from them. In addition, I think mentorship is a valuable and rewarding experience for both mentors and mentees. You can share your knowledge, skills, and insights with them, and learn from their perspectives, feedback, and questions.

Let me share with you one of the most memorable stories of my mentorship journey. One of the young professionals I mentored was in the accounting profession but never believed she could become a CPA. She was struggling with confidence because she and her mom fled her country due to violence and the killing of her father. I met her during one of my state visits and shared my own story of taking the exam a few times and my struggles. I felt a connection with her and decided to stay in touch with her through phone calls, emails, and text messages. A few months later, she told me that she had given our conversations a lot of thought and decided she was going to take some time off to study for the exam. She is sitting for BEC on October 20, 2023. I was so proud of her courage and determination, and I told her that I would be cheering for her all the way.

— Anoop Natwar Mehta, immediate past chairman, AICPA & Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

Yes.

I get out of it the joy and personal fulfillment when I see the spark in their eyes and expression on their faces when they “get it.” That gives me a high and personal satisfaction that I am able to assist young staff in getting started in their careers and of the many people who I mentored that have become extremely successful. This year someone I mentored since his first year working and who is from a “competing” firm and who I never met in person became a partner at his firm. A very proud moment for me!

— Edward Mendlowitz, emeritus partner, WithumSmith+Brown, PC

Yes, I lead a team of individuals that look to me for mentorship and guidance every day. I’ve also established deeper and more structured  1:1 mentorship relationships with a couple individuals on the team. For me, leadership is a passion, and mentorship is channeling that passion into an investment in someone else’s development and success – not just to help them in their career, but to help them continue to evolve and grow their worldview and pursue what makes them happy. It is rewarding to see someone you’ve mentored develop and achieve their goals.

— Kalil Merhib, VP, growth & professional services, CPA.com

I currently mentor a 19 year old girl from Uganda who is at a crossroads in her life.  I’m so proud to be a mentor on the ICAEW F-TEN (Financial Talent Executive Network) programme. 

Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege to mentor three wonderful women: Deepti Janak, Dominique Highfield and Ally Daley. It’s been amazing to see them grow with the programme; I’ve learnt so much from them and am in absolute awe of their brilliance.

— Elona Mortimer-Zhika, CEO, IRIS Software Group 

I mentor students on an ongoing basis, and I feel blessed to have an opportunity to be of use to others to  help them with their goals and to help them develop and recognize the skills they need to succeed  professionally and perhaps personally, as well.  

— Tracey Niemotko, associate professor of accounting, chair of the department of accounting, graduate director, Marist College 

Yes, I participate in a program in Milwaukee where I am matched with a woman seeking a mentor on an annual basis. The act of mentoring not only allows me to share my perspective and experiences with others but also provides me with the opportunity for self-reflection. It’s through this process that I often discover how the guidance I offer can be applied to my own life, leading to personal growth. Moreover, mentoring enables me to gain valuable insights from individuals who are at different stages in their lives and careers. Learning from their unique perspectives is a great way to broaden my understanding of various issues and how they’re perceived by others.

— Ane Ohm, co-founder and CEO, LeaseCrunch

Yes – It’s one thing to succeed at something, it’s an entirely different thing to watch someone you invested in succeed. Leaders don’t grow followers, they grow more leaders. 

— Rebekah Olson, CEO, Maryland Association of CPAs

Mentoring others, whether in my professional or personal life, gives me real satisfaction. I encourage our people to be humble, hungry and smart, as advocated by Patrick Lencioni in his book, ‘The Ideal Team Player.’ 

I mentor members of my Executive Leadership Team and, while it’s great to be able to share my own knowledge, experience and data-rich feedback with others, I actually find it hugely beneficial for myself. All too often, mentoring is seen as a primarily one-way relationship but I believe it has to be a rewarding exercise for both parties. I’ve learned a great deal about myself through the mentoring process. It’s also one of the elements that has enabled us to attract new talent to our organization and to ensure the continued engagement of existing employees. 

Personal testimonial from colleague and Chief People Officer at Caseware, Kate Muller:

“Dave has a talent for identifying high potential individuals and enabling their ‘superpower.’ I can personally attest to this as a first time Executive. Dave demonstrated his faith and trust in me when he appointed me as Chief People Officer at Caseware. His mentorship enables me to put my strengths into practice, but more importantly, he encourages me to be creative and brave, ensuring continuous personal development.”

Beyond the workplace, I’ve also been mentoring my 17-year old daughter. The principles of mentoring remain largely the same – ask questions, share ideas, tell stories, dig deep, listen with compassion, offer encouragement and make introductions. I think I’m a great mentor for her as someone who has seen her at her best and her worst, however she could probably share her own data-rich feedback on this!

— Jeremy Osborn, global head of sustainability, AICPA & CIMA

I indirectly mentor the profession through content. How do I know? Because I get emails and messages from people letting me know that my content has changed their lives. This gives me tremendous satisfaction. I like knowing that my words and posts have a real, meaningful impact on other professionals, their firms and their lives. When I’m down and tired and wonder why I keep doing this, it’s those messages or comments that keep me going. It’s how I know the effort is worth it. It’s truly a labor of love for my peers and the profession.

— Dave Osborne, CEO, Caseware International

I indirectly mentor the profession through content. How do I know? Because I get emails and messages from people letting me know that my content has changed their lives. This gives me tremendous satisfaction. I like knowing that my words and posts have a real, meaningful impact on other professionals, their firms and their lives. When I’m down and tired and wonder why I keep doing this, it’s those messages or comments that keep me going. It’s how I know the effort is worth it. It’s truly a labor of love for my peers and the profession.

— Jody Padar, VP of tax strategy & evangelism, April  

Certainly, I am currently engaged in mentoring several small business owners who are seeking solutions to improve their back-office operations and increase their overall profitability. Furthermore, I offer guidance to early-stage founders, focusing on both business and technology strategies to facilitate company growth. Leveraging my own experiences as a founder and my interactions with numerous small business owners across the United States, I find great satisfaction in witnessing these individuals thrive and benefit from the insights and knowledge I provide.

— Sugam Pandey, CTO, Docyt Inc

Yes. Some budding accounting students. 

I believe in paying it forward by passing on the insights from my experience to the next generation – to empower them and help them develop their purpose to make a positive impact from their services to their clients and society. There is no better satisfaction than helping others live better lives. 

— Hitendra Patil, president, global finance and accounting services, Datamatics Business Solutions

Yes – I can end each day knowing I am helping give back to the profession through replacing myself as many times as possible and helping carry on stories of why the profession is important to society and business.  

— Paul Perry, member, risk advisory and assurance services practice leader, Warren Averett

Yes – I mentor two young rising star CPAs. Mentorship is definitely a two-way street. From these mentorships I get comfort that the future leaders of our profession are developing, and prepared to keep the profession at the highest level of quality, providing utmost value to both future CPAs and the public interest.

— Carl Peterson, vice president, small firm interests, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants 

I don’t have a formal mentee but there are several employees at Avalara whom I work with to broaden their understanding of business and government practices. We are still at the very beginning of the automation that will come to tax compliance, and it is so important for everyone to understand what is possible.

What I get from the experience is the pleasure of hearing a young coworker start a conversation with an explanation of why a government has made a change impacting our processes. Given my long experience working with governments, I bring a perspective nearly impossible to find in anyone else. Knowing the “why” makes implementing the change simpler.

— Scott Peterson, VP of U.S. tax policy and government relations, Avalara

Yes, I currently mentor three people, ranging in age from 21 (college junior) to 28 years old.  Fundamentally, my greatest reward in mentoring these individuals is the ability to “give back” what I have learned over my own personal journey. The hope is that my story helps guide their paths into the accounting profession and that they continue to pay it forward to the generations that come after them.

— Anthony Pugliese, president & CEO, Institute of Internal Auditors

Yes. As I provide the insights of my decades of experience to mentees, it causes me to continue my own learning path which will never stop.

— Terry Putney, managing director, Whitman Transition Advisors LLC

My primary mentoring role is to our Consulting Manager, Amanda Lilley, CPA, SHRM-CP, PHR. I value knowing that our function as consultants to the CPA industry will continue beyond my tenure. More importantly, I enjoy watching the learning, growth, and advancing leadership that happens in both of us through our work together. I feel fortunate to have professionals like Amanda willing to learn from my experiences to improve our profession today and into the future. 

I also mentor a small group of high school seniors as part of our local high school’s leadership program. I feel so confident in the future of our world when I get a chance to see their enthusiasm for life and learning. I’m grateful for the chance to guide them in developing their leadership skills and making great choices as they lead multi-age teams at school. Their success will impact many people in the future. 

— Kristen Rampe, managing partner, Rosenberg Associates

Yes. I serve as a mentor and sponsor to several individuals. I find immense joy in helping young people and seasoned professional develop into the best version of themselves. I believe to whom much is given, much is expected, and I think its important to pay it forward to support the next generation of professional. My personal mission is to live a life that matters, and I believe supporting individuals in advancing and growing within their careers is part of my life’s mission.

— Okorie Ramsey, chair, AICPA & Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

Yes, I serve as a mentor to one of the partners in my office, whose role was recently elevated to regional director status within the firm.  Having been the CEO of our former firm, I’m able to provide to her the useful guidance and feedback she seeks as she begins this broader role.

What I get out of the mentor relationship is the satisfaction of helping a close friend succeed in her career, for which she has many years ahead of her, and confirming for me that I have something of value after my many years in the profession!

— Rick Reisig, chair, NASBA

Yes, I do mentor – it’s important to give back and pass down knowledge, and I think it’s what’s going to help address the hiring crisis with the younger generations. But, for me, it also keeps me fresh – I can learn about different motivating drivers, and get exposed to what makes others tick. This process often challenges your own personal beliefs in a healthy way – a way that reduces rigidity and spurs growth. It’s a win/win in my book.

Further, internally at Xero, I’m a champion for the profession – standardizing how we support the advancement of it, as well as how we engage and deliver services and products to our partners.

— Ben Richmond, U.S. country manager, Xero 

Yes, and it’s a tremendous honor! What I appreciate most is how much I learn from mentees—they inspire me and they teach me. I gain great insights about others and even myself through these relationships. There’s so much truth in the old saying… I definitely find the older I get, the less I know. 

— Michelle Golden River, owner/president, Fore LLC

I do, my son Andy Root. Andy is the Director of Membership at Rootworks, where  he leads a team impacting thousands of accounting professionals. I get an immense  amount of joy watching my son be so passionate about people and learning what  drives the profession. 

— Darren Root, chief strategist, Right Networks

Yes, 50-75 students over the past 15 years.  

• Tremendous satisfaction of giving back to the profession.
• Being able to impact the lives of dozens of students by giving them helpful advice on their careers while providing them with a safe place to ask questions they are reluctant to ask others.
• When I went to college, I had no one to mentor me on career and life choices.  So I get to be the mentor I never had.

— Marc Rosenberg, managing partner and founder, Rosenberg Associates

I mentor several college students and early career professionals pursuing careers in accounting, business and finance. Mentoring helps me refine my own leadership, coaching, and communication skills and it also allows me to contribute to the overall health and vitality of the accounting, business, and finance industry by ensuring that the next generation of leaders are well-prepared, diverse, and possess the skills necessary to be successful. 

— Guylaine Saint Juste, president & CEO, NABA Inc.

I mentor my bookkeeper finding gratification in seeing her smile when an accounting problem is solved. 

I mentor the Senior Executive VP of NCCPAP to continue efforts to increase member benefits and the association’s influence in the accounting profession. 

— Frank Sands, president, National Association of CPA Practitioners

I mentor a number of early-stage tech entrepreneurs, who are a few years behind me in their entrepreneurial journey. Building a business from scratch is one of the toughest challenges that’s out there. By sharing my own challenges of early-stage struggles, I feel like I can help reduce the lonely burden shouldered by first-time entrepreneurs, and give them a helping hand when needed. I benefited tremendously in my own entrepreneurial journey from the support that many mentors and advisors gave me when I needed it the most. I hope to pass on some of that support and help folks succeed.

— Sid Saxena, co-founder & CEO, Docyt

Yes, I currently mentor several management-level / director-level team members that are on partner-track and I also mentor Pace University students that are studying towards earning BBA/MBA/MS degrees in Accounting & Taxation and I recruit them for internship positions. 

I very much enjoy giving back to the profession that has afforded me so much and serving in a mentor role for the NextGen of accounting firm management team members; accounting firm practice leaders; and accounting firm partners. 

— Peter Scalise, federal tax credits & incentives practice leader for the Americas, Prager Metis CPAs

Yes, I do currently mentor a few individuals. Few things are more gratifying than watching a mentee grow and develop in their career. As they progress through their milestones, you feel nothing but joy for their accomplishments. Sharing in their journey allows you to personally appreciate your journey and those who passed on their wisdom to you. On the surface, while it may initially feel odd, the greatest success as a mentor is when your mentee gets that enormous job opportunity from the outside and becomes your peer in the industry. In my case, it was the day a mentee got the call and took the opportunity to become a CIO at another Firm. Mentoring the younger future leaders in the industry is truly a gift. 

— Peter Scavuzzo, CEO, Marcum Technology; principal/chief information & digital officer, Marcum LLP

Yes, I love helping people to advance in their careers. I get gratification and fulfillment being able to share my knowledge. 

— Gary Shamis, CEO, Winding River Consulting

Yes. Seeing someone grow both professionally and personally is one of the greatest rewards. Some of my mentees are now also managing others and I see them share some of the philosophies and approaches that they learned from me to their mentees. That’s the greatest compliment and makes me feel like I’m really contributing to the improvement of the profession.

— Donny Shimamoto, founder and managing director, IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC

Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to mentor many great people over the years and continue doing so today. Each connection teaches me something new, and I’ve learned that one of the most rewarding aspects of a successful mentorship is the growth you and your mentee achieve together. 

In fact, I still speak regularly with many former Grant Thornton colleagues who mentored me during our time together — and have since retired. And we all still get real value out of our conversations. Mentorship can’t be a one-way street; we should always be open to learning just as much from our mentees as they may learn from us. As the saying goes: “In learning, you will teach, and in teaching, you will learn.” 

— Seth Siegel, CEO, Grant Thornton

Yes. I’ve had the benefit of having very supportive mentors and being able to pay that forward by mentoring others myself, is very gratifying. It gives me the opportunity to reflect on my career journey and build on what I have learned along the way to enhance relationships by investing my time in others to support their growth and development as professionals. 

— Eva Simpson, VP, tax practice & financial planning, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

I am transitioning my relationships and knowledge to a team of professionals as I reduce my time commitment to the firm. I am stepping back, and mentoring is part of conducting a proper transition.

— Joel Sinkin, director, Whitman Transition Advisors

While not a formalized mentor-mentee relationship I do serve as the advisor to multiple student organizations, and am in the process of being named the advisor to the ALPFA chapter at Lehman, which has won three (3) national awards in consecutive years. I really enjoy getting to discuss issues with accounting and other business students, thrive off of their enthusiasm and energy, and always leave our conversations more positive toward the future. 

— Sean Stein Smith, accounting working group chair, Wall Street Blockchain Alliance

Yes.  The best part of mentoring is hearing what is top of mind for younger generations, since they have different priorities and aspirations. Leadership is always a two-way dialogue, so listening and engaging through mentorships helps me to be a better leader.

— Scott Spiegel, COO, AICPA & CIMA

Yes – I help develop those who are following my path to success through social media, and in the process making the profession more accessible to a new generation.

— Jason Staats, founder, Realize LLC

In addition to the people who directly report to me, I collaborate closely with new partners as they begin their journey as shareholders in our firm.

My door is always open to our team because I know from personal experience how important mentoring can be. One of the reasons I’m in the position I’m in today is because I had mentors who believed in me, encouraged me to take tough assignments, and who gave me a chance. I have gained a great deal of personal satisfaction from being a mentor, and it drives my commitment to Thrive, our firmwide coaching program.

I have frequently returned to my alma mater, and have spoken to various accounting classes to encourage students, and to illustrate the opportunity within our profession. This is something I thoroughly enjoy, and I can recall similar speakers who influenced me when I was a student. It’s a rewarding and important thing to do for our next generation of CPAs.

My advice is always to seek a mentor, one who amplifies the leadership style of values and integrity that you aspire to practice. 

— David Stonesifer, CEO, Herbein + Co

Yes, I am a mentor, which allows me to play a small part in helping others succeed and provides an opportunity to give back and pass on what I’ve learned from my own mentors.

— Vsu Subramanian, SVP, Avalara

Yes, I get the satisfaction of helping the next generation uncover their blind spots regarding opportunities available to them and I also better understand the next generation’s wants and needs, which helps me uncover my own blind spots, enabling me to better serve the profession.

— Andrej Suskavcevic, president and CEO, Financial Executives International and Financial Education & Research Foundation

Yes. And they mentor me as much as I mentor them. We help each other to grow, learn and evolve. Mentoring isn’t a one-way street. It’s a way of life that embraces the gifts we can offer and receive… if we’re open to the synergies.

— Rick Telberg, founder & CEO, CPA Trendlines Research

Yes.  It’s important to develop both the future and current leaders of our profession.  What do I get out of it? It’s a cliché to say “fulfillment” but mentoring is a personal dimension from which I feel fulfilled.  Helping others be more successful, find new ways to lead, adding to their strategic thinking, providing more optimism, etc. is energizing and rewarding.  

— Gary Thomson, managing partner, Thomson Consulting

I have several accounting professionals that reach out to me for help and guidance, some college students, others are already actively working in the profession. The opportunity to mentor others gives me a reality check and a chance to assess my own journey of 

development so I can more effectively create a more relevant journey of development for my staff and other professionals. Many times just hearing the questions of others, pulls you out of the comfort and staleness of your own thought process so you can get back to thinking outside of the box so the mentoring helps me with this. 

— Terrell A. Turner, CEO/founder, TLTurner Group 

Yes. It’s rewarding, but I don’t seek to get anything out of it.  At this time in my life, I am focused on to giving back.

— Barbara Vanich, chief auditor & director of professional standards, PCAOB

Yes, I am actively engaged in mentoring not only my employees on a day-to-day  basis, but also through my role as a CPA firm trainer and college educator. I  find mentoring to be an incredibly rewarding experience for several reasons.  First, it allows me to share my knowledge and expertise with others, helping  them grow and develop in their careers. It’s fulfilling to see them progress and  achieve their goals. Second, mentoring is a two-way street. I gain valuable  insights and fresh perspectives from those I mentor, which often leads to  personal growth and a deeper understanding of my own field. Moreover,  mentoring strengthens my communication and leadership skills as I tailor my  guidance to the unique needs and aspirations of each individual I mentor. Finally, mentoring fosters a sense of giving back and contributing to the growth  of our profession. It’s a way for me to leave a positive impact on the next  generation of professionals. 

— Chris Vanover, founder & senior chief auditor, CPA Club Inc. 

Yes, I mentor several professionals. Through the B3 Method Institute, we focus on mentoring with a holistic view. It’s not just about professional growth but personal growth too. It offers a reciprocal learning experience. By helping others, I get rejuvenated seeing them work really hard to change their mindset and the way they operate so they can find happiness. 

I have also been a supporter of women and have many that reach out to me through social media or set meetings to go over their struggles and their goals. I see hope that if more and more women starting supporting each other that we can get more women in leadership positions in the firms which will in turn change culture by having different perspectives and ways of thinking at the leadership table.

— Amy Vetter, CEO, The B3 Method Institute

Yes, I mentor an individual that is new in her career, and it’s been extremely rewarding for me! I enjoy sharing stories with her so that she can evaluate her own issues through the lens of my experiences and learn about consequences for mistakes that I made along the way. 

— Wendy Walker, solutions principal, Sovos

Yes, I still mentor a director on our team that I was working with well before I took on my current leadership role. Helping her continue to advance in her career helps me stay connected to the day-to-day challenges of our client service team. I likely get as much out of the relationship as I put into it because it helps me stay grounded and credible as we work on various topics with our Board and leadership team. 

— Tom Watson, CEO, Forvis

Yes, I do mentor people both in and outside of Marcum. The intrinsic reward for me lies in witnessing their growth and development. Observing their progression and knowing that I’ve played a part in guiding them through their journey is immensely satisfying. Mentorship not only strengthens our professions’ future but also reinvigorates my passion for what we do.

— Jeffrey Weiner, chairman & CEO, Marcum 

Yes. Mentoring is even more important today as we struggle to keep people in the profession. Watching your mentees thrive, and at the same time increase their enthusiasm for the profession, is gratifying for me and benefits not only the firm, but the profession at-large. In today’s remote work environment, there is a critical need to focus mentees on the importance and ability to build relationships. Success in the profession and satisfaction in their careers undoubtedly contributes to a higher quality of life outside the profession. 

— Charles Weinstein, CEO, Eisner Advisory Group 

Yes, and I always say a good mentor relationship is one where both parties benefit somehow. For me, I am inspired by my protégés. I am in awe of their ABCs: ambition, bravery and commitment to accomplish their goals in life and work. The dialogues we exchange fuel and feed my soul; I am honored to help and play a part in such achievement.

— Tifphani White-King, partner, national tax practice service line leader, global tax board member, Mazars

I am actively involved in mentoring a diverse group of accountants through my online advisory training. This program equips them with tools and resources licensed from Mentor Plus, enabling them to achieve Level 5 Certified Advisor status.

What truly motivates me in this mentoring journey is witnessing the remarkable transformations these individuals undergo. As they progress, I hear their stories of growth and success, which fills me with immense pride and optimism for the future of our profession. I learn as much from these incredible professionals as they do from me. 

A significant portion of my trainees come from a background in bookkeeping, and through this training, they undergo a profound evolution in the way they approach their business. The training gives them a newfound self-confidence and empowers them to apply their existing skills in innovative ways. They are better equipped to reevaluate their pricing strategies and as a result, are compensated for the valuable services they provide.

Mentoring these incredible bookkeepers and accountants has not only been a rewarding experience for me personally but I hope has been a catalyst for positive change within our industry. 

— Geni Whitehouse, president, Information Technology Alliance  

Yes. It is very gratifying to help shape and mold a young aspiring CPA. There is a tremendous legacy and wonderful stories that needs to be shared by the soon to exit baby boomer owners. There is a tremendous inheritance that has been created for young entrepreneurial CPAs. We have just done a poor job educating young folks about what a great profession this is. I also mentor a young Tax Manager that left his firm to start his own firm.  We try to meet monthly and I introduce him to other influencers and help him stay the course.

— Philip Whitman, CEO, Whitman Transition Advisors 

I am privileged to serve as a mentor to several remarkable women in our profession.  Engaging in these conversations fills me with joy, instills hope, and offers immense fulfillment.  Our profession boasts an abundance of exceptionally bright and motivated women who possess boundless potential.  All they require is someone to guide them towards the right path and bolster their confidence to take that initial step, knowing that they have the capability to achieve remarkable heights independently.  Every dialogue I have with them is a two-way exchange, for I find myself learning something new, experiencing personal growth, and undergoing transformation with each interaction.  It’s undeniably one of the most rewarding aspects of my life.  

— Sandra Wiley, president, Boomer Consulting Inc.

I would not be where I am in my career today without the support of incredible mentors and sponsors who believed in me and promoted me at pivotal moments in my career. I continue to rely on my mentors and sponsors to this day.

And I am grateful to have the opportunity to pay it forward by mentoring others. In fact, we recently created a mentorship program at the PCAOB for our PCAOB scholarship recipients. Being a mentor is not only rewarding and fun, but I also find I learn a lot from those I have the privilege of mentoring. 

— Erica Williams, chair, PCAOB 

Yes, I coach people in my work (clients and Convergence team members), and I mentor people within the profession informally when asked and within my other communities, too. For instance, I run our lay eucharistic minister program in my Episcopal church, and both teach and mentor new LEMs regularly. Helping someone establish goals, identify, and remove roadblocks, take the steps needed to crush their goals, and then take a leap forward is SO gratifying. I am in awe of, wowed by, and humbled by the amazing transformations that I am fortunate to witness in others. Of all the things I do, it’s my very favorite thing. 

— Jennifer Wilson, co-founder and partner, ConvergenceCoaching LLC

Mentoring is not just about helping young professionals identify career aspirations and individual blockers to those dreams. It also delivers ongoing professional growth to the mentor. I learn from my mentees, as they lead me to reflect upon myself and what I need to do better or differently. Ongoing personal transformation is a personal value- and that cannot be done alone. Working with others is necessary for continuous growth.

— Cheryl Gravis Wipper, VP, content and communications, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

Education is about mentoring large and small groups. In addition to my regular classes, I have started a class to build the TechHub.training website. This class is made up of around 20 students and I have very close relationship mentoring them. I also mentor students in research who are thinking of pursuing a Ph.D. in accounting. I love mentoring. I have found that my students are far more capable than most think and when I work with them, I am more productive and create better output than doing the work on my own. I love the zeal and enthusiasm they bring to the job and how it energizes me. In addition, when you help a student succeed, it is awesome to see them in the future and feel their gratitude for helping them. I hope to always be a mentor! 

— David Wood, Glenn D. Ardis professor, Brigham Young University

Yes. I have formal coaching clients and I also have relationships where the other party in these relationships refer to me as their mentor. 

This is one of the most rewarding areas of my career. I have spent 55 years of my life (25 within this profession) accumulating knowledge and wisdom, much of which I learned through the proverbial school of hard knocks. I now have the incredible opportunity, and privilege, of offering this knowledge and wisdom to others without them having to take the same “knocks.”

— Joe Woodard, CEO, Woodard

I mentor several individuals at our firm.  I enjoy watching their confidence grow and the development of their leadership skills.  What I enjoy the most is when I observe them mentoring someone else on something that we worked on together.  I feel like it’s being passed on!

— Candace Wright, chair of the Private Company Council of the Financial Accounting Foundation

The reason I work is to serve as a leader of an excellent company so that others can be lifted up. I mentor many people in our company as an extension of that purpose. What I get out of it is the joy of seeing others reach their full potential so that they can lift others up themselves. I named our company Ascend because it captures the essence of being on a journey to somewhere better, and everyone benefits from that as we ascend together.  

Prior to starting Ascend, I was President of Lightwave Dental. We built Lightwave to serve dentists and their teams as our #1 customer, much the way we seek to serve CPAs through Ascend. We grew Lightwave from zero to over $250 million in revenue over my five years there. What I am most proud of is that our approach resulted in industry leading employee engagement and dentist retention. We lifted people up by ensuring that every decision we made was better for the patients, the practice, and the profession. Ascend is out make the same impact in the CPA profession.

One person I have mentored for many years started as an entry level Analyst with me at Lightwave and was promoted three times before joining me at Ascend as our Vice President of Strategic Growth. His accomplishments are his own, but I am thankful for the opportunity to invest in his personal and professional development.  

— David Wurtzbacher, founder & CEO, Ascend 

I do formally mentor our annual Sales Tax Nerd Award winner as well as my leadership team and members of my team. Informally, many people look to me for advice and counsel in their careers not just in sales tax. I’ve also done some mentoring for other small business owners through some formal programs over the last few years.   

I am always honored to be a mentor and what I get out of it is hearing about their goals and challenges.  Talking through their questions and issues makes me think about how I’ve tackled similar challenges.  Knowing what I know now vs what I knew then gives me a different perspective to help them work through their issues.  I have also learned from my mentees – they often have experience with different technologies or situations that I can learn from. We also share things from our personal lives which enrich me personally.

— Diane Yetter, president and founder, Yetter Consulting Services & Sales Tax Institute

I have 1:1 meetings with everyone in my firm each week. This provides an opportunity for them to ask me any questions they want about anything. What makes these so important is that they are needed to build connection and clarity and provide coaching (when needed). They are part of the glue between strategy and execution of company goals. 1:1s are a powerful time for exchanging feedback, resetting priorities, understanding wellbeing, providing important context, reviewing blockers, and providing thought partnership. I want to make sure they have the support they need to set and achieve their personal and professional goals, do their tasks, unblock issues and answer questions, help ensure they are working on the right things and understand why that work matters to the business and discuss any issues and concerns. 1:1s are the cornerstone for development, productivity, accountability, connection and sustainability. 

— Steven Zelin, The Singing CPA, managing member, Zelin & Associates CPA