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California CPA Magazine

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September 2023: A Fresh Look

In today’s rapidly evolving world, leadership styles have shifted from authoritative and hierarchical models to more collaborative, empathetic and people-centric approaches.

One such leadership philosophy that is gaining attention is servant leadership—one that I have long appreciated. And while this idea has caught on in recent years, it dates to the 1970s, thanks to Robert K. Greenleaf, who coined the term in his essay, “The Servant as Leader.”

Boiled down, the servant leadership style is characterized by placing others first. Writes Greenleaf:

“The best test, and most difficult to administer, is this: Do those served grow as persons? Do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?”

Author and speaker Simon Sinek describes this as a “leader eats last” mindset. As a leader, when you focus on lifting up those around you, you’ll create a culture where individuals feel comfortable sharing ideas, seeking feedback and working together toward a common purpose.

Concepts of trust, diversity, unselfishness, support, empathy and community building all weave their way through servant leadership.

Epitomizing these characteristics, I am happy to say, are CalCPA members who step up daily to lead their firms, companies, organizations, communities and the profession.

We recently began our 2023-24 fiscal year, which brings a new membership leadership slate at CalCPA’s state and chapter levels. At our recent Council meeting, we welcomed Meredith Johnson, a partner at BPM, as our 2023-24 CalCPA chair and Andrea Cope as CalCPA Education Foundation chair. If you’ve been around CalCPA for any length of time, you’ll know that both women have long served our organization in various capacities.

You can read more about Meredith and her priorities for her term in our Q&A with her on Page 12 of the August issue, and look for a similar Q&A with Andrea in our September issue of 

I’m excited and encouraged about what Meredith and Andrea—along with other member leaders who have stepped into their roles—will bring to CalCPA and to each of us.

One of the great things about being a servant leader is, with the right mindset, anyone can be one—from whatever position they hold. It’s more than a title; it’s a way of leading driven by a desire to serve, not accumulate power. Again, in Greenleaf’s words: “How do we get the right things done will be the watchword of the day, every day.”

I encourage you to seek areas—inside and outside of CalCPA—where you can lead. If you’re looking to give your leadership skills a boost, visit 

. We would love to partner with you to be inspired and inspire others.

Servant Leadership

August 2023: Servant Leadership

Gone are the days when CPAs were confined to ledgers and balance sheets. As tech advancements reshape the profession and client expectations evolve, CPAs stand at a critical crossroads: Do we tread the familiar or do we transform into strategic partners guiding business decisions, leveraging financial insights to inform company direction and playing a pivotal role in long-term planning?

Safe to say that only one path propels CPAs, their clients and businesses they serve, and the 

That begs the question: What does this different mindset entail? It starts with accepting what is, adapting to the new, continuous learning and taking a 360-view. 

In a world that is spinning faster than ever with tech advancements and regulatory shifts, and market trends that constantly reshape the landscape, a 21st-century CPA is a sense-maker, seeing what others can’t and helping their clients reach new heights.

A strategic CPA recognizes that staying relevant means staying informed and expanding their knowledge beyond traditional finance. We’re talking data analytics, risk management or even behavioral economics. This lifelong learning keeps CPAs ahead of the curve—and allows them to point out that upcoming curve to clients to help them prepare for what lies ahead.

This mindset further understands that financial data isn’t isolated; it’s interconnected with various facets of a business—operations, marketing, human resources and more—and allows CPAs to identify opportunities and challenges that might not jump off a balance sheet.

In an era where data is abundant, but insights are scarce, strategic CPAs are the ones translating numbers to into actionable insights to elevate clients.

Instead of being viewed as a mere service provider, CPAs become trusted partners in decision-making.

The journey to strategic adviser might seem challenging, but it aligns with the changing demands of the business world. Those who grasp this opportunity enhance their professional profiles and play a pivotal role in shaping the clients and organizations they serve.

The role of CPA is undergoing a transformation, compelling professionals to shed their conventional image and embrace a strategic adviser mindset. CalCPA stands ready to help shape this shift and move the profession forward. Are you in?

Embracing a New Mindset

In the ever-evolving  landscape of business and finance, CPAs are at a critical crossroads: Continue with business as usual, while everything around them changes, or transform their mindset from financial experts to strategic advisers.

October 2023: Embracing a New Mindset

President & CEO

Denise LeDuc Froemming, CPA, CAE, MBA

Change. It’s not just a word; it’s something that pushes us forward, reshapes our world and renews our spirits. Buckle up and hold tight because the future is exciting and coming at you fast!

The world is changing. Business, the CPA profession, you name it! And who else? That’s right—CalCPA. We’re not just adapting to change; we’re embracing it and doing it with flair.

Have you seen our new face? At our engaging August Council meeting, we pulled back the curtain on a brand overhaul. New logo, fresh color scheme, sleek website redesign and a relentless drive to support an evolving profession. Spotted it yet? Head to our website or flip through our magazine; you’ll see we’re dressing to impress.

But here’s the kicker: this isn’t just about slapping on some new paint and calling it a day. This is a total metamorphosis aimed at revolutionizing how we connect with you, our business professionals, and the consumers who depend on us.

We’re looking at the big picture and are bold in shaking things up. We’re crafting a customer experience that screams innovation, but preserves the trust and credibility that’s been at the heart of CalCPA for over 100 fantastic years.

Want a glimpse of the future? Our website’s new vibrant look shouts our brand promise: “The leadership the CPA profession needs for change and the knowledge and connections you need for what’s next.”

It’s sleek, streamlined, and packed with everything you need to ride the wave of change.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into our new world at 

. It’s fresh, intuitive, and eager to get you dancing to the rhythm of change.

The future’s here, and it’s bursting with energy. CalCPA is on the move, and we want you to join us. Innovation catalysts, unite! It’s time to shake things up and dance into a bright and bold tomorrow. Are you in?