Halle Christensen, MSA

When I reflect on what has driven my success, I always come back to two things: the resilience I developed through adversity faced in competitive sports and the unwavering support of my husband, Connor.

Growing up, I played competitive sports, primarily softball and cross-country. Competitive sports taught me some of life's most valuable lessons. They taught me how to work with different personalities, overcome challenges, and keep moving forward when things did not go as planned. They pushed me beyond my comfort zone and showed me what I was capable of achieving through discipline and perseverance. Those experiences ultimately led me to win a Junior Olympic gold medal in cross-country, play collegiate softball at the highest level, and earn opportunities that shaped both my education and career.

Equally important has been the constant support of my husband. Since we were 18, he has been by my side through every success, setback, and milestone. He believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself and has always encouraged me to pursue goals that felt just out of reach. He is my best friend, a trusted sounding board, and a steadfast partner in every sense of the word. Much of who I am today is a result of the confidence, encouragement, and love he has given me along the way.

The best career advice I've ever received is: "The only stupid question is the one left unasked."

Early in my career, I realized that most people genuinely want to help. They enjoy sharing their knowledge, solving problems, and contributing to someone else's success. If you're struggling with something, ask the question. Seeking help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign that you're committed to learning and growing. In my experience, the chances of success are much higher when you ask for guidance than when you try to navigate everything alone.

A second piece of advice that has shaped my life is to rethink the way we talk about setbacks. I don't believe there is failure if you keep trying; there is only adversity. The moment I stopped labeling difficult experiences as failures and started viewing them as opportunities to learn, improve, and persevere, my perspective changed completely. Adversity is not something to fear. It's often where the greatest growth takes place.

Those two lessons have stayed with me throughout my career: ask for help when you need it, and embrace adversity as part of the journey. Success isn't about avoiding challenges; it's about learning from them and continuing to move forward.

My advice to young women entering the industry is simple: don't be afraid to advocate for yourself.

I often encourage the women I mentor to ask questions about their performance reviews, career progression, and compensation. Understanding how decisions are made helps you identify opportunities for growth and ensures you have the information needed to advocate for your future.

Don't be afraid to ask for more when you've earned it. Be prepared to articulate your contributions, the value you bring, and why you deserve the opportunity, promotion, or compensation you're seeking. The worst outcome is often hearing "not right now," which provides valuable feedback and clarity about your next steps.

While loyalty is important and can be rewarded, staying in a role simply because it's comfortable is not always the best path to growth. Know your worth, trust in your abilities, and seek out organizations that recognize and invest in your potential. Your skills, dedication, and hard work have value, and you should never be afraid to communicate that value with confidence.

Most importantly, don't wait for others to define your career trajectory. Be intentional, speak up for yourself, and pursue opportunities that challenge you. The women who advance are often the ones who believe they belong at the table and aren't afraid to take a seat.

One of the biggest challenges, and opportunities, facing the accounting profession today is the rise of artificial intelligence.

AI has tremendous potential to improve efficiency, automate routine tasks, and allow professionals to focus more time on analysis, judgment, and client service. However, the real challenge is ensuring we teach people how to use AI effectively without becoming overly reliant on it. In accounting and auditing, AI should be viewed as a tool, not a substitute for professional skepticism, critical thinking, or sound judgment.

As firms increasingly integrate AI into their processes, it is essential that entry-level professionals still develop the foundational technical skills needed to evaluate and verify AI-generated outputs. Technology can help us work faster, but as auditors, we remain responsible for ensuring the accuracy and quality of our work. The future of the profession will belong to those who can successfully combine technology with strong technical expertise and professional judgment.

Another significant challenge is the declining number of students choosing accounting as a career path. This presents an opportunity for our industry to better showcase the diverse and rewarding opportunities available within the profession. We also have a responsibility to evolve alongside a workforce that increasingly values flexibility, balance, and purpose in their careers.

At my firm, we're addressing both of these challenges through programs like Right From The Start, which focuses on developing highly competent professionals through intentional training, mentorship, and hands-on learning. By investing in people, embracing innovation responsibly, and helping the next generation see the value of a career in accounting, we can turn today's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities.

The value that is most important to me, both professionally and personally, is family. I have a toddler who is truly the light of my life and, in many ways, my moral compass. Becoming a parent has given me a new perspective on how I spend my time, energy, and attention.

One principle I try to live by is: every time you say yes to something, you are inherently saying no to something else. That mindset helps me make intentional decisions about where I invest myself. Whether it's at work, at home, or in my community, I try to ensure my choices align with what matters most.

While I am deeply committed to my career and the people I mentor, I also recognize the importance of maintaining balance and prioritizing the moments that matter with my family. Success means little if it comes at the expense of the people you love.

I also value community and giving back. I enjoy being involved locally, whether that's supporting our libraries and public parks, participating in community events, or investing in the next generation. I believe we all have a responsibility to leave our communities better than we found them, and I strive to model that both as a professional and as a parent.

Ultimately, the values that guide me are family, community, and intentionality. They shape how I lead, how I give back, and how I define success.