Her Story
About Karen
I'm both a CPA and a CFP, and I've had my accounting practice since 2006. About 11 years ago, I added in advisory services. In the advisory side of my practice, it's really just connecting with my clients, connecting with people, making sure that my clients understand and helping them to the goal, whatever they may be. They're obviously different for everybody. I work for individuals, I work with trusts, and I do work with corporations, so it's all across all of those. Just knowing that I'm making a difference in people's lives is what drives me. I'm giving people the confidence to reach their goals, to retire comfortably. For some of my life change clients, that they can go into that next stage of life, whether it's after divorce or death of a spouse, confident. Just knowing that I made a difference is huge. I teach a female empowerment for Women class at the local night school, and women just really need some guidance. Women work differently than men, and so we really connect differently with our clients, and it's just an amazing field for young women.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karen
01What do you attribute your success to?
Honestly, I think it's just hard work. There had times in my career when I was up at 4 a.m. working, working until 10 o'clock at night, and it's really just putting your head to the grindstone and working hard. And again, just always doing the right thing.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I think the best career advice I ever received is to go outside of your comfort zone. If something hurts you or feels difficult, go ahead and take the leap, because that's when just amazing things happen in your career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I feel like this is just an amazing field for young women to enter. It's a very male-dominated field, but there are a lot of women who help with their finance. I teach a female empowerment for Women class at the local night school, and women just really need some guidance. Women work differently than men, and so we really connect differently with our clients, and it's just an amazing field for young women.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think my biggest one is having enough time in the day, but there's just amazing opportunities. I try not to really think of anything as a challenge. Sometimes a challenge really is just an opportunity.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think just always do the right thing, always do right by others. We work hard to do right by others, then obviously I'm comfortable, I can sleep at night, and I know that I'm doing the best that I can.
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