Influential Woman · Small business and nonprofit financial management
Lydia Vanderburg
Founder, Business Works
Denver, CO 80233
Her Story
About Lydia
Lydia Vanderburg is a Financial Infrastructure & Organizational Effectiveness Practitioner. She is the Founder of Business Works, where she works with mission-driven organizations to create stronger alignment between financial systems, operations, governance, and leadership structures. Her focus is on helping organizations move beyond operational strain and reactive decision-making by building clarity, structure, and systems that support stability, accountability, and long-term sustainability. She partners primarily with small businesses, nonprofits, founders, and leadership teams navigating growth, transition, or increasing organizational complexity. Her educational and professional journey reflects both intentional advancement and a willingness to adapt as opportunities evolved. She began her academic path with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Washington, followed by a Master’s degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, and later completed a Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Metro State University in Denver. While initially pursuing organizational development work, she experienced a layoff that became a turning point in her career. Drawing on her father’s small business background and early exposure to bookkeeping, she transitioned into accounting, discovered a strong alignment with financial systems work, and ultimately chose to formally build her expertise in the field. Since 1999, Lydia has developed deep experience in nonprofit financial management, compliance, grant tracking, and capacity building. She has served in leadership and advisory roles supporting organizations in strengthening financial practices, improving reporting and audit readiness, and building systems that improve transparency and reduce reliance on individual knowledge holders. Her work emphasizes practical structure, governance clarity, and sustainable operational design that allows teams to function more effectively and confidently. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking and cycling, activities that reflect her appreciation for balance, focus, and steady progression both personally and professionally.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lydia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to curiosity, a genuine love of learning, and a commitment to remaining open-minded and authentic in my approach to both work and life. I consistently challenge myself to explore new ideas, expand my knowledge, and step into unfamiliar areas with a willingness to learn rather than relying on what I already know. This mindset has allowed me to grow professionally, adapt to changing circumstances, and build meaningful expertise over time while staying grounded in authenticity and continuous improvement.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mother, who encouraged me to pursue a degree in liberal arts because it would teach me how to think rather than what to think. I followed that advice, and it proved invaluable in shaping how I approach problem-solving, learning, and decision-making throughout my career. It gave me a strong intellectual foundation, adaptability, and the ability to navigate complex challenges with curiosity and critical thinking, all of which have served me well both personally and professionally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Perseverance has been essential in my career. I believe in staying committed to your goals, even when the path is challenging or uncertain. I encourage young women entering accounting and finance to remain focused, resilient, and confident in their abilities, regardless of the barriers they may encounter. In an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated, persistence and self-belief are critical, along with a willingness to keep learning and growing without giving up on your vision.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is supporting mission-driven organizations that clearly need stronger financial and operational capacity but often lack the time, staffing, or funding to implement the necessary improvements. Many teams are already operating under significant strain, which makes it difficult for them to step back and invest in building the systems, structures, and governance frameworks that would ultimately create greater stability and efficiency. At the same time, this presents an important opportunity to partner with foundations and funders to design and support capacity-building grants that make this work more accessible, while providing advisory support that helps organizations implement practical systems and processes and build the internal capability needed for long-term sustainability.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, personal sovereignty, and empathy are the core values that guide both my professional and personal life. Integrity is essential in how I approach my work, ensuring honesty, accountability, and consistency in decision-making. Empathy allows me to understand the experiences and challenges of others, which is especially important when working with mission-driven organizations. Personal sovereignty is equally important, as it means staying grounded in my values, making intentional choices about the work I take on, and remaining clear about what aligns with my purpose and how I want to show up in both my career and life.
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