Madeline Johnson

I would have to say the people who are responsible for molding me the most in life would be my grandparents. They grew up during the Depression, so I had a very old-school raising, and they gave me such a strong foundation from such a very young age that I had a very solid sense of self. I've always lived by the advice that they've given me, and it's simple: all it takes is work, it doesn't cost anything to be nice, and God never met a problem that He couldn't fix. I can honestly say that those 3 things have gotten me through everything. They've always been my best friends, and even through college, I would rotate going to my grandparents' house on weekends. I've always been very close with them, and that relationship has been the foundation of everything I've accomplished.

The best advice I've received comes from my grandparents, and it's guided my entire career. You don't know anything when you're young - you think you do, but you really don't know anything until you're at least 3 years in. Public accounting gives you that foundation and helps you figure out what you love and what you hate, whether that's tax, auditing, or compliance. It's the best springboard for any career in accounting.

Start with public accounting - that's what I tell everyone who's interested in this field. You really don't know anything until you're at least 3 years in. Public accounting lets you say, well, I hate tax, or I hate auditing, or I hate compliance, and then it gives you a good springboard to figure out what you want to do or where you want to go. Beyond the technical side, remember that at the end of the day, we're all people. You always have to treat people how you want to be treated. It's that human aspect that I think sometimes can get lost in the weeds sometimes. Don't forget the human connection in this work. I love to read, and I keep a book with quotes, and one of my favorites is from Oscar Wilde, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” You will find that there will be times you will be pulled in different directions, some of which are not true to who you are, but if you have a strong sense of self and a good moral compass...you can do whatever you set your mind to.

What I'm most proud of, hands down, in life, is my family. I can confidently say past, present, future, what I'm most proud of is my family. What I enjoy most professionally, no matter whether it's been consulting or working in the public and private sector, is that you can't forget that at the end of the day, we're all people. I truly believe that you always have to treat people how you want to be treated. I also live by the values my grandparents taught me: all it takes is work, it doesn't cost anything to be nice, and God never met a problem that He couldn't fix. I'm also very passionate about helping others understand money and achieve financial freedom, because I believe you don't have to be defined by your circumstances. It goes back to all it takes is work. I think with improved financial literacy programs we can help adults and youth become financially stable. The power of investing and learning how compound interest can work for you is truly amazing and it works for everyone whether you make $40,000 annually or $100,000 annually anyone can be a millionaire when they are ready to retire.