Raechel Grady, CPA, MSA

I think a big part of my success comes from learning to treat myself with the same respect and encouragement I give to others. We hear the phrase “treat others the way you want to be treated” all the time, but I don’t think we talk enough about treating ourselves that way too. Early in my career, I was very hard on myself, and I didn’t realize how much that internal dialogue was holding me back. Once I shifted to speaking to myself like I would a best friend, with support, confidence, and a little bit of humor—it changed everything. When you become your own biggest advocate, you build a kind of resilience and confidence that really compounds over time.

The best advice I’ve received is to do the thing you don’t want to do first. I’ve learned that procrastination is really just stress in disguise, especially during busy seasons, when the more work I had, the more overwhelmed I felt, and the more I avoided starting. But once you tackle that one task you’ve been putting off, you realize it often only takes a few minutes and the sense of relief creates momentum. Once you stop procrastinating, everything that follows feels easier and more manageable.

I work in an environment that’s still largely male-dominated, and as one of the few women in management, I’ve seen how often empathy can be misunderstood as a weakness. I actually believe it’s one of our greatest strengths. Empathy doesn’t mean a lack of accountability—it means you lead with understanding while still holding high standards. To me, real influence isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about being the most trusted. And empathy is what builds that trust. If anything, it’s a superpower! One I think more people are starting to recognize.

I think one of the biggest challenges in our field right now is the pace of change, whether it’s evolving regulations, increased compliance requirements, or advancements in technology like AI. It can be difficult to keep up, especially while still maintaining the level of quality and attention to detail our work requires.

At the same time, that’s also the biggest opportunity. Firms that are willing to embrace change, invest in technology, and rethink traditional processes have a real chance to become more efficient and provide greater value to their clients. I also see a huge opportunity in developing and mentoring talent—helping the next generation build both technical skills and confidence in a field that can be demanding but incredibly rewarding.

Honesty is the most important value to me, especially when it’s difficult. I’ve learned the hard way that avoiding the truth only delays the inevitable and often makes the situation more complicated later. Being upfront creates clarity, builds trust, and ultimately leads to better outcomes.

At the same time, empathy is just as important. I believe you can be honest while still being thoughtful in how you deliver it. For me, it’s about communicating in a way that is constructive, supportive, and respectful. I never want someone to feel discouraged or diminished—my goal is always to help people grow while maintaining a positive and productive environment.