Vanessa Lane

I attribute my success to hard work, persistence, and the ability to keep moving forward, even during difficult seasons. Coming from Eastern Kentucky, it taught me grit early in life, and I've carried that mindset into every opportunity I've ever pursued. Growing up in Eastern Kentucky gave me resilience, resourcefulness, and that determination that's just as valuable as any degree or title.

The best advice I've ever received came from my mom: Never depend on anyone else, always depend on yourself, and never settle for less than what you think you deserve. That has stayed with me my whole life. Another piece of advice that has stayed with me came from one of my previous managers: Learn every part of the process, not just your job title. The people who understand how everything connects become the ones trusted to lead. That's the only way that I am able to fulfill a position, is to know all parts, the full circle, how everything works, and how it all comes together. That helps me be able to analyze the process and help improve where needed. You don't know it all, and you shouldn't pretend or assume to know it. You need to first-hand know it.

Don't stay in rooms that no longer challenge you to grow. And become the person people rely on when things get difficult. Titles will come later. Values come first. Those are the two most important pieces of advice I can give.

As far as paralegals go, there is a lack of opportunity in the field of paralegals and lack of pay. For accounting as a whole, one of the biggest challenges is balancing rapid growth and evolving technology with operational efficiency and human connection. Many organizations are navigating increasing workloads, tighter deadlines, and changing client expectations while still trying to maintain strong internal culture, internal processes, and high-quality service. At the same time, though, I believe this creates a major opportunity for professionals in the accounting industry who are adaptable and solution-oriented and willing to improve outdated processes through innovation and collaboration.

The biggest value to me in a job is the environment. You want to be in an environment that is welcoming but also gives you constructive criticism, but also takes accountability for other things. You're not always the person at fault. There are systems and processes in place. In terms of specific values, I would say integrity, leadership through action, loyalty, growth, accountability, and compassion balanced with strength. Those are my values.