The shared purpose and values. As I went through a process of questioning my own values and purpose in life, I realized that what I came up with personally was very much in line with Armanino’s values. That gave me confidence and comfort that I had made the right decision.
I think laws are usually enacted with good intentions. What I’d like to see is more of a balance between application of the law and the benefit it yields. I’d like the law makers to put themselves in the tax professional or client’s shoes and really walk through how the law would be implemented. Sometimes taxpayers have to jump through hoops to get a benefit, which ultimately diminishes the benefit because of the complexity in getting there.
What I really enjoy are the connections and relationships I build with my clients. Most of them have been with me for 10+ years. We really get to know each other. In business management, you need to understand all elements of a person’s life in order to bring them the ultimate value. They see me as a partner in helping them make important life decisions.
I am a problem solver. Clients often come to us with complex issues and ask us to help them figure out a solution. I love a good puzzle and will stay up late at night to think of an answer.
A lot of people who have inspired me throughout my career. At this moment, I am most inspired by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I recently read a book about her and learned that it is the slow and steady progress that makes the biggest change. That applies to people professionally and to society as a whole. You have to have a goal in mind and keep knocking at it slowly and steadily. People don’t deal well with sudden changes. It is the slow, progressive changes that achieve true, long-lasting change. RBG fought her whole life for equality for women. She didn’t let setbacks get her down and just kept at it.
Have a long-term goal of where you want to be and always keep it in mind. Don’t let immediate setbacks keep you from achieving that goal. You may be unhappy with something in your firm, but don’t just leave without doing anything about it. Think about what part you can have in making change happen.
