Emerging Professionals

What is the one thing in your career or just in your life in general that has had the biggest impact on you at this point in your career? 

For me it was when I first started my career, I said yes to everything, I was so afraid to say I could not do something or did not have the time to do something. This led to taking on more stress, working more hours, not taking vacation, and probably not always doing the best work. I learned how important it is to say no at times or admit when you need help with something. It does not mean you are not good enough we all need a break and all need help at some point in our career and that those breaks make us better CPAs overall. 

------------------------------
Steven Eilders
Ridgeland MS
+001 601-326-7125
------------------------------

Hi Steve, this is a great question! And well done on permitting yourself to say no sometimes. I would say for me, the biggest lesson has been finishing what I start. I think it is the only hack that everyone needs in life. It is easy to set goals-and honestly, everyone can do that-but the people who actually make it set intentions behind those goals and have great follow-through.

------------------------------
Audrey T Murenzvi
Luipardal Hotel Amenities
Harare
+2630774885446
------------------------------

I resonate with that Steven, and I've had a very similar experience.  It's so easy to fall into the trap of saying yes to everything. Over time, though, I've learned that setting boundaries around my availability has probably had the biggest impact on both my career and my overall well-being.

At first, it felt uncomfortable to not be constantly available or to push back on timelines, but I realized that without those boundaries, I wasn't doing my best work.  Instead, I was doing more work. Being more intentional with my time has allowed me to show up more focused, more thoughtful, and ultimately provide better value to my clients and team.

I've also learned that setting those boundaries actually builds more trust, not less. It shows that you understand your capacity, respect your time, and are committed to delivering quality work rather than just saying yes for the sake of it.

Like you said, needing help or taking a break isn't a weakness.  It's part of sustaining a long, successful career.

------------------------------
Dez Magelssen
Partner/Owner
Alpine Ridge Accounting
Bozeman MT
+0014063501820
------------------------------

I really appreciate this discussion. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that being a good CPA is not just about knowing the rules - it is about helping people understand what those rules mean for their actual life or business.

Early in my career, I think I placed a lot of emphasis on having the right technical answer. And of course, that matters. But over time, I've realized that most clients are not looking for a tax code citation or a perfectly worded explanation of the rules. They are looking for clarity.

They want to know: What does this mean for me? What decision do I need to make? What should I be worried about? What opportunities am I missing?

That has shifted the way I think about our role. In many ways, the best CPAs are translators. We take complicated rules, deadlines, numbers, and planning opportunities and turn them into something clients can actually understand and act on.

Technical knowledge will always be important, but the real value comes from applying that knowledge with wisdom, clarity, and care. That is what helps clients move forward with confidence.

------------------------------
Dalton Sweaney
Partner/Owner
Gray, Salt & Associates, LLP
Claremont CA
909-626-6462
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-22-2026 12:23
From: Dez Magelssen
Subject: What is the most valuable lesson you've learned?

I resonate with that Steven, and I've had a very similar experience.  It's so easy to fall into the trap of saying yes to everything. Over time, though, I've learned that setting boundaries around my availability has probably had the biggest impact on both my career and my overall well-being.

At first, it felt uncomfortable to not be constantly available or to push back on timelines, but I realized that without those boundaries, I wasn't doing my best work.  Instead, I was doing more work. Being more intentional with my time has allowed me to show up more focused, more thoughtful, and ultimately provide better value to my clients and team.

I've also learned that setting those boundaries actually builds more trust, not less. It shows that you understand your capacity, respect your time, and are committed to delivering quality work rather than just saying yes for the sake of it.

Like you said, needing help or taking a break isn't a weakness.  It's part of sustaining a long, successful career.

------------------------------
Dez Magelssen
Partner/Owner
Alpine Ridge Accounting
Bozeman MT
+0014063501820
------------------------------

Ooo couldn’t agree more, boundaries are so very important and learning how to strategically set them is a very important lesson to learn. I’m going to piggyback on that because my ‘one thing’ is - if it is important to you, then it’s important. Period.



Make time for what is important and don’t let it take the back seat on a regular basis. We all have different priorities and things that are meaningful; just because somebody else doesn’t feel the same you do or see the value you do, shouldn’t make you feel any different.

---------------------------------
Nicole DeRosa
---------------------------------