Leadership Academy: 2021 Attendees Share Their Experiences

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2021 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Meet some of the 2021 Leadership Academy graduates, and hear the insights they gained from this year’s retreat.

CRAIG LEWIS, CPA

Senior Tax Associate, Haynie & Company

”My most valuable takeaway from Leadership Academy was learning that the best way to help my team most is by putting them into positions where they will use their strengths. Give them feedback and help them improve even more. I learned that a good leader doesn’t have to be good at everything. Good leaders delegate and give their associates opportunities for growth.”

CHELSEY GILLESPIE

Accountant, AG Equipment, Inc.

“The most valuable experience from Leadership Academy for me was the opportunity to network with other like-minded accounting professionals. Receiving my Master of Accountancy less than one year ago, I have limited experience in accounting. Participating in the Leadership Academy allowed me to meet other accountants, learn from their experiences, and connect on both a personal and professional level. As a CPA Exam candidate, I received invaluable advice on preparing for the exam and licensure.”

NATE NUGENT, CPA

Advisory Manager, Squire and Company

“Being able to self-reflect on and going through that experience with other people allowed me to more closely network and get to know them. It helped me to think more methodically and systematically when it comes to solving problems. I can be more proactive and intentional with trying to make change. It also helped me see how I may come across to my team members and making sure I know their strengths and how they work best.”

TREVOR LUND, CPA

VP of Finance, Pelion Venture Partners

“The most valuable takeaway for me was shifting myw mindset to focus and build on my strengths and not focus on my weaknesses. Same idea in building a team, don’t just accumulate talent but build a team that is well rounded.”

ANDY SPEIRS, CPA

Tax Manager, BKD

”I often feel like a ship without a rudder, tossed to and fro from one major life event and busy season to the next. At Leadership Academy, I loved learning about my personal inherent talents and how I can better mold my work and career around my natural abilities. I learned frameworks for initiating change, overcoming barriers, and executing objectives; whether these be as big as increasing the quality of life in the public accounting industry or as small as helping my kids learn to eat their broccoli. I may not yet have a rudder, but I know how to build one for the type of vessel and waters I sail.”

KACEELYN POUTTU, CPA

Tax Manager, Eide Bailly

“The most valuable takeaway was getting the opportunity to hear from other CPAs about their unique experiences, perspectives, and goals. I enjoyed seeing and watching fellow leaders interact and work together while each bringing a unique set of leadership qualities. The first full day we got to know one another and everyone’s strengths and it was interesting to watch those strengths come out throughout the rest of the training. It has been a tough year for CPAs and being vulnerable and open with this group gave me hope that our profession is headed in the right

MATT GARDNER, CPA

Tax Manager, Assure

The UACPA Leadership Conference was a terrific experience! I enjoyed our lively discussions about strengths-based leadership and insights to action. My main takeaway was the relationships that I was able to develop, and the insights that others shared with the group.

DANA PRIOR, CPA

Senior Accountant, Haynie & Company

“My most valuable takeaway from the conference was learning various tools to help lead others to successfully complete a shared goal.”

ANDREW POLLOCK, CPA

Partner, Integrated CPAs

“I’m not alone in trying to lead the profession in a way that will have the greatest benefit in the future.”