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Soaking Up Summer Sun and Accounting Fun

I hope you are having a great summer so far. I wanted to share some thoughts that have been on my mind recently, inspired by a combination of personal experiences and a profound book I read, “The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy.

Recently, I had a conversation with a colleague who decided to leave the accounting profession. This was surprising to me, as they had demonstrated immense passion for accounting and were actively involved in various organizations. Their dedication to completing their education, obtaining their license, and advancing in their career has always been admirable. While I am confident that their skills and experience will serve them well in their new endeavors, this situation reminded me of the diverse opportunities within our profession. It also reminded me of a CPA that I know who once left the profession to become a chef. Although they eventually returned to accounting and practiced as a CPA until retirement, this experience highlights that it’s okay to embrace change. 

Hearing this news made me reflect on the concept of reaching out to” one person.”  Who can I check on, spend time with, support, encourage, or invite to an event? “The Compound Effect” emphasizes the idea that small, consistent actions can lead to significant results over time. Hardy illustrates how minor adjustments in our daily routines and behaviors can accumulate, leading to remarkable achievements. This concept resonated with me as I reflected on how we can apply this principle within our professional community.

Imagine if each of us consistently reached out to one person—whether to check on them, offer support, encourage them, or invite them to an event. These seemingly small actions, when compounded, can create a powerful ripple effect. For instance, if every member of our chapter committed to inviting one person to each event and encouraged that person to do the same, the impact would be exponential.

The metaphor of “The Extra Degree” by Sam Parker also comes to mind. At 211 degrees, water is hot; at 212 degrees, it boils, producing steam that can power a locomotive. This illustrates how just a little extra effort can lead to extraordinary outcomes. By applying this mindset, we can enhance our outreach efforts and make a significant difference.

The CalCPA Members Club Summit will be held July 31-August 2, 2024, in Huntington Beach.   This meeting is a great time to meet other members of CalCPA, learn more about the future of CalCPA and enjoy some California Sunshine. I invite you to join me! The meeting is open to all members. If you have questions or want to learn more about this meeting, reach out to me.

In conclusion, I encourage you to think about your “one person.” Who can you reach out to today? How can you make a small yet impactful difference in someone’s professional journey? By embracing the principles of “The Compound Effect” and the idea of going to the extra degree, we can collectively create a thriving, dynamic professional community.

I look forward to seeing the positive changes we can achieve together.

Embracing Change and Impact: The Power of Small Actions

The Inland Empire chapter is renowned throughout the state, earning the moniker “small but mighty” due to our unwavering dedication to the accounting profession, which permeates every facet of our work. This commitment was vividly illustrated through the events held in May.

Program Manager

Director of Chapter Engagement & Operations

Marjorie McPike

As the summer sun shines brightly, I hope you are taking the time to enjoy the warmth and rejuvenation that this season brings. Just as the sun invigorates the earth, let this summer be a time to refresh your spirit and reignite your passion for the world of accounting.

At our last board meeting, we shared summer highlights, and it was exciting to hear about some of the adventures and experiences of the summer season. Auditing in Mammoth Lakes, vacationing on the Big Island in Hawaii, camping 60 miles from the city with no internet and, sketchy phone service and plans of wonderful fall vacations. And I can’t forget the magical shared birthday celebration with Mickey at Disneyland (yes, they share the same birthday). I always say, “We work hard, but we play hard also.”

Summer is a season of growth and new beginnings. It’s a perfect time to set new goals, embark on exciting projects, and further develop your skills. Whether you’re diving into a challenging new course, interning at a dynamic firm, or simply taking a moment to reflect on your professional journey, remember that each step you take brings you closer to your dreams.

Summer is also a great time to catch up on CPE. There have been some exciting conferences that provide learning in the sun: the Estate Planning Conference in La Jolla and the Member’s Summit in Huntington Beach! There’s just something about being near the water while learning that enhances the experience.

In my previous message, I spoke about your one person. I am happy to report that we had a visitor at our recent board meeting. I will be hosting a guest at the Member’s Summit, and another person that I spoke with is excited to get more involved in CalCPA. This all happened because I simply asked. So, let’s continue to reach out and share the excitement of CalCPA. Let’s use this vibrant season to inspire one another, share our knowledge, and build a supportive community that thrives on collaboration and innovation.

If you know anyone who should be a member, encourage them to join or renew their membership. I recently sent out an email to members who had not renewed their membership and was surprised to find over 200 students who had not renewed. I would love to contact them and see how we can get them connected and where they are in their careers. That could be a big addition to our pipeline challenges.

As we begin to shift gears, prepare for deadlines, and continue to balance relaxation with productivity, let’s also make time to connect with fellow members, explore new ideas, and celebrate our collective achievements.

Here’s to a summer filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences. Keep shining, stay inspired, and let’s make this season one of our best yet!