I had the absolute pleasure of hosting Jeannine K. Brown on Episode 85 of the CPA Career Paths podcast. Jeannine is the powerhouse behind Everyday Lead, host of the Untoxic Boss podcast, and author of the bestselling book Unstuck and Unstoppable. She’s also been named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Accounting two years in a row by the AICPA and CPA Practice Advisor. In this episode, we unpacked her journey from a state tax analyst to global leadership coach, and her refreshing philosophy on achieving success without sacrificing your well-being.
Interview Highlights & Key Takeaways
- Success doesn’t require burnout. Jeannine debunks the myth that working excessive hours equals higher value. “People can get promoted without saying, ‘I billed the most hours this year.’ That shouldn’t be your badge of honor.”
- Live-work balance is the goal. She encourages a life-first mindset: “The accountant of today wants to live and work, not work to live.”
- Opportunities find the prepared. Jeannine’s big career break came unexpectedly: “They noticed me because I always looked professional and brought my best self.”
- Your relationships are your rocket fuel. Her time at Deloitte taught her that building relationships across departments is key to growth: “The first partner who showed me the partnership application wasn’t in my group.”
- Always know what’s being said about you. After a tough performance review, she emphasized the importance of regular check-ins: “No news does not mean good news.”
Actionable Career Advice
- Challenge the hustle culture.
- Prioritize productivity over performance theater.
- Take breaks to maintain energy and creativity.
- Build real relationships outside your circle.
- Talk to professionals in different departments.
- Seek mentors beyond your direct supervisors.
- Prepare for opportunity before it knocks.
- Show up, look sharp, and communicate clearly.
- Your reputation often precedes you.
- Protect your performance narrative.
- Ask your managers regularly: “How am I doing?”
- Clarify what success looks like from their perspective.
- Know your value and ask for more.
- Don’t settle for under-compensation. Jeannine left a government role after realizing she was earning far below market rate: “My friend told me what he made, and I was like… what?!”
Final Thoughts
Jeannine’s journey is proof that you can build a thriving career in accounting and live a fulfilling life outside of it. Her story is a wake-up call for anyone stuck in autopilot, hustling without strategy. It’s not just about climbing the ladder—it’s about making sure that ladder is leaning against the right wall.
Ready to level up your CPA journey without burning out? Join my monthly newsletter for actionable tips, inspiring stories, and insider advice to help you lead a balanced, successful CPA career. Let’s master this journey together—on your terms.