In episode #68 & 69 of the CPA Career Paths podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Alan Whitman, the retired CEO of Baker Tilly who now coaches C-suite leaders across industries. From starting as a tax professional to tripling Baker Tilly’s size and leading its global expansion, Alan has done it all—and shared game-changing advice for building a fulfilling accounting career.
Highlights:
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Alan’s early decision to pursue accounting—before even understanding why
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His lessons on building genuine personal connections with clients
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Why being curious and intentional are the two traits every CPA should develop
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The meaning behind “Break the Mold” and how it became a rallying cry at Baker Tilly
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Advice for navigating remote work, leading teams, and changing mindsets
“I Always Knew I’d Be a CPA… But I Never Knew Why”
Alan knew he wanted to be a CPA in ninth grade. “I don’t know why I chose accounting,” he told me, laughing. “It just came naturally. I was good at math and heard about Arthur Andersen through my dad’s company. That was it—I never looked back.”
He went on to study at Indiana University, landed a job in public accounting, and dove into tax, even though it wasn’t the typical path at the time. “I spent six months in audit before tax season kicked in. But once I commit, I go all in.”
What Public Accounting Really Teaches You
Alan spent most of his career in public accounting and described it as the ultimate training ground—not just for technical skills, but for building real relationships.
“The personal connections I made with clients lasted a lifetime. I wasn’t just their CPA—I was their trusted coach before I even realized it.”
He shared a touching story about a former client whose adult son reached out years later for career advice. Alan helped guide him—and even introduced him to his dream job. “That’s the power of this profession. It’s more than taxes. It’s about impact.”
Building Personal Connections (Yes, Even Virtually)
I asked Alan how he found the time to connect personally with clients while managing busy schedules.
“You have to slow down to speed up,” he said. “Relationships don’t happen by accident—you have to be intentional.”
He encouraged professionals—even in today’s virtual world—to take time to ask questions, learn about people, and reach out proactively. Whether you’re remote or in-office, meaningful connections require effort.
Actionable Advice:
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Don’t just focus on the task—get to know the person behind it
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Schedule 10-minute virtual coffee chats with new colleagues
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Follow up with clients beyond transactional emails—ask how they’re doing personally
Early Career Mistakes That Led to Big Wins
Alan was open about his early struggles. “I wasn’t focused. I wanted everything done fast, and I made mistakes,” he admitted. “But I learned to slow down and become more methodical.”
That shift changed everything. He started delivering better results, gaining confidence, and moving up in his career.
One quote that stood out:
“I was always chasing the destination. But eventually, I realized the journey is where the learning happens.”
This mindset shift became the foundation of his leadership style. 
Break the Mold: Creating a Culture of Bold Thinking
As CEO, Alan led Baker Tilly through major changes—expanding into 15 new domestic markets and 6 international markets, and successfully executing 20+ M&A deals. One of his proudest moments? Launching the firm’s “Break the Mold” mantra.
“We needed to think beyond the small daily changes. People need to feel like they’re part of a movement, something bigger than themselves.”
The firm set a bold revenue goal of $1.5 billion by 2025—then hit it two years early.
“Most people said it was impossible,” Alan shared. “But I didn’t need to prove every detail before starting. We just needed to start—and trust each other.”
Leading Through Change (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)
Alan explained that one of the hardest parts of leadership is changing mindsets, especially in an industry that values precision and tradition.
So how did he do it?
His approach:
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Create small wins to show what’s possible
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Lead by example, like reassigning roles with financial guarantees to reduce fear
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Build trust first, so people follow the vision—even when they don’t fully see it yet
“Human nature is undefeated,” he said. “But when people trust you, they’ll come along for the ride—even if they think you’re crazy.”
CEO Wisdom: Strategy vs. Planning
Alan shared a concept that immediately clicked for me:
“Strategy is the ‘what.’ Plans are the ‘how.’ Don’t confuse them.”
He encouraged listeners to revisit their strategy every few years—but refine their plans regularly. Don’t get lost in the weeds; stay anchored in your “why.”
Top Traits of Successful People (That You Can Build Too)
From coaching CEOs to observing entrepreneurs across industries, Alan sees common traits among top performers:
Common threads:
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Relentless curiosity
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A clear, compelling vision
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The ability to connect with others authentically
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Willingness to reinvent themselves when needed
“Some of the best lessons come from other industries,” he told me. “I learn from friends who build gears, roads, and even run boring companies—literally.”
Real Talk: Public Accounting Isn’t Boring
As we wrapped up, Alan addressed a misconception many early-career professionals hold:
“Public accounting isn’t boring. The way we do some tasks might be. But the relationships, the strategy, the growth—that’s incredibly satisfying.”
Final Advice for Future CPAs
Alan closed the episode with two powerful tips:
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Be curious. Learn from everything and everyone. Read. Listen. Ask questions.
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Be intentional. Don’t wait—create your own opportunities. Even virtually, you can connect.
And he loved my example of setting up 10-minute intro meetings with new colleagues. “Good for you,” he said. “That’s exactly what intentionality looks like.”
Ready to Break the Mold?
Alan Whitman’s journey—from a tax associate to CEO and now mentor to leaders—shows that this profession offers more than just spreadsheets and deadlines. It’s about vision, growth, and relationships that last a lifetime.
If you’re looking to take bold steps in your CPA career, don’t wait.
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Let’s break the mold—together.