In this episode #86 of CPA Career Paths, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jeannine K. Brown—CEO of Everyday Lead, author of the best-selling book Unstuck and Unstoppable, and host of The Untoxic Boss podcast. Jeannine has been named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Accounting by the AICPA for two years in a row. Her insights on leadership, growth, and navigating workplace challenges hit home for me—especially as I recently transitioned into a first-year manager role.
🎯 Highlights and Key Takeaways
- The first year as a manager is one of the most challenging in public accounting
- Giving (and receiving) clear, actionable feedback is a leadership necessity
- Time management and people skills are as critical as technical expertise
- Your CPA journey doesn’t have to look traditional to be successful
- Celebration and mental health should be part of your leadership toolkit
Becoming a Manager: Expectations vs. Reality
When I became a manager, I was thrilled—but also overwhelmed. I asked myself, “What exactly am I supposed to focus on now?” Jeannine nailed the feeling:
“You’ve helped everyone else be successful, and now you’re drowning at the end of the day.”
Her advice? Set clear goals for your first year. Focus on client relationships and understanding the people you lead—not just the tasks they perform, but who they are and what motivates them.
Leadership Is a Skill—Not an Instinct
Many of us in accounting get promoted for our technical skills, but we’re rarely trained on how to lead. Jeannine pointed out:
“We don’t teach people how to people.”
She believes leadership is a skillset that can be learned—like giving feedback, managing conflict, or influencing others. At her company, they train leaders on exactly that. And she’s on a mission to make feedback in the profession more human and less passive-aggressive.
Mental Health and Momentum
We also talked about the emotional toll of the profession. Jeannine was clear:
“If you have past workplace trauma or life trauma… go to therapy.”
She emphasized how important it is to protect our mental health and give ourselves grace, especially in high-pressure roles. And don’t forget to celebrate milestones:
“You need those endorphins to release in your body. Celebrate yourself.”
From CPA to Coaching: Redefining Career Success
Jeannine’s journey from tax consulting to leadership coaching is a powerful reminder that your CPA background can open many doors—even outside traditional paths. Though she no longer holds an active CPA license, she’s still deeply connected to the profession, writing for the Journal of Accountancy, speaking at AICPA events, and leading culture-focused training for firms.
“I get to do what I really love. I was always doing this work—I just gave myself permission to fully step into it.”
📚 Check Out Her Work
Jeannine’s book, Unstuck and Unstoppable, is a must-read for anyone navigating career growth. It reads like a career coaching session—practical, motivational, and real. Her podcast, The Untoxic Boss, dives deeper into workplace culture and leadership.
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