On episode #97 of the CPA Career Paths podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CPA, tech executive, speaker, professor, and purpose-driven leader. From growing up in inner-city Baltimore to serving as Chair of the AICPA and thriving at Oracle for over 16 years, Kimberly shared practical insights that will inspire anyone navigating their professional journey.
Highlights & Takeaways
Kimberly’s story is full of wisdom, but here are a few standout lessons:
- Results matter more than activity – show value with tangible outcomes.
- Relationships fuel growth – trust and visibility open doors.
- Adaptability is key – embrace the speed of change and never stop learning.
- Volunteer to lead – nonprofit work builds real-world leadership skills.
- Be persistent – define your goal and never let go.
Leading Through Results
Kimberly climbed the ladder at Oracle by focusing on outcomes. “There is a difference between activity and results,” she said. “You want to add value. There’s no trying—make it happen.” She stressed that performance-driven cultures reward those who consistently deliver and communicate their wins. Her tip? Develop a sharp elevator pitch and make sure leadership knows what you’re achieving.
Building Relationships That Matter
One of Kimberly’s superpowers is relationship-building. “People have to work with you because you’ve sold them on why it’s in their best interest,” she explained about navigating matrixed environments. For those unsure how to build connections, Kimberly offered this: send that LinkedIn request immediately, offer flexible meeting times, and engage consistently online. “People will notice you if you’re constantly in there giving support.”
She also reminded us of this gem: “Mentors talk to you, coaches talk with you, sponsors talk about you.”
Adapting to Change (Without the Overwhelm)
When asked how to keep up with fast-changing technology, Kimberly was direct: “Technology is non-negotiable.” Her advice? Pick a focus area, commit 20–30 minutes a day to learning, and don’t try to master everything at once. Whether it’s through CPEs, LinkedIn Learning, or going back to school for a certificate, the goal is to build enough acumen “to be dangerous.”
Finding Time Through Passion
Kimberly juggles a full-time career, volunteer leadership, teaching, and keynote speaking. How? “It’s will,” she said. “I want my sons to say they’re proud of their mom.” Her secret is aligning time with purpose: “When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.”
Her Final 3 Lessons:
- Persistence – “I decided to be a CPA in third grade—and stuck with it.”
- Relationships – Build them consistently; they pay dividends when you’re not in the room.
- Volunteerism – Skills like public speaking, conflict resolution, and leadership grow from giving back.
I left this conversation energized and motivated. Kimberly embodies purpose-driven leadership—and her journey is a blueprint for anyone looking to lead with impact.
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