Interview Summary & Key Highlights
In Part 2 of my conversation with Cristina Hale on CPA Career Paths, Episode #111, we shifted from her early career into leadership, teamwork, global experiences, and the power of saying yes. This part of the interview dives deeper into what truly shapes long-term success in public accounting:
- Why tax is just as team-driven as audit
- How in-office collaboration accelerates learning
- What an overseas assignment taught her about career growth
- Why saying yes early can completely change your trajectory
- How leadership is built through discomfort, mistakes, and trust
Teamwork Isn’t Just for Audit
One common misconception is that tax professionals work alone. Cristina made it clear that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“I couldn’t do my job without the help of my team.”
From state and local specialists to international experts and administrative support, tax work depends on collaboration. Cristina emphasized that her role as a leader isn’t to micromanage, but to empower her team to run with the work.
“You learn so much more when you figure it out yourself.”
That philosophy builds confidence, stronger client relationships, and future leaders.
Why Being in the Office Still Matters
While flexible work has changed the profession, Cristina shared why being in the office still plays a powerful role in career development.
“You learn through osmosis.”
Overhearing conversations, being pulled into client calls, and observing how experienced professionals think creates growth that’s hard to replicate remotely. While she’s clear she’d never return to five days a week in the office, Cristina believes intentional in-person time makes a difference.
“You miss out on so much of that teaming when you’re not around it.”
Saying Yes Changed Everything
Cristina described herself as a “yes person,” especially early in her career. One of her biggest yes moments came when she accepted an overseas secondment in Abu Dhabi while at PwC.
“It was the best personal and professional experience I’ve ever had.”
The experience exposed her to sovereign wealth funds, global tax compliance, and in-house operations — all while pushing her far outside her comfort zone. More importantly, it changed her mindset.
“It was the first time I lived in the moment instead of always looking for what’s next.”
Growth Comes From Discomfort
From moving cities to rebuilding credibility in new offices, Cristina repeatedly put herself in situations where she had to prove herself again.
“Every time I moved, I had to start over.”
One of her most defining leadership moments came from a mistake with a client early in her director role.
“We messed it up — and we fixed it.”
Owning the issue strengthened trust and taught her that nearly everything in tax is fixable — and that integrity matters more than perfection.
Leadership, Imposter Syndrome, and Trust
When Cristina made partner, she openly shared that imposter syndrome followed.
“My first year as a partner was trying not to be found out.”
Over time, she learned that no one is ever fully ready — growth happens by stepping into the role and learning as you go.
“You don’t know until you get there.”
Final Thoughts
Cristina’s story is a powerful reminder that careers aren’t built in straight lines. They’re built through teamwork, courage, adaptability, and the willingness to say yes before you feel ready.
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