Favor is the Director of Tax Growth at Lido Advisors, an auditor-turned-business-developer who’s redefining what a CPA career can look like. Her energy, honesty, and enthusiasm for client engagement made this conversation one of the most vibrant ones I’ve hosted.
In this episode #88, Favor shared how her CPA license opened doors, how curiosity drives her success, and why introverts and extroverts both thrive in business development. Below are the highlights and takeaways from our insightful discussion.
Highlights and Takeaways from Favor’s Journey
- You don’t have to be an extrovert to succeed
“Introverts can close business just as well… sometimes even better.” - Being a CPA builds instant trust
“There were several times when a CFO said, ‘I need to talk to a CPA.’ And I said, ‘You’re talking to me. Bring it on.'” - Curiosity is key to connection
“When you’re curious about somebody, they open up.” - Audit skills transfer beautifully
Critical thinking, planning, teamwork—”everything I learned in audit, I use now.” - Billable hours vs. business development
“As a manager, I wanted to attend events, but I didn’t have time. Now my job is to connect.”
How Favor Transitioned from Auditor to Growth Strategist
Favor didn’t just change roles; she changed her mindset. Her transition from assurance manager to business developer felt natural because she leaned into her strengths: relationship building and strategic curiosity.
She emphasized how her CPA license became a unique advantage:
- Clients immediately respected her expertise
- Sales meetings turned into meaningful advisory conversations
- She built deeper trust and shortened the sales cycle
“That CPA credential became a wedge—it opened doors for me.”
Extrovert vs. Introvert: Both Can Win
Favor and I laughed about how we’re both extroverts in a field known for introverts. But she highlighted an important point: success in accounting isn’t about personality type.
- Extroverts may naturally love the networking
- Introverts often bring deeper insights and stronger listening skills
- Both can close deals and build meaningful relationships
The Realities of Business Development
It’s not all fancy dinners and fun events. Favor pulled back the curtain:
- There’s pressure to meet quotas, just like billable hours in audit
- Sales doesn’t always mean immediate results
- You need patience, grit, and consistent communication with your team and family
Final Thought: Create Your Own Career Path
Favor’s story is proof that accounting isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you stay in audit, shift to tax, or dive into business development, the CPA opens the door—you get to choose what’s behind it.
“Everyone plays a different role. Not everyone can be a business developer. Not everyone can be a tax expert. But everyone has a place.”
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