Learning to Hold the Wheel Steady
Change is inevitable. Whether in business or personal life, it comes at us in waves - sometimes gentle ripples, other times full-blown hurricanes. As an entrepreneur, a CPA running an accounting practice, and a mom of two, I’ve faced more than my fair share of transitions. Team members come and go, clients evolve, industries shift, the economic landscape changes, and life at home is a constant dance of adaptation. Through it all, I’ve learned one essential lesson: the key to navigating change isn’t avoiding the storm - it’s holding the wheel steady so you don’t get swept up and away.
The Constant Evolution of Business
Running an accounting firm has meant embracing change as part of the job. New clients bring fresh challenges, longtime clients sometimes move on, and regulations shift before we’ve even had time to digest the last update. Add to that the changes within my own team - welcoming new members, saying goodbye to others, and watching roles evolve over time. In the early days, every change felt monumental, like a test of my ability to lead and adapt. Now, I see it differently: change isn’t a disruption; it’s a sign that we’re growing as a company and that I’m growing as a leader.
What I’ve learned is that steadiness, including sticking to core values, maintaining a clear vision, and staying focused on why I started this journey, keeps everything from feeling like chaos. When we have strong guiding principles, change doesn’t have to shake our foundation. These changes can become an opportunity for refinement and progress.
Motherhood: The Ultimate Lesson in Adaptability
If there’s one area of life that guarantees constant change, it’s motherhood. Raising two independent daughters means that just as I figure out one stage, we’re already onto the next. Homework routines, social dynamics, and growing independence are never-ending lessons in navigating change.
I’ve realized that the best way to handle change in motherhood is to meet it with openness and flexibility. The days I try to force everything into a rigid plan are the days that end in frustration. When I approach change with patience and curiosity, accepting that some things will go off track, that new rhythms will emerge ... I feel more grounded and clear.
Managing a Shifting Client Base
Client relationships evolve, and that’s a natural part of running a practice. Some businesses grow and require different services, while others may close their doors, move in a different direction, or need a different level of service outside of our expertise or capacity. It’s easy to take these changes personally, but I’ve learned to see them as part of the bigger picture.
By focusing on the clients we are best positioned to serve, change actually strengthens the business. Instead of clinging to every client, I’ve learned to embrace the natural ebb and flow, trusting that new opportunities will always arise when we stay committed to our mission.
The Art of Holding the Wheel Steady
In every aspect of life - business, parenting, and leadership - the key to weathering change is learning to stay steady. That doesn’t mean resisting change or pretending it’s not happening. It means keeping a firm grip on what matters most, refusing to let external chaos dictate your course, and trusting that you are capable of navigating the storm.
Change will keep coming, but I no longer fear it. I’ve learned to welcome it, adjust my grip when necessary, and hold steady on the path that aligns with my values and purpose. And in doing so, I’ve found a kind of strength I never knew I had.