From the Frontlines: Kimberly Ellison-Taylor

Welcome to the AICPA’s series focused on bringing the perspectives of diverse CPAs to life.

Attitude. Aptitude. Appearance.

If I had to boil down the topics I focus on when I give advice to women in the workplace, the triple-A approach would be it.

Attitude, because people want to be around engaging, charismatic and nice people. Think about talent shows like “American Idol” or “The Voice.” Raw talent will get you far, but star power draws people in. The corporate world is the same. It is not enough to only be smart. Plenty of people who are smart have trouble growing their carreers and getting promoted. The difference maker? Confidence. Self-esteem. The ability to speak up and also work as part of a team.

Aptitude, because we are all works in progress and must continually improve and build our respective skill sets. You can’t rest on what you did yesterday. Opportunities for leadership and increased responsibilities will arise, and it’s important to be prepared. That’s how I’ve earned credibility throughout my career to succeed in challenging roles. Yes, we all have met colleagues who can do minimal preparation for a presentation, and it’s an approach that works for them. However, I know that is not me. I would much rather minimize potential issues that could occur—review the material, get feedback if possible, practice, anticipate questions and show up early. Why take any risk? We have the ability to shape our personal brand and earn the confidence of others. When mastery of our craft is clear and demonstrated, we earn respect.

Appearance, because yes, there will always be some people who will make judgments. She’s young. She’s blonde. She’s black. She’s…fill in the blank. If you subject yourself to such comparisons, your self-esteem will be shattered, and you will subscribe to the changing opinions of others. By all means, do your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats assessment and be honest. Identify others who will tell you not just what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. However, ultimately, own your truth—your own story and give yourself permission to have a different path based on your own reality.

The triple-A approach has been very helpful in my career, though it has not fully insulated me from uncomfortable situations in my carrer. I simply prefer to be positive and—as I tease with my female colleagues—I don’t carry a broom in my purse.

In my former role as a CIO, there were quite a few times when people made assumptions about me. Here I am in the conference room: younger, female and black. Several vendor representatives would seek our business, and would routinely make no eye contact with me. They assumed I worked for my male team members. When it was time for the decision or next steps, my team would say, “Kimberly, what do you think?” I would then say “Hi, I’m Kimberly. I’m the CIO.”

In these situations, I could have been offended, defensive or angry, but I just chose not to be. Negative emotions would change me – and not in a positive way. Their thinking says more about them than it does about me.

If I walk in a conference or ballroom, and I’m the only woman or the only woman of color, I look for commonalities and connections of similarities. This approach has helped me develop great relationships wherever I have traveled.

That’s not to say that we as women should completely ignore the issues that have occurred and continue to occur. We have to be vigilant about addressing the ongoing challenges faced by working women. More often than not, that means balancing work and family. I’ve found it invaluable to get ahead of potential conflicts by having a proactive, straightforward conversation with management, i.e., “I can work late on Monday and Wednesday, but I have to be at my son’s champion soccer game on Tuesday.”

Today, companies and leaders are more understanding than they were 20 years ago, 10 years ago and, yes, even five years ago. Moreover, they are right there on the frontlines with how to help with the integration of work and life, alternative work schedules and even part-time staffing. Many companies and firms have initiatives to attract and keep talented people, both women and men, so that we as a profession are better for it. Some of these initiatives include the various resources and efforts offered by the AICPA’s Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee.

We are moving in the right direction. The progress is promising, and I am excited by the opportunities that will only get better and better. We should identify the employers who recognize the value of our attitude, aptitude and appearance, as well as the men who are supportive and understand our perspectives. To be pro women’s issues is not anti-men. The profession is the strongest when it draws from the best and brightest and there is more than enough room for all of the talents we collectively offer. In the meantime, we can continue to demonstrate our skills and capabilities like trailblazing CPA leaders Christine Ross, Mary T. Washington and Olivia Kirtley. We’ve come a long way, and we’re not done.

Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CPA, CGMA, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, American Institute of CPAs

From the Frontlines: Kimberly Ellison-Taylor

Related Stories