CPA Leadership Essentials

Helping you master the art of modern leadership

Level up your leadership game, and join us for CPA Leadership Essentials on November 19 in Richmond — a dynamic, members-only program crafted for emerging leaders and new managers. Discover the essential skills CPAs need to lead with purpose, tackle uncertainty, and spark real change in today's fast-paced environment.

You’ll receive hands-on wisdom from top accounting professionals, connect with fellow trailblazers, and dive into interactive sessions that make learning exciting and effective. With just 50 spots available, it's a chance to grow in an intimate, collaborative setting.

By attending CPA Leadership Essentials, you can expect:

Insider Secrets: Get exclusive access to the strategies and success stories of Virginia’s top accounting leaders. Learn their leadership secrets and discover how to apply these insights to advance your career.
Elite Networking: Mingle with other emerging leaders and new managers in the accounting field. Build meaningful connections that could lead to lasting professional friendships.
Dynamic Learning: Participate in interactive sessions that will equip you with practical tools to tackle today’s leadership challenges with confidence and style.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 9:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Location: VSCPA Learning & Innovation Center in Richmond
Free event: Up to 6 CPE credits

WHO SHOULD ATTEND*:

Have been in the accounting profession for less than 10 years.
New managers and those eager to become a manager.
High potential staff or future leader.
CPAs and non-CPAs are welcome to apply.
Available to VSCPA members-only.

* We reserve the right to cancel any registrations that don't meet the above criteria.

Agenda Overview

Sessions are guided by top accounting professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. These experts, recognized for their leadership in the field, share invaluable insights and practical strategies that you can apply immediately. Elevate your leadership skills through their seasoned guidance.

Welcome & Opening Remarks | 9:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Speed networking: VSCPA Style | 9:45 – 10:10 a.m.
Speaker: Laura Cobb, CAE

Get ready for a high-energy, fast-paced networking experience to kick off CPA Leadership Essentials! This session will have you moving, connecting with new faces, and sparking valuable conversations. You'll meet a variety of fellow leaders, exchange ideas, and build relationships. It’s the perfect way to break the ice and set the tone for an engaging and dynamic conference ahead!
Business Communications for Emerging Leaders | 10:10 – 11:25 a.m.
Speaker: Clare Levison, CPA

This session covers communication skills, executive communication, and networking as they relate to relationships inside and outside of the firm or organization. We'll examine the importance of effective communication skills, discuss ways to reduce miscommunications and misunderstandings, and have interactive opportunities to help kickstart these skill sets. We'll look at the ways exceptional communication drives both personal achievement goals and organizational goals and should be a key priority within every workplace culture.
Leadership Panel: Insights from the Top | 11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Panel: Jamil White, CPA, Kelli Meadows, CPA, Staci Henshaw, CPA, Wendy Lewis, CPA

In this 50-minute moderated session, these accomplished professionals will share their unique leadership journeys, the essential skills they have honed along the way, and the invaluable lessons they wish they had known earlier in their careers. Our panelists include a Big 4 public accounting partner, a state government audit leader, a corporate finance executive, and a partner from a local CPA firm. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the panelists, gaining first-hand insights and advice to guide their own leadership development.
Leading Through Change | 1:15 – 2:45 p.m.
Speakers: Alice Grey Harrison, Victoria Grady

A strategic approach to change plays a critical role in shaping your firm's future. This session will explore how to transform change resistance into a successful strategy, lead effectively through transitions, and align organizational culture to support successful change. Additionally, it will address the challenges of change fatigue and burnout, offering strategic approaches to mitigate these risks and sustain momentum.
Leading with Empathy | 2:45 – 4 p.m.
Speaker: Elizabeth Byland

During this interactive session, Elizabeth will lead the group through exercises that PRACTICE:
- Creating and holding space for other voices on the team through active listening.
- Communicating with emotional intelligence rather than reacting out of fear and panic.
- Co-creating and exploring new ideas that unlock the imagination and embrace the "no mistakes" mentality.
- Collaborating and celebrating others, rather than just tolerating.
Closing Remarks | 4 – 4:15 p.m.