The Curious Break

Walking Away to Look Forward

I chased the partner title for years—until the moment I realized it was no longer what I truly wanted. Becoming a partner was the goal—the logical next step, the expectation within the firm. I’d followed that path somewhat blindly because that’s just what you did. After all those years, I’d earned it. In a way, it was my badge of honor, a reward for the relentless hustle and the choices to prioritize work over life.

But when I paused long enough to take my ego out of the equation—when I stopped seeing the title as something that defined me—I realized it wasn’t what I truly wanted. It hit me that I’d invested so much stock in the idea of becoming partner because that was what success looked like in the world I knew. But when I asked myself what I wanted for my life, the answer was no longer aligned with that role. And that’s when I knew it was time to walk away.

Lessons from 16 Years in the Big 4

My years in public accounting weren’t just about numbers. They were about people, problem-solving, and building relationships. I managed global teams, led complex projects, and collaborated across time zones and cultures. I learned how to stay calm under pressure, manage ambiguity, and inspire teams to push past challenges.

I remember leading a high-stakes project where the stakes felt overwhelming. It was in that moment I realized that motivating my team wasn’t about pushing harder—it was about instilling belief. These experiences taught me skills that extend far beyond accounting. Now, I’m figuring out how to bring these strengths to a different field.

Expanding My Definition of Success

For most of my career, success was measured by promotions, titles, and paychecks. It was about moving fast, taking on more, and checking off the next goal. But that definition no longer serves me. I’m starting to see success differently: not as a finish line, but as a way of being.

Right now, success looks like alignment—finding work that aligns with my values and leaves space for the relationships and experiences that matter most to me. It’s about how I want to feel in my life and career: present, fulfilled, and connected.

Feedback from the Journey

As I reflect on feedback from colleagues and mentors over the years, certain themes stand out. These are the traits I want to carry forward into whatever comes next:

1. Bold Leadership

• Colleagues have described me as a proactive and accountable leader: “You have demonstrated your ability to be an effective leader on your teams and within the office. You hold people accountable for their actions and lead by example.”
• I’ve often stepped up in challenging situations, owning problems even when they weren’t initially mine: “I have never seen you shy away from responsibility. If there is a problem (accounting, personality, relationship, economics, etc.), you immediately own it, whether it started with you or not.”
• I’ve been fortunate to serve as a role model to some: “One of the best leaders I have met and worked with.”

2. Authentic Communication

• I’ve been told that my communication is clear, direct, and motivating: “You give me honest and direct feedback but also provide specific steps and actions to improve and become better. That’s motivating, as I’m left with an action plan.”
• My communication skills have often been described as proactive and logical: “Your communication skills are excellent—proactive, logical, and easy to understand.”
• I strive to be authentic in my interactions, aiming to connect genuinely: “Your messaging is yours—it’s authentically you.”

3. Courage & Integrity

• I’ve been recognized for my willingness to speak up, even when it’s uncomfortable: “You are bold and brave because you are not afraid to tell others the truth and challenge those around you.”
• I try to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s the harder path: “You fight for what is right, which is not always the easy way.”
• While I’ve been told that I inspire courage in others, I know this is an area where I’m still learning to balance honesty with empathy: “You say things that I wish I were brave enough to say, but my conflict-avoidance self could never muster the courage to say out loud.”

4. Empathy & Relationship-Building

• I’m often described as personable and approachable: “You are very personable—I mean, who doesn’t like you?”
• One of my strengths is unifying different groups toward a common goal: “You connect disparate groups together in a unified way.”
• Building strong teams and fostering a positive culture has been a focus: “You have taken a somewhat disjointed accounting function and helped build them into a reasonably confident and strong team.”

5. Visionary & Motivational

• I’ve been seen as a proactive change-maker: “You have visions for how to make things better and are proactive in taking action to implement change.”
• People have described me as dynamic and passionate: “Dynamic—energetic and passionate.”
• I’ve been able to inspire growth in others, which I’m grateful for: “You have had one of the biggest impacts on my life and career, both from working together and from watching you make these brave decisions.”

Reflecting on this feedback helps me recognize both my strengths and areas where I want to continue growing. These insights from colleagues have been invaluable, guiding both my growth and my understanding of what truly matters in leadership.

What Comes Next?

I’m still figuring that out, and for the first time, I’m okay with not knowing exactly where I’ll land. I’m exploring new possibilities—leadership consulting, content creation, and maybe even entrepreneurship. What excites me is the idea of stepping into a role where I’m not just a cog in the wheel but actively contributing to a mission I believe in.

Trusting the Process and Staying Curious

The other night, a friend and I grabbed dinner and headed to The Wilbur Theater to watch a Moth Mainstage event. The storytellers’ incredible stories, coupled with my friend Aurora’s updates on her own challenges and successes, left me feeling fueled.

I don’t have everything figured out yet, and that’s okay. This time is about giving myself permission to pause, reflect, and explore without the pressure of needing all the answers right now. Progress isn’t always about moving forward; sometimes, it’s about choosing to stand still long enough to understand where you truly want to go.

What I do know is that I want my next step to feel intentional—aligned with who I am now and with room for both purpose and joy. The future doesn’t need to follow a predetermined path, and I’m excited to see where curiosity takes me next.