I hope you are having a great summer so far. I wanted to share some thoughts that have been on my mind recently, inspired by a combination of personal experiences and a profound book I read, “The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy.

Recently, I had a conversation with a colleague who decided to leave the accounting profession. This was surprising to me, as they had demonstrated immense passion for accounting and were actively involved in various organizations. Their dedication to completing their education, obtaining their license, and advancing in their career has always been admirable. While I am confident that their skills and experience will serve them well in their new endeavors, this situation reminded me of the diverse opportunities within our profession. It also reminded me of a CPA that I know who once left the profession to become a chef. Although they eventually returned to accounting and practiced as a CPA until retirement, this experience highlights that it’s okay to embrace change. 

Hearing this news made me reflect on the concept of reaching out to” one person.”  Who can I check on, spend time with, support, encourage, or invite to an event? “The Compound Effect” emphasizes the idea that small, consistent actions can lead to significant results over time. Hardy illustrates how minor adjustments in our daily routines and behaviors can accumulate, leading to remarkable achievements. This concept resonated with me as I reflected on how we can apply this principle within our professional community.

Imagine if each of us consistently reached out to one person—whether to check on them, offer support, encourage them, or invite them to an event. These seemingly small actions, when compounded, can create a powerful ripple effect. For instance, if every member of our chapter committed to inviting one person to each event and encouraged that person to do the same, the impact would be exponential.

The metaphor of “The Extra Degree” by Sam Parker also comes to mind. At 211 degrees, water is hot; at 212 degrees, it boils, producing steam that can power a locomotive. This illustrates how just a little extra effort can lead to extraordinary outcomes. By applying this mindset, we can enhance our outreach efforts and make a significant difference.

The CalCPA Members Club Summit will be held July 31-August 2, 2024, in Huntington Beach.   This meeting is a great time to meet other members of CalCPA, learn more about the future of CalCPA and enjoy some California Sunshine. I invite you to join me! The meeting is open to all members. If you have questions or want to learn more about this meeting, reach out to me.

In conclusion, I encourage you to think about your “one person.” Who can you reach out to today? How can you make a small yet impactful difference in someone’s professional journey? By embracing the principles of “The Compound Effect” and the idea of going to the extra degree, we can collectively create a thriving, dynamic professional community.

I look forward to seeing the positive changes we can achieve together.