Mentoring, engaging and empowering women within your firm: Conversation with Lisa Shuneson, CPA, Chief Executive Officer, Whalen & Company CPAs

In her 26 years at Whalen & Company CPAs, Lisa Shuneson, CPA, has been no stranger to getting involved in women’s initiatives and empowering other women. She has experience on various boards both in her local community of Columbus, Ohio, and with national organizations. Her experience ranges from the Ohio Society of CPAs – Women’s Initiatives, to Women Presidents Organization, and the Women for Economic and Leadership Development, just to name a few.

Shuneson operates with a “pay it forward” mentality. She knows that women before her have helped pave the way for her success and she wants to do the same for others. She does this through an informal and holistic approach by meeting people where they’re at and helping in the ways that work best for them, because each person in unique.?

Shuneson also mentors other women in her firm and empowers them to drive themselves where they want to go, both personally and professionally. To her mentees, Shuneson is an example of someone who has walked the path and lived the experiences, and now she wants to share her knowledge to help others achieve success.

“I certainly don’t have all the answers, and I don’t even have a war story because I had others ahead of me to help lead the way,” said Shuneson.

Shuneson mentors people interested in leadership at the firm, regardless of their age or experience level. She says, simply, all they have to do is ask. She ensures that all employees are aware of the different programs and initiatives available to them. She invites them along to meetings and events and is always on the lookout for potential replacements for her in various board member roles she holds.

Whalen & Company CPAs has also created an environment where they want people to be happy coming to work every day. They offer flexible hours outside of busy season, four-day workweeks, and more. “Our firm wants people to be happy in their regular lives, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a vital member of the firm and that your career can’t move forward,” said Shuneson.

Shuneson says that by removing barriers for women and empowering them to make decisions that are important to them and their careers is key to their success.

“Public accounting is a great choice for women who want to pursue a career,” said Shuneson. “It’s data-driven and allows for women to make an impact on their terms.”

If you’re interested in starting a women’s initiative at your firm, Shuneson recommends bringing the women in your firm together to see what support they need or what they’re interested in pursuing. Assess your firm and ask the female members what they need help with and what initiatives would make their lives and careers more successful. Don’t make assumptions because there are no one-size- fits-all options.

“Many women just need someone to listen, to help and to reassure that they’re not facing anything someone else hasn’t experienced before,” said Shuneson.

Shuneson also has some advice for women in any stage of their careers. “Bring your true self everyday. Who you are is probably not going to change, so focus on the positives you bring and make them even greater. That will get you noticed and make you more successful. And remember, you aren’t going to be perfect, but you can be the best version of yourself.”

This article can be found in the March 2022 issue of the CPAmerica Advantage newsletter.?Click here to view the full newsletter.