Power of 2s.

Ok, so I’m two months late with this post, BUT.. I did have that “aha moment” when I slowed down for a second (which I have to consciously force myself to do) to really process that I’m halfway through my 2nd year as Partner, and my twin girls are already 2 years old.

I’m sure I’ve told many of you how my 安永 journey began – with University of Toronto recruiting process in 2006. A very special shout out goes to Jeff Gregory , who being two weeks with EY himself, passed my name specifically to the recruiting team. I must have followed Mark Vrooman, FCPA, FCA and Leigh Carter, CPA, CA to every recruiting event since my 2nd year (despite stricter US drinking policy) and the culture bond with EY and its people was formed instantly. I was devastated not to have gotten the summer internship but spent a month in Spain instead (no regrets there).

On an early Friday morning in September (I grabbed the first interview spot) at 加拿大多伦多大学 - 罗特曼管理学院 , once I met with Kwan Song and Leigh Carter, CPA, CA , I was floating (only amplified by bright sunlight on my face as I walked on campus). I was wearing a very simple gray suit, white pinstripe blouse and black kitten heels with an ankle strap. I was even more ecstatic when that evening, while working a retail job (which also explains my love for shoes) – I was offered to join 安永 .

This will make more sense to a foreigner reading this, but this was a moment when you feel like you have somewhat redeemed the suffering of your immigrant parents that left everything (apart from 400kgs in luggage and few shipped containers of books to be exact, in my case), for your brighter future. So you keep going.. one challenge after another (and some failures in between), you dust yourself off and try again, try again.

The Partners I looked up to in my staff training never said it would be easy ( Diane Sinhuber, FCPA, FCA, ICD.D, GCB.D , Katie Kummer , Daniela Carcasole ), but not one of them would trade any of their experiences and that is why I’m still here. I’m learning and figuring things out every day, as a professional and a parent. How? By using every hour in the day to grow:? ?

1. Gratitude for amazing mentors: some very patient and kind mentors along the way taught me everything I know. I learned to “borrow” and emulate the qualities I admire in each one, and learn what not to be, because let’s be honest, we’ve all had those experiences too. ?

2. Joy in watching my teams grow: to be clear, my teams are the ones who I should thank, for making me better every day and for the rewarding feeling mentoring brings me (which makes it selfish when you really think about it). I feel an immense sense of pride when I see my teams reach new heights, individually and as a unit.

3. Pride in pushing beyond my comfort zone: it’s scary and painful, but also necessary. There is no growth in comfort. We are all working on something, everything is hard at first. That commission-based retail job wasn’t easy for me, yet I pushed myself towards effective client interactions. ?

4. Inspiration in learning and creativity: fortunately for us consultants, no two problems are the same – allowing us to get creative and have fun. There is magic when that visually engaging slide is on point at getting the message across. I won’t lie, my audit days left a mark through ongoing admiration of perfectly organized tie-outs. ?

5. Embracing motherhood, from diapers to decisions: I love being a mother, and it is the most important job in the world, no doubt. I’m determined to not let motherhood alone define me, however. Being a new mom and a new Partner opened my eyes to my potential – beyond what I thought was possible, from time management to resilience.

6. Aspiring to be a role model: in the world where possibilities are limitless yet challenges persist, I am fanatically pursuing my dreams. I aspire to build bridges along my journey and demonstrate that an accomplished career in professional services and parenthood are the new norm.

7. Embracing the unknown: standing at the cusp of what lies ahead, I am filled with an exhilarating sense of anticipation of the myriad of opportunities. Not trying would be a failure.

Kristalina Georgieva, MD, IMF once said: “We have to work together at every level — from communities, to countries, to the global level — to make sure that we invest in resilient people.” I am grateful to my family, friends, firm, and all the mentors. Thank you for the opportunities and time you invest in me every day. I look forward to more lessons, growth and achievement, as well as paying it forward.