Feeling lonely in your career doesn’t always mean you’re physically alone. In fact, some of the most isolating experiences happen in packed offices, team meetings, or Zoom calls when connection is missing and competition replaces collaboration.
In this week’s CPA MOMS Podcast, Nicole Kehl and Mayumi Young dive deep into the emotional reality many women face in the accounting industry, and what we can do to reclaim our power through genuine community.
The Pressure to Conform
Many women in accounting have internalized a version of success that looks and feels nothing like who they truly are. From early career experiences where female leaders were often described as “men in skirts,” to workplaces where feminine energy is undervalued, it’s easy to see why authenticity feels risky.
Mayumi shares her journey of unlearning years of masculine leadership traits to return to her natural feminine essence, one rooted in intuition, empathy, and connection.
When Women Tear Each Other Down
Nicole recounts a painful personal story of returning from maternity leave only to be undermined by another woman in her department. It’s a scenario too many working moms are familiar with: when instead of supporting each other, women become each other’s competition.
Thankfully, there’s another way. One rooted in support, not scarcity.
How to Find the Right Community
Mayumi encourages listeners to use one of their greatest underutilized strengths: intuition. Whether it’s walking into a room, joining a Facebook group, or attending an event, tune into how it feels. Safe? Uplifting? Connected? Those feelings are your compass.
And once you find that space, show up. Engage. Be intentional about building connections, and be the kind of person you’re hoping to find.
You Deserve to Feel at Home
Whether you’re in corporate, running your own firm, or somewhere in between, you don’t have to do this alone. Surrounding yourself with people who truly see and celebrate you makes everything better and more possible.
Ready to find your people? Start here:https://cpamoms.com/start