When most people think of leadership, they picture authority, structure, and control. But what if leadership could look different? What if it could feel more collaborative, empathetic, and aligned with your personal values?
That’s the conversation CPA MOMS host Nicole Kehl had with CPA and financial expert, Mayumi Young. Together, they explored what it really means to lead as a woman in a field where only a small percentage of firm leaders are female.
Why Women Struggle to See Themselves as Leaders
Even though women make up the majority of accountants, leadership roles in firms are still largely male. For many women, leadership feels like something outside of themselves, something they haven’t been trained to claim. Mayumi explained that much of this comes from outdated, masculine-heavy models of leadership that leave little room for empathy, intuition, or collaboration.
The Power of Balancing Feminine and Masculine Energies
True leadership, Mayumi shared, comes from integrating both sides of our strengths. Feminine energy brings compassion, intuition, and collaboration. Masculine energy provides structure, action, and direction. When we lean too heavily on one or reject the other, leadership feels incomplete. But when we learn to balance both, we step into our most powerful role as leaders.
Nicole reflected on how women in accounting already carry a unique blend of these strengths. We are analytical and results driven, yet deeply intuitive and empathetic. This natural balance positions us perfectly to lead in a new way, one that feels more aligned with who we are and the kind of practices we want to build.
Moving Beyond Fear and People Pleasing
One of the biggest barriers women face in leadership is the tendency to carry other people’s feelings, avoid conflict, or put everyone else first. Mayumi stressed the importance of awareness, kindness toward ourselves, and intentional practice to reprogram those habits. Leadership isn’t about perfection, it is about growth, trust, and the willingness to pivot when needed.
Creating Leadership on Your Own Terms
At CPA MOMS, we believe in redesigning the accounting industry to work for women, not against them. That means letting go of old norms, redefining leadership, and building practices that align with our lives and values. As Mayumi shared, leadership isn’t about being flawless, it’s about being willing to step forward with courage, compassion, and confidence.
Ready to embrace your own version of leadership and build a practice that works for you? Start your journey with other like-minded women at https://cpamoms.com/start.