This week’s episode of the CPA MOMS Podcast goes beyond surface-level motivation. It’s an honest look at what it really feels like to stand at the edge of something new. In The Fear of Starting, Nicole Kehl is joined by Mayumi Young to unpack the resistance so many women face when thinking about leaving the safety of a job to launch their own practice.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, scared, or even slightly ashamed of your fear, you’re not alone. And you’re not wrong for feeling it.
In fact, your fear might be the clearest sign that you’re ready to move forward.
What Are You Really Afraid Of?
For many women in accounting, the traditional job path feels like the responsible choice. It’s familiar, stable, and praised by others. But in this episode, Nicole and Mayumi challenge that belief head-on. Is having a job truly safer than building your own business? Or is it simply what we’ve been conditioned to believe?
Together, they explore how generational norms have shaped our views of security and how today’s world requires a new definition of what it means to feel safe, empowered, and in control.
This conversation reminds us that fear isn’t a stop sign. It’s a spotlight, showing us where we’re being invited to grow.
What Fear Really Means
Fear doesn’t mean you’re unprepared or incapable. It often means you’re standing at the edge of something that matters.
In this episode, Nicole and Mayumi reflect on how fear has shown up in their own lives and what they’ve learned about trusting themselves through uncertainty. They offer insight into how to move forward with fear—not after it’s gone, but while it’s still present.
You’ll hear reflections on:
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Why fear often means you’re on the right path
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The myth of “security” in traditional employment
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How to reframe fear as a signal of readiness
- What to do when you feel called to something more
From Hesitation to Momentum
Starting your own practice isn’t about being fearless. It’s about choosing to take one step forward, even when your voice shakes. It’s about remembering your purpose, honoring your values, and designing a business that fits your life—not the other way around.
This episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. You just need to be willing to begin.
Take the First Step
You don’t have to do this alone. If this episode spoke to something inside you, whether it’s a quiet nudge or a full-body yes, consider it your invitation.
Enjoyed this episode? Connect with like-minded women at cpamoms.com/start and get the support you need to build the practice you want.