In the latest episode of MOVE Like This, host Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk talks with Sarah Elliott, CPA-turned-leadership coach and co-founder of Intend2Lead, about what effective leadership looks like in accounting today. Drawing on her firm’s Conscious Leader model, mindset → skill set → habits, Sarah describes how today’s most impactful leaders are human-centric. They empower rather than control, collaborate instead of compete, and lead with humility, courage, and self-awareness to build cultures where fear no longer drives decisions.
That human-first approach connects directly to belonging at work. Sarah and Bonnie discuss how much energy professionals lose when they feel they must conceal who they are, and how inclusion—whatever label a firm uses—fuels creativity, performance, and retention. The conversation also dives into new Intend2Lead research on recently promoted partners, uncovering a gap between compensation expectations and reality, as well as limited feedback and development support once partners move up. Sarah’s advice: create transparent communication around partner economics and sustain growth conversations post-promotion.
Finally, they explore the added challenges faced by “first” or “only” partners from underrepresented groups, the importance of mentorship, and why curiosity is the defining skill for the future of the profession. As Sarah puts it, curiosity loosens fear’s grip, expands perspective, and opens the door to innovation and connection.
Key Takeaways:
- Lead with Humanity: The best accounting leaders empower others, embrace vulnerability, and create cultures rooted in collaboration and love rather than fear and control.
- Transparency Builds Trust: New partners often face unmet compensation expectations. Clear, early conversations about both short- and long-term economics can prevent disappointment and disengagement.
- Feedback Fuels Growth: Once-a-year evaluations aren’t enough. Partners need regular, high-quality feedback and mentorship to thrive in their new roles and avoid feeling isolated.
- Belonging Drives Performance: When professionals feel safe to show up fully – without hiding parts of their identity – they perform at higher levels, contribute more meaningfully, and stay longer.
- Curiosity Opens Possibility: In times of rapid change, leaders who stay curious, about themselves, their people, and the challenges around them, are more likely to uncover new opportunities and inspire lasting growth.
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