“We have to tell a better story, but we also have to have a better story to tell.”

Gear Up for Growth

With Jean Caragher

For CPA Trendlines

A powerhouse in the accounting profession, Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CPA, CGMA, CITP, CISA, the CEO of KET Solutions, shares her deep insights on talent recruitment and retention, inclusive leadership, and the evolving role of CPAs in a rapidly changing world.

Gear Up for Growth spotlights the best strategies for smart and efficient growth in today's competitive landscape. More Gear Up for Growth every Friday here | More Capstone Conversations with Jean Caragher every Monday | More Jean Caragher here | Get her best-selling handbook, The 90-Day Marketing Plan for CPA Firms, here | More CPA Trendlines videos and podcasts here

Ellison-Taylor's journey into the accounting profession began earlier than most. She recalls a pivotal career day in third grade when she learned that "accountants manage the money." This revelation not only sparked her initial interest but also set her on a path to becoming one of the most recognized leaders in the profession, including serving as chairman of both the Maryland Association of CPAs and the AICPA. Her story is a testament to the power of early inspiration and leadership support.

Ellison-Taylor emphasizes the critical need for the accounting profession to craft and share better narratives. “We have to tell a better story, but we also have to have a better story to tell,” she says, quoting Jen Wilson of the National Pipeline Advisory Group. She highlights that leadership—and the support it provides—is at the heart of these stories. Her own career was shaped by leaders who encouraged her to seize opportunities, provided constructive feedback, and championed her growth.