Are You Next? Honoring CalCPA's Past & Future Leaders.

There are likely as many definitions of leadership as there are leaders. Forward-looking, inspirational, empathetic, knowledgeable, decisive and accountable are just a few concepts that have been tied to being a leader. At CalCPA, we have numerous leaders amongst our 45,000 members--some would even say we have 45,000 leaders. Over the past 14 years the Leadership Institute has graduated 304 freshly trained leaders, Our financial literacy efforts has included 1,355 volunteers. Fostering future accounting leaders created 44 Campus Ambassadors this past school year. And member leaders serve at various levels, from chapter committee chairs to state committee chairs to chapter presidents to CalCPA Board and Council to Education Foundation Board.

What follows are thoughts from some of our member leaders on leadership, what it means to lead and the benefits of being a leader within CalCPA. May their words inspire you to be one of CalCPA's next leaders.

MEMBER LEADERS

VIOLETA D. CRISTOBAL

Education Foundation Board of Trustees Managing Partner and Founder, Cristobal & Company, CPAs

What does a leader mean to you?

Being the eldest in the family of 11, it was natural for me to be the leader of my 10 siblings. At a young age, my parents always reminded me that, being the eldest, I'm the example. Both my parents died at an early age, I assumed the role of shaping the lives of my siblings, ensuring each one pursues their education and prepare for the future. It entailed a great deal of sacrifice. But with determination and setting an example, I gained their trust leading them to pursue essential education. I showed them studying in college, while working at the same time, is possible. When one completes an education, the lead is passed to the next sibling, and so on. To me, leadership also is to encourage the next generation to learn to be leaders in our profession, as well as in the community.

A leader builds trust, accountability and responsibility to inspire others, to bring our vision and aspirations to others to the benefit of everyone--it's about working and encouraging people.

What are your major takeaways from your CalCPA experience?

I was invited to attend CalCPA Leadership Institute where Bill Reeb, our instructor, and the other leaders in that class helped me make my big decision to start my own CPA firm.

Why encourage other CPAs to get involved in leadership?

Leadership is a privilege. When we get involved, we become part of something greater than ourselves. We establish relationships with others who share the same vision and goals and thereby lead to the betterment of the profession.

CHARLES OSAKI

Past CalCPA Education Foundation President Adjunct Faculty, Cerritos College

What does being a leader mean to you?

It means being willing to make a decision with the intent that the outcome is best for group (i.e., team, constituents, community, etc.) and being accountable for that decision. To...