Emerging Leaders Conference
7.50 Credits
Member Price $275.00
Price will increase by $50 on 7/14
Non-Member Price $335.00
Price will increase by $50 on 7/14
Overview
The ISCPA Emerging Leaders Conference is the premier opportunity to explore key skills and strategies needed to succeed in the constantly evolving, fast-paced work environment. Network with other CPAs and connect with industry leaders on valuable insights and guidance. Whether you're just starting out in your career or looking to take the next step, this conference is the perfect opportunity to gain new knowledge and discover tangible tactics on what it takes to lead.
Highlights
See agenda tab for the full event schedule.
Designed For
Emerging CPAs and accounting professionals
Objectives
Connect with peers, learn strategies, and gain a greater awareness of your leadership style and its impact on your organization and professional performance.
Thank you to our GOLD Sponsor
Thursday, July 27
Optional Session
7:30am - 7:30am Yes, I would like a professional headshot
Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, creating a new business card, or just want to invest in your personal brand, be sure to take advantage of this valuable opportunity. Receive a high-quality professional headshot from Cherry Chiles Photography to make a lasting impression. Headshots are optional, but included in your registration fee. Available from 7:30-8:30 a.m.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
8:00am - 8:30am Registration & Networking Breakfast
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
8:30am - 8:40am Welcome Comments
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
8:40am - 9:55am Redefining Productivity
The equation seems simple: more hours = more productivity. Have too much work? Eat at your desk, stay late, come in early, and add a few days to the workweek. Unfortunately, many individuals (and businesses) have found that burning the candle at both ends ensures a quick burnout. Let's examine the mindset that told a generation to put their heads down and push through. Does the research support this? Does our experience prove this? Will the next generation buy into this concept? Join Courtney for a discussion of a new way to look at productivity, work/life integration, and business success that helps you and your team become more productive and remain free of burn-out.
Speaker: Courtney DeRonde
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
10:10am - 11:00am Financial Planning for Young Professionals
As a young professional, it's never too early to start thinking about your financial future. In this session, we'll explore key strategies for financial planning to set you up for long-term success. Our financial planning experts will discuss the importance of setting financial goals that work for your unique situation. We'll also delve into the benefits of investing and the different types of investment options available. Gain a better understanding of the essential components of financial planning and walk away feeling confident and empowered to take control of your financial future.
Speakers: Brandon Grimm, MBA, CFA and Michelle Miller, CFP | Gilbert & Cook Inc.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
11:45am - 12:55pm Use Your Why, Find Your Drive: Building Lasting Confidence And Motivation
Companies are plagued with "The Great Resignation" and "Quiet Quitting." Employers are often left with little to no information as to why an employee left or why they are not meeting (or exceeding) the expectations of the workplace. This session explores the science behind motivation and equips teams with the communication confidence to connect and motivate team members meet (and exceed) performance goals. Using the emotional intelligence tool of the Enneagram, mixed with case studies and high-energy humor, Erik will share how to inspire teams to communicate, connect, share stories, and build lasting confidence and motivation.
Speaker: Erik Dominguez | Speak Up Stories
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
1:10pm - 2:25pm Servant Leadership in Action
Servant leadership is much more than a catchphrase: it's a way of life! In this session, we'll clearly define servant leadership and take a close look at what it means to be a true servant leader. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to develop your "Servant Leadership Philosophy," a document that articulates what you stand for as a leader and how you embody the virtues of servant leadership in your daily life.
Speaker: Jeff Vaske
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
2:35pm - 3:25pm Leading Without the Title: Building Purpose & Influence
Regardless of your role or time in position, you can make an impact! Learn ways to build purpose by starting with the why and enhance your ability to have influence. This session will incorporate opportunities to enhance self-awareness, engage in group discussions, and will equip you to thrive with purpose and influence.
Speaker: Mandy Dummermuth
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
3:35pm - 4:30pm Professional Issues Update for the YP
As chair of the AICPA, Anoop Mehta, CPA, CGMA, is actively involved with CPA professionals all across the country. He will provide an update on the profession, discuss top issues facing the industry, and how young CPAs play a vital role in the future of the profession. Learn more about Anoop’s inspirational leadership HERE.
Speaker: Anoop Mehta, CPA, CGMA | Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
4:30pm - 5:30pm Happy Hour
Continue conversations, make valuable connections, and unwind after an invigorating day of learning and growth! Refreshments provided.
This session is available to registrants only.
Leader(s):
Leader Bios
Anoop Mehta
Mr. Anoop Natwar Mehta, CPA, CGMA, is the Chair of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). Over his career, Mehta has served in several volunteer roles: the AICPA Board of Directors, the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (Association) Board of Directors, the AICPA Business and Industry Executive Committee, the AICPA Political Action Committee and AICPA Council.
Currently he is the Chief Strategist for Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. (AMA). AMA has worked with government and commercial organizations solving the toughest engineering, science and business problems. Mehta provides expertise in key areas of business development, strategic planning, and operational improvements across AMA. Mehta stepped down as the president of Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) in June 2021. In his role, he led the executive management team and oversaw the overall performance of the company. He had the day-to-day responsibility for managing, planning, and implementing strategic goals of the company. With more than 40 years of experience in government contracting, he actively supported NASA and NOAA programs in an executive management capacity for SSAI. Mehta joined SSAI in 1980 and helped the company to grow from a two-person company to more than 1,000. The company achieved profitability above target levels each year during his tenure.
Mehta was the Chair (2012-2013) of the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA). He serves on the Government Contractors Committee for the MACPA and chaired the committee for two years (2001-2003).
Mehta is a former board member and past president of the Maryland Space Business Roundtable. He is also a seventh-degree Master Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and has been teaching martial arts and operating a karate school for the past 35 years.
Mehta has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland, College Park. He also serves on the Board of Advisors for the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and Accounting and Information Assurance Department.
Brandon Grimm
Brandon is the chief investment officer for Gilbert & Cook, Inc. in West Des Moines, Iowa. He is involved in establishing the firm’s investment strategy and portfolio implementation. In addition to researching and analyzing all investments, he is responsible for ongoing management of the investment portfolios as well as client education. Brandon takes pride in seeing clients’ assets grow as a result of a proper asset allocation and prudent investment decisions. He graduated with Cum Laude honors from Luther College with majors in statistics and economics along with additional studies in business management. After college he worked at Principal Global Investors and later earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.* He also received, with honors, his Masters of Business Administration with an emphasis in finance from the University of Iowa. Active within his community, he is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Iowa along with various other professional, church and charitable organizations such as Professionals for Charity (P4C). Brandon graduated from the Greater Des Moines Leadership Program in 2017 and the Charles Schwab Executive Leadership Program in 2019. He is an active board member for the Iowa Chapter of Junior Achievement - sitting on several sub committees and actively participating in classroom and educational activities for the children they serve.
Courtney De Ronde
Courtney DeRonde is a CPA and the CEO of Forge Financial & Management Consulting. Forge is a boutique management consulting and accounting firm for small to medium-sized businesses and nonprofit organizations. Forge helps overwhelmed, successful leaders understand and maximize their information so they can achieve better results and continue growing their organization to the next level through intelligence in 3 core areas: Finance, Leadership, and Productivity. Courtney is primarily responsible for the firm’s vision and strategic direction. Her professional background includes over two decades serving small businesses and nonprofits. As an owner in her firm and CEO, she also has firsthand experience running and scaling a small business. She is recognized for her expertise and ability to make complicated topics practical and relatable as she speaks at various conferences, seminars, and on podcasts. Her expertise goes beyond finance, she speaks regularly on leadership, productivity, and decision making. When Courtney isn’t leading or presenting, she enjoys time with her husband and three kids, traveling, and learning. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of both EO Iowa and the Iowa Society of CPAs and recently completed a governor-appointed term on the Iowa Accountancy Board.
Erik Dominguez
As an immigrant who grew up between two cultures and mixed messages, the familiarity Erik has with speaking fears, fueled him to learn and share the tools to overcome those obstacles. For nearly 25 years, Erik’s team-oriented speaking and teaching style has centered around shared experiences, a philosophy that everyone has a unique story, and a belief that everyone can share their minds and hearts through powerful presentations.
Jeff Vaske
Dr. Jeff Vaske, Ph.D., is founder and owner of CPE Leadership Solutions, a coaching, consulting and training firm. With a dedicated focus on leadership development, Jeff emphasizes the “Constant Pursuit of Excellence” to drive individual and organizational growth and evolution. He specializes in executive coaching on leader development, organizational culture, change management, succession planning and more. His services are specfically tailored to individual clients, teams and departments.
Mandy Dummermuth
Mandy Dummermuth, PHR, is passionately focused on the personal and professional development of others. With a background in training and recruitment, Mandy builds each talent development session with opportunities to enhance self-awareness. With prior experience as a recruiter, campus recruiter, intern program director, and emerging leader facilitator, Mandy thrives when engaging and investing in others. Mandy provides talent development training sessions for organizations and intact teams in the areas of developing self-awareness, leadership development, change management, and she is an Authorized Partner for Everything DiSC - A Wiley Brand. Mandy and her husband, Chad, reside in Johnston, along with their three amazing kids.
Michelle Miller
Michelle Miller, CFP is an advisor with Gilbert & Cook Inc in West Des Moines, Iowa. In her role, Michelle works with the Gilbert & Cook team to provide sophisticated strategies and service for her clients. Michelle joined the Gilbert & Cook team in June 2021. Previously, Michelle served as a Financial Advisor, where she provided clients with comprehensive financial planning services, asset protection, wealth accumulation, estate and legacy planning.
Non-Member Price $335.00
Member Price $275.00