Team Spotlight on Karen Knowlton, CPA CA, Business Advisor
This week, we’re highlighting Karen Knowlton, CPA CA. She’s been with the firm for a little over 6 years, and has worked in both our Financial Advisory and Business Advisory groups.
So, what do you do here?
I assist business owners to be more confident in making decisions that impact their businesses. I help them push past traditional thinking and strategy, and explore ideas that they’ve maybe thought about, but didn’t know how to approach or execute. I try to develop relationships with clients on a deeper level… more of an emotional level. I would like to be the go-to person they bounce ideas off of. I also want my clients to feel that they can vent whatever frustrations and challenges they may have and know that I have their best interests in mind.
We talk a lot about helping business owners find their Why. What’s your Why?
Being part of the team. Developing those emotional connections means I strive to see my clients do their best both professionally and personally. I want to share in the successes of reaching their goals and be the person they lean on when they think they’re failing.
Who do you admire professionally?
I admire entrepreneurs who go out on a limb in their business, even though society or other entrepreneurs say not to. I’m a person who typically follows the rules, and so I admire those who push the limits. I also admire companies who find ways to put their team in front of making the next dollar. The ones who take the time to build culture and create a family-type atmosphere so their team has a comfortable place to come to work.
What’s something you think every business owner should know?
You don’t have to know all the answers; you just have to know the right questions to ask.
What’s your biggest learning this week?
I am reminded that the selling process in our type of business can be lengthy. I believe this gives us the opportunity to ensure our service will be a fit with what the client business needs are and there is a personality fit for what will be the beginning of a long-term relationship.
We hope you enjoyed the first Team Spotlight. Click here to stay tuned for future posts from Our Stories.