From Adversity to Innovation: Kelly Mann’s Journey to Success

In Accounting ARC Student-Led Conversations episode, Mann says, “I was okay with being a bull—I just needed to leave the china shop.”

Kelly Mann’s career in public accounting was marked by her willingness to challenge the status quo. After years of being told to tone down her bold approach, she made a pivotal decision—rather than changing herself to fit within a firm’s structure, she chose to create her own path. This realization led her to launch a CPA firm specializing in 401(k) audits, a decision that would ultimately lead to the creation of AuditMiner.

Founding AuditMiner
During a Time of Uncertainty In 2019, Mann founded AuditMiner, a software company designed to streamline employee benefit plan audits. Just as she was preparing to launch her product in 2020, she faced two enormous hurdles—the COVID-19 pandemic and a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis. Despite these challenges, she pressed forward, demonstrating remarkable resilience.

Balancing Leadership and Life
Mann openly discusses the struggles of balancing career, health, and family. She credits her ability to adapt and prioritize as key to her success, emphasizing that true balance is about knowing when to shift focus between personal and professional responsibilities.

Championing Women in Accounting
As a female CEO in an industry where women are still underrepresented in leadership, Mann is passionate about encouraging others to embrace their strengths. She urges young women to be authentic and confident in their abilities, reinforcing that leadership comes in many forms.

A Message for Future Female Leaders
Her advice for the next generation? “Be yourself. Don’t let others define your path. Find joy in what you do and keep going, even when the road gets tough.”

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