From Classroom to CEO: Freedom, Finance & Finding Your Path

When we think about freedom, we often picture wide-open spaces, no rules, and total control over our lives. But in reality, freedom is far more personal—and sometimes, it’s shaped by forces we don’t even notice until years later.

In the latest episode of Student-Led Conversations, hosts Arpan Grewal and Harshita Multani dive deep into this topic with two powerhouse guests: Calvin Harris, CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs, and Tina Caratan, a seasoned CPA and nonprofit consultant with over 50 years of experience.

The Many Faces of Freedom
For Calvin, freedom once meant earning enough money to never relive the financial hardships he faced as a young adult. Over time, that evolved into something broader: the ability to live his best life, where passion and talent intersect.

For Tina, the definition was shaped by her immigrant family’s emphasis on education—and by choosing a career she genuinely enjoyed, even when the world told her women didn’t belong in it.

Their stories remind us that freedom isn’t static. It changes with age, experience, and the shifting realities of the world around us.

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges
Both guests shared candid accounts of the roadblocks they faced—whether it was Tina being asked in a 1970s job interview if she planned to quit once she got married, or Calvin navigating a profession where African American CPAs remain underrepresented.

Instead of letting these barriers define them, both used their positions to create opportunities for others, from legislative changes in licensure pathways to mentoring students across the country.

The Role of Passion, Talent, and… TikTok?
A recurring theme was the balance between following your passion and ensuring your skills align. Calvin stressed that passion alone isn’t enough—success comes when talent and opportunity meet.

And while Tina takes a more face-to-face approach to outreach, Calvin has embraced social media as a tool for connection—even starting a TikTok series, “Accounting Ain’t What You Think,” to break stereotypes and reach younger audiences.

Generations in Conversation
What made this episode special wasn’t just the wisdom shared—it was the mutual respect and curiosity between generations. Whether talking about financial freedom, mentorship, or the realities of cyberbullying, both sides found common ground.

As Harshita put it, “It’s so beautiful to see how one generation’s path has impacted another’s.”

Final Advice for Young Professionals
Tina’s takeaway: Stay open to every path, and seek mentors—even those just a year ahead of you.
Calvin’s twist on classic advice: Follow your passion—but make sure your talent matches it.

Both agree: opportunities often come from unexpected places, and keeping your mind open can lead to the most fulfilling journeys.

Listen to the Full Conversation
This episode is more than career advice—it’s a reminder that freedom is personal, success is self-defined, and the most valuable lessons often come from listening to someone whose path looks nothing like yours.

🎧 [Check out the full episode on YouTube]