Developing Leadership Beyond Accounting Skills with Cassie Dunn

"It's not just about winning clients. It's about building a culture where people want to stay and grow."

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson welcomes Cassie Dunn, Managing Partner at Haines, Isenbarger & Skiba LLC, to share her journey of leadership in the accounting world. Cassie opens up about the lessons she's learned leading through growth, acquisitions, and client transitions, including why sometimes letting go of clients can be the best move for employee happiness and long-term success. She reflects on her earliest leadership roles, from high school cross country captain to coxswain in college, and how those experiences shaped her approach to humility, hard work, and empowering others. Craig and Cassie also tackle the role of soft skills in leadership, the challenges of talent shortages in accounting, and why culture is at the center of every decision she makes.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Cassie Dunn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-dunn-b037a846/

• Learn more about Haines, Isenbarger & Skiba LLC: http://www.hainescpa.com

• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/ 

• Sign up for Craig's Monthly Business Leadership Webinars: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3GDgSdp_RfGqegxIXIbAYg

Key Takeaways

• Culture is the foundation for sustainable growth

• Employee happiness drives efficiency and client success

• Soft skills are just as important as technical expertise

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(02:01) Lightning round leadership insights

(04:16) Why peer support matters in leadership

(07:17) Defining leadership and business growth

(08:19) How acquisition affects culture fit

(10:43) Reframing accounting as a decision-making discipline

(13:01) Leadership lessons from a former cross country team captain

(16:05) What to focus on as a leader of a growing company

(21:35) Value of learning soft skills early