Five minutes with Angela Macphee

Tell us about yourself

I’m an accountant by education but have always enjoyed more complex people and business issues which led me down a path of leadership. I’ve held leadership and CEO positions in several industries, having recently found my way back to professional services. I’m the immediate past Chair of the Global Association for Corporate Growth Board and look forward to continuing my board service through the Baker Tilly International Board.

Outside of work, what keeps you busy?

As a Colorado native, in my downtime, I take advantage of what the mountains have to offer – hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing with my husband. We also enjoy travelling and seeing the beauty of the world together, alternating between adventure travel and cultural/foodie travel. Last year we climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. I also love to read and binge a good Netflix show.

What is the best advice anyone has given you?

Stay true to yourself. Years ago, I joined a new organisation and was trying to align to the leadership expectations. My husband reminded me that I’ve been successful in my life, both personally and professionally, because I always stay true to myself and my values. He said "They may not know the value you’ll bring yet but if you change for something you don't believe in you won't be happy, and if they don't embrace you for you, it's not the right place to be." The culture of an organisation is quite important to me.

What does your new normal look like?

As a heavy traveller, I had 102 flights, spanning over 250,000 miles. I've embraced being home for 16 weeks and enjoying the opportunity to have dinner with my husband every night – something that hasn’t happened in the 20 years we've been together. I've found new ways to connect with my team, family, and even my neighbours. These connections are things we could have done in the non-COVID time but didn’t think of. I look at it as a blessing and plan to carry forward with many of the "new" ways of connecting even after social distancing is over.

What does 'now, for tomorrow' mean to you?

Now, for tomorrow is a conscious mindset of thinking of the future now - where/who do we want to be. It's doing what we need to do today - making decisions, tackling challenges, setting strategies, now, for tomorrow.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the accounting industry?

We must provide opportunities for the next generation of leaders with diverse backgrounds.

One of the biggest challenges continues to be attraction, development and retention of talent. We must provide opportunities for the next generation of leaders with diverse backgrounds - including ethnic, gender, experience and background. Another challenge is the adoption and response to technology advancement - use of technology both internally as well as advising and helping clients with the adoption of technology.

Get to know us in five minutes

 

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