Best Practices
from the
2014 Accounting MOVE
Project
Nov. 24, 2014
www.wilson-taylorassoc.com
Moss Adams: empoWer
A New Networking Model
CohnReznick: WomenCAN
A Unified Vision Post-Merger
Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company LLP:
Emerging Leaders
A Fresh Vision for Millennials
www.wilson-taylorassoc.com
•
•
•
•
MOVE translates
the business case for advancing
women to business results
Annual benchmarking
Best practices
Analysis & confidential feedback
Join now for MOVE 2015
www.wilson-taylorassoc.com
Moss Adams: empoWer
A New Networking Model
Jennifer Wyne
Director of Human Resources
www.wilson-taylorassoc.com
Forum W Mission and Priorities
Mission
Accelerate the firm’s success in attracting, developing, retaining, and
advancing talented women.
Priorities
Dialogue
Networking
Listen to women regarding their career
goals and experiences at Moss Adams
Establish a solid foundation of
relationships inside and outside the firm
Mentoring
Connect those who are developing with
those who have already achieved
Advancement
Provide ample growth opportunities and
encourage the pursuit of leadership
roles
empoWer
What is
empoWer?
How does
empoWer work?
What are our
results?
• Alliance to promote networking and business
development
• Began with a light bulb moment by a male
partner
• Focused on Sr. Managers and Partners
• Host client and non-client facing events
• Internally - comfortable way to build their
external network
• Externally - Positive feedback from clients
• Expanded to other markets
www.wilson-taylorassoc.com
empoWer Events
Networking Within empoWer
• Community service
• Panel discussions
• 1:1 networking
Client and Prospect Events
•
•
•
•
•
Seattle Repertory Theater
110 guests (80 were clients and prospects)
Networking with drinks, appetizers, and photographer
Visit from playwright
empoWer split the cost for tickets and catering (9k)
www.wilson-taylorassoc.com
empoWer Best Practices
1.
2.
3.
4.
Limit the number of companies
Share responsibility across all organizations
Form a steering committee
Assign champions and an individual from
marketing
5. Be clear on purpose of event
6. Know your audience
7. Create a budget and plan ahead
www.wilson-taylorassoc.com
CohnReznick: WomenCAN
A Unified Vision Post-Merger
Risa Lavine
Principal, Chief of Staff
www.wilson-taylorassoc.com
WomenCAN at CohnReznick:
Leveraging a merger to grow and
strengthen the women’s initiative
Our Approach
•
•
•
•
Background
Re-launch
Re-brand
New shared vision
Best Practice #1: Establishing
Leadership Support and Buy-in
•
•
•
•
•
Establish and communicate the business case
Involve men and women in the discussion
Break down any resistance
Create joint goals and celebrate success
Examples:
– Steering Committee Strategy Session
– WomenCAN Leadership Summit
Best Practice #2: Customizing Our
Approach to Each Office
• National goals guide
local goals
• Custom Action Plans per
office
• Best Practice Sharing
• Empowering Liaisons
Best Practice #3: Communication
• WomenCAN scarf
• WomenCAN intranet
• First WomenCAN
Annual Report
• Fact Sheet and Quick
Facts
Key Results/Successes
• Increased organizational
commitment
• Increased focus on business
needs
• Added marketing member
to the team
• Provided women with
access to role models
• Continue to host
conversations with
leadership and leverage
Annual report
Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company LLP:
Emerging Leaders
A Fresh Vision for Millennials
Beth Kieffer Leonard
Managing Partner
www.wilson-taylorassoc.com
Background
 Why shake it up?
 Business case
 Strategy
 How do you really make change?
 The powerful impact of an outside view
 Willingness of transparency
Criteria
 Top performers
 Contributing beyond charge hours
 People development
 Business development
 Community
 Clients
 CPA
 Manager
Structure
 Invitation from the Partners based on criteria
 Partner Retreat
 Annual Firm Meeting
 Firm Projects
 ELG Self Directed Monthly Meetings
Results for the Individual and the Firm
 Engagement
 Development – learning to work “on the business”
 Retention
 Execution on Projects
 Succession Planning
 Culture Enhancement
Evolution
 Year One
 100% Retention
 11 Participants
 New concept – storming & energy
 Year Two
 100% Retention
 11 Participants
 Looking for norming
 Year Three (current)
 First participant to be promoted to Partner
 First additions to the original group – two new members
 First person to resign
Q&A
Moss Adams: empoWer
A New Networking Model
CohnReznick: WomenCAN
A Unified Vision Post-Merger
Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company LLP:
Emerging Leaders
A Fresh Vision for Millennials
www.wilson-taylorassoc.com
With MOVE, your firm gains insight for
advancing women. Learn how to:
•
•
•
•
Capture ROI from investing in women
Gain a competitive advantage by advancing women
Benchmark your firm against others in the MOVE Project
Concentrate resources and initiatives for greatest results
Join the 2015 Accounting MOVE Project at
www.wilson-taylorassoc.com
www.wilson-taylorassoc.com
Join the 2015 Accounting MOVE Project
at www.wilson-taylorassoc.com
Deadline to join: December 22, 2014
Questions? Contact MOVE Project Manager Joanne
Cleaver: 231.299.1275
jycleaver@wilson-taylorassoc.com
www.wilson-taylorassoc.com
Thank you for joining us today!
www.wilson-taylorassoc.com