Why CPAs Need to Rethink Success (And Start Innovating From Within)

For many Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), earning the designation is seen as the ultimate milestone. It’s the badge of honor, the final destination. But here’s the truth: getting those three letters after your name isn’t the finish line, it’s the starting point.

The world is shifting faster than ever. Technology, disruption, and changing business models are rewriting the rules. And if CPAs cling to the idea that past achievements define the future, they’ll quickly find themselves left behind.

Discomfort Means You’re Growing

Change isn’t easy. It’s uncomfortable. It creates fear, uncertainty, and doubt.

But over the years, I’ve realized something powerful: that fear is actually a healthy sign.

If you feel uneasy when you’re trying something new, it means you’re pushing beyond what you know. That discomfort is proof that you’re evolving. Instead of resisting it, embrace it. Because the truth is, if you’re too comfortable, you’re probably standing still.

Innovation Starts with You

When people think of innovation, they imagine organizations, teams, or industry-wide shifts. But innovation doesn’t begin with systems, it begins with individuals.

You can’t wait for your company, your peers, or your industry to be ready. If you want change, you need to embody it first. When you lead with action, by trying new approaches, questioning assumptions, or pushing bold ideas, others eventually follow. That’s how innovation becomes contagious.

The Power of Unlearning

I’ve noticed that CPAs are trained to follow systems, rules, and established practices. That structure is valuable, but it can also hold them back if they cling to it too tightly.

Sometimes, the real skill isn’t learning something new, it's having the courage to unlearn what no longer serves you.

That might mean letting go of a process that worked a decade ago but is outdated today. It might mean challenging long-held assumptions about what success looks like. Unlearning is uncomfortable, but it’s the only way to stay relevant in a world that refuses to stand still.

Innovation Is Contagious

When one person leans into change, it inspires others. I’ve seen it happen: one individual takes a risk, experiments with something different, and suddenly the whole team starts thinking differently.

Innovation spreads through example. When you step forward, it gives others permission to do the same.

That’s why waiting for the culture to shift is a trap. Be the spark yourself.

Focus on Self-Improvement, Not External Validation

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this: you can’t wait for others to be ready before you start changing yourself.

It’s easy to think, I’ll innovate when my team is ready or I’ll grow once leadership supports it. But that mindset only holds you back.

Real innovation starts inward. When you focus on your own growth, when you commit to developing your skills, when you take bold steps regardless of external approval, that’s when real progress happens.

By shifting the focus inward, you not only stay motivated, but you also avoid the frustration of waiting for others. And here’s the irony: once you change yourself, others often follow. Change agents aren’t the ones demanding transformation from the outside, they’re the ones modeling it from within.

Ongoing Adaptability in a Disruptive World

The world isn’t slowing down. Technology, markets, and industries are evolving faster than ever. For CPAs, adaptability isn’t optional, it’s essential.

What worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. That’s why staying curious, questioning old habits, and being open to change has to become part of your daily mindset.

Disruption is constant. The real choice is whether you react to it, or adapt ahead of it.

Final Thoughts

For many CPAs, the designation feels like the finish line, but in reality, it’s just the beginning. In a world defined by disruption, the real work is about staying adaptable, unlearning old habits, and embracing innovation.

My message is simple: don’t wait for your organization or industry to change. Start with yourself. Courage, curiosity, and continuous learning are what separate those who thrive from those who fall behind.

The future doesn’t belong to the most credentialed, it belongs to the most adaptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 - What is the primary purpose of innovation in business?

Innovation is about solving problems better, making products or services stronger, and giving customers more value so the business can stay competitive.

2 - Why is innovation important in accounting?

Innovation helps accountants work smarter. Using new tools and ideas, they can save time, reduce mistakes, and give better advice to businesses instead of just handling numbers.

3 - How has technology changed the way a professional accountant works?

Technology does repetitive work like data entry and reports. Accountants can now focus on understanding numbers, giving advice, and helping businesses make smarter decisions.

4 - What role does innovation play in the success of a startup?

Innovation helps startups survive and grow. New ideas make them stand out, solve problems in unique ways, and adapt quickly to what customers need.

5 - Why is innovation important for business success?

Innovation helps businesses grow and stay ahead. Trying new ideas and improving processes makes products or services better and keeps customers happy.

About the Author:

Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.