March 8th is a day for women around the world to come together and celebrate our achievements. But it\u2019s also a reminder that there\u2019s more work to be done. This year\u2019s theme, Accelerate Action<\/em>, challenges us to rethink how we move forward in closing the gender gap. At the current rate, we won\u2019t see gender parity until 2158. That\u2019s five generations from now. Let\u2019s change that trajectory.<\/p>\n At DMCL, we believe in the power of women to lead, inspire, and break barriers. To celebrate International Women\u2019s Day, we\u2019ve chatted with three inspiring women leaders at DMCL who have not only accelerated their own careers but also exemplify resilience, leadership, and a commitment to being change-makers. They\u2019re not just inspiring themselves\u2014they\u2019re guiding and mentoring the next generation of women to take bold steps forward.<\/p>\n What\u2019s one common misconception in the accounting profession or professional services industries that you\u2019ve had to break down or challenge?<\/em><\/p>\n Raj Dosanjh, Manager, Private Enterprise<\/strong> Can you share a time you took a risk in your career that paid off, and what advice would you give to women who are hesitating to take their own leap forward?<\/em><\/p>\n Krissy Schmidt, Director of Marketing and Communications, Firm Operations<\/strong> When passion and work align, incredible things happen. Over the next six years, I not only advanced rapidly within the organization, but I also had the opportunity to build and lead multiple teams from the ground up. Along the way, I gained invaluable professional development and experience that shaped my career in ways I never could have predicted.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve always been mindful of living a life without \u2018what ifs.\u2019 What if I hadn\u2019t taken that demotion? Would my career have stagnated? For any woman hesitating to take a leap forward, I\u2019d encourage you to look at your life in 1, 5, or 10 years and ask yourself: What if I don\u2019t do this? The reality is, the worst that can happen is someone says no\u2014but the best that can happen is life-changing. You\u2019ll never know unless you try.\u201d<\/p>\n As someone who actively mentors staff, what advice do you have for young women entering the accounting profession to help them grow into strong leaders? What actionable steps can they take early in their careers to position themselves for success?<\/em><\/p>\n Jana Moore, CPA, CA, Partner<\/strong> When you are trying to work your way into a more senior role, having the technical skills to do the job will be required and it\u2019s best to have a wide base of knowledge. The wonderful thing about expanding your network within your organization is that if you have questions (you can\u2019t know everything in this profession), you know someone to ask!<\/p>\n To me, there are four main areas a young professional should work on to set them up for success down the road:<\/p>\n Having worked with a variety of clients, from real estate to professional services, what\u2019s one action women can take to ensure their voices are heard and valued, no matter the industry they\u2019re in?<\/em><\/p>\n Raj Dosanjh, Manager, Private Enterprise<\/strong> You\u2019re known for your commitment to quality and never settling for \u2018good enough.\u2019 How do you inspire other women to not just meet expectations, but to challenge themselves?<\/em><\/p>\n Krissy Schmidt, Director of Marketing and Communications, Firm Operations<\/strong> Anyone who has worked with me knows two things: I\u2019m passionate, and I persevere. No matter how many times I get knocked down, I always get back up\u2014because I love what I do, I believe in my work, and I\u2019m committed to seeing it through. My hope is that by showing up every day with resilience and determination, I encourage others to push past limitations, challenge themselves, and redefine what\u2019s possible.\u201d<\/p>\n Do you think women in public practice face unique challenges compared to their male counterparts when it comes to leadership opportunities and partnership roles? How can women navigate these challenges more effectively?<\/em><\/p>\n Jana Moore, CPA, CA, Partner<\/strong> Women also worry about work-life balance and how leadership opportunities or promotions will affect that balance (especially if you have a family like I do). Speaking with your senior team members and getting their input on the expectations for the role and how they maintain a work-life balance is useful information when weighing an opportunity. Discussing flexibilities that your team would be willing to work with to accommodate you (i.e., starting earlier or later in the day) is also something that I strongly encourage. Work-life balance at any job is difficult, so having open and honest communication will go a long way in deciding if an opportunity is right for you.\u201d<\/p>\n Thank you very much to Raj, Jana, and Krissy for sharing their valuable experiences and insights into being women who accelerate action in their careers and beyond. Their advice is not just for those looking to move forward in their professional lives, but also for those who want to inspire other women to do the same.<\/p>\n As we celebrate International Women\u2019s Day, let\u2019s come together\u2014not just in the office but in our community and in the world\u2014as women and leaders. Let\u2019s accelerate action, challenge the norms, and build the future we want to see.<\/p>\nA Major Factor in Accelerating Action for Gender Equality: Challenging Old Norms<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u201cAs a mom who took two years off on maternity leave, one common misconception I\u2019ve had to challenge in the accounting profession is the assumption that taking a career break, especially for reasons like maternity leave, automatically means you\u2019re less committed or capable. People often assume that being away from work for that long would hinder your career growth or make you less competitive, when in reality, it\u2019s given me a new perspective, stronger time-management skills, and a greater appreciation for work-life balance. I\u2019ve had to break the norm that a \u2018gap\u2019 in your career is a setback. Instead, it\u2019s an opportunity to show flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to prioritize and balance multiple responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.dmcl.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Raj-SQ-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nBig Progress Requires Bold Moves<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u201cConventional wisdom often tells us never to take a step back in our careers. But in 2014, I faced an opportunity to merge two of my greatest passions into a new role\u2014one that came with a demotion in both pay and seniority at a new company. On paper, it looked like a step down. In reality, it was the gateway to my dream job.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.dmcl.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Krissy-SQ.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nMentorship: The Key to Becoming Strong Leaders<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u201cMy biggest piece of advice to young female professionals is to say \u2018yes\u2019 to opportunities \u2013 especially if they make you uncomfortable. An opportunity to present information to junior staff \u2013 say yes! Asked to take on a file that has issues that you have never seen before \u2013 say yes! Work with people in another office or on a team project \u2013 say yes! Exposure to new concepts and working with others within the firm will help expand your technical knowledge and your network.<\/p>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.dmcl.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Jana-SQ.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nEnsuring Your Voice Is Heard, No Matter the Industry<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u201cOne action women can take to ensure their voices are heard and valued, no matter the industry, is to speak up confidently in every conversation, whether it\u2019s in meetings or one-on-one discussions. It\u2019s important to share your ideas, ask questions, and advocate for yourself. When women speak up with confidence, they not only make their voices heard but also set an example for others to do the same.\u201d<\/p>\nChallenging Expectations and Raising Standards<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u201cI firmly believe that the most powerful way to inspire others is by leading through action. Time and time again, I\u2019ve seen how even the smallest actions or details can leave a lasting impression on those around me.<\/p>\nNavigating Challenges in Public Practice<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u201cI do believe that women face unique challenges in comparison to their male colleagues. In my experience, women don\u2019t ask for promotions in a direct fashion \u2013 they believe they will be offered opportunities because of their merits. Asking for a promotion or a leadership opportunity can be uncomfortable but it really is the best way to let your team know what you want to do with your career. <\/p>\nConclusion: Accelerating Action Starts with Us<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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