Courtney Lindsey
Associate Director, Talent
EY
Houston, TX USA
“A strong work ethic now is a skill that will open doors for you later. Even better, it can be developed. Show up today and you will be the one they want to show up tomorrow.”
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
After becoming a CPA and spending 2 years at a Big 4 Accounting Firm, I leave for a position with more predictable hours. However, I feel I'm not developing professionally as quickly.
I return to public accounting on a flexible work arrangement (fewer clients / hours). I find it possible to have the challenging work I love and take the breaks I want.
With the goal of eventually pursuing a career in education, I take a side position as accounting faculty at a community college and volunteer for Junior Achievement to develop my teaching skills.
After having 2 children, I decide to stay home for a couple years. My firm arranges limited contract work for me. I'm grateful I find a way to keep working a little so I can easily ramp up later.
To fully meet accreditation standards for college accounting faculty, I need additional graduate accounting hours, so I return to school to prepare myself for a possible future career change.
After working for a few years as an Audit Senior Manager I decide to interview for a full-time faculty position. I invest much time in the process but ultimately decide it isn't for me.
I accept a trial role in Talent, with a focus on internal learning programs. One of my first assignments is leading a team to host an event for over 1,000 professionals - well outside my comfort zone!
After permanently transferring to Talent, I take a strong interest in personal well-being and now find ways to pursue work projects that also align to this personal passion
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Graduate
MBA
Sam Houston State University
MBA
Sam Houston State University
Certification/License
CPA
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
CPA
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Career
Associate Director, Talent
I create and implement talent strategy
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Business
Writing
Problem Solving
Day to Day
No day is typical as I enjoy much variety in my work. I usually spend time independently drafting content related to the projects I'm working on and the remainder virtually meeting with colleagues from across the country. The nature of my work can range from standing up a new operational process, overseeing learning events, teaching a class, or developing a creative concept for an inspirational video.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Adopt the right mindset. Be intensely curious and strive to excel where you are. Show up to everything like it's exactly where you want to be. It's easy to put in less than your best effort because you feel uninspired, while planning to step it up when you finally get to your 'dream' career. But a strong work ethic now is a skill that will open doors for you later. Even better, it can be developed. Show up today and you will be the one they want to show up tomorrow.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Family:
"You shouldn't stay in public accounting, you work too hard / many hours."
