The Accounting of a Justice
Personal Reflections: Leadership Lessons from Ketanji Brown Jackson’s The Lovely One for Accounting Leaders
As an accounting leader, I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of leadership and personal values. Last week, I attended a discussion for the book release of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s memoir The Lovely One. As the first Black woman to access the Supreme Court, it struck me how relatable her journey is—not just for myself, but for many Black women, professionals in law or government, and anyone in leadership—including accounting. Her story sparked much personal reflection on how we lead in our profession, and I wanted to share some of the lessons I’ve drawn from her book.
1. Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Justice Jackson writes:
“Adversity is not the enemy of success; it is the very condition that gives rise to it.”
When I read this line from Justice Jackson, it hit home. Her ability to face enormous pressure and still move forward reminded me of those moments in my career when I had to dig deep and keep going, even when things felt overwhelming. In my world, I am constantly tested by new regulations, changing markets, and economic uncertainty. I am also tested by overt racism, career-limiting stereotypes, and silly rumors on social media about people who share my country of origin (I wonder, when I get on Zoom, do my Zoom participants believe these rumors, think that …).
Challenges in leadership, especially in accounting, are inevitable. I’ve navigated cultural differences, fought against assumptions, and worked through tough audits. It’s resilience, not just technical skill, that has often carried me through those difficult times.
2. Community and Family as Your Foundation
Justice Jackson’s memoir emphasizes the importance of community and family. She writes:
“You are never alone in your struggle; the village that surrounds you will help you rise.”
This resonates deeply, especially as a working mom. I often rely on my village—my team, my family, and my community—to help shoulder immense responsibilities. I may be the one signing off on reports, guiding accounting or audit processes, or overseeing compliance, but I don’t do it alone. My team works behind the scenes, my colleagues support and encourage me, my husband reminds me it’s okay to sleep, and my daughters? They give me the best reason to get up and do it all over again.
The support I’ve received from my family has been invaluable. Whether it's balancing motherhood with executive responsibilities or leaning on my team during a busy close, the lesson is clear: don’t underestimate the power of community. In accounting, fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration is vital. Encouraging your team to support each other leads to more resilient, cohesive outcomes.
Attending the book discussion with my village
3. Work Ethic: Doing the Hard Work Without Expectation
One of the standout moments in The Lovely One was when Justice Jackson reflected on her work ethic, stating:
“True effort is often unseen, but it is the cornerstone of greatness.”
This couldn’t be truer in the world of accounting. Much of what we do—whether it’s preparing financial statements, reconciling discrepancies, or managing compliance issues—happens behind the scenes. It's not glamorous, but it’s the backbone of our profession.
The lesson here for accounting leaders is to lead by example. You might not always get recognition for the long hours, hard decisions, or menial details, but your work drives the organization forward and keeps the lights on. Inspire your team to take pride in doing the hard work without needing constant validation.
4. Grit and Passion Drive Long-Term Success
Justice Jackson’s journey shows that grit is essential for long-term success. She writes:
“The fire inside me was not one of rage, but of unrelenting determination.”
In accounting and leadership, we often face obstacles that test our endurance, like impossible expectations or challenging financial environments. Grit pushes us forward when everything else tells us to give up. Whether it's going through complex audits, leading a team through restructuring, or managing economic downturns, determination is key.
Passion, too, plays a vital role. You need to love what you do—or at least love the impact of your work. For me, it’s about the passion for building strong financial foundations for the companies I’ve worked with. I confess that I get bored with the monthly close routine but get excited about solving problems for my employees and my organization. I am passionate about solving problems!
Passion keeps us engaged even when the day-to-day challenges feel insurmountable.
5. Leadership Is a Balancing Act
Finally, Justice Jackson reflects on the delicate balance that leadership requires.
“To lead is to juggle the weight of responsibility with the humility of service.”
As accounting leaders, we know this well. We’re responsible for making critical decisions but also serve our teams, our organizations, and the stakeholders who rely on us. Leadership requires both strength and vulnerability, decisiveness and empathy.
In my career, I’ve found that leading effectively means being flexible—balancing results with people, process with compassion, and profitability with ethics. This lesson from The Lovely One reminds me that leadership is about striking that perfect balance. It’s not just about getting the job done but getting it done right, with a little grace (and maybe a lot of coffee/ or showers).
In conclusion, Justice Jackson’s reflections in The Lovely One offer some powerful lessons for accounting leaders. Resilience, community, work ethic, grit, and balance are the cornerstones of effective leadership. And while accounting may not always be glamorous, leading with these principles makes a world of difference, both in the books and the boardroom.
*I have enjoyed this book (and the Audible version)
#ketanjibrownjackson #thebalancedsheets #cpa #supremecourt #leadership
