Accounting Today

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INTERVIEWS
VIDEO
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Drew M. A partner in a large regional firm, Drew entered the Masters Program with a high degree of skepticism. In this engaging case study interview, Drew shares how he first struggled with much of what he was hearing in Masters. Upon deeper reflection, he had two powerful, unexpected insights that completely transformed his experience as a professional. His description of how this all impacted him personally is quite moving.

What else have you learned from this Master’s experience? It came when you asked us to come with our challenges. I was presenting, and at a certain point you turned and said to me, I think the problem is, “there is no problem.” That may have come to you in 30 seconds of brilliance, but to me it was a really, really important statement and helped me tremendously. I think that statement, with the concept of suspending self-interest, those two fit well together. Because once I understood from you that the problem is “no problem” that’s a great problem to have. I was able to cogitate on that, and accept it, and agree with you, that the problem was that I was looking for problems where none existed. Once you realize that, it’s a very lucky place for someone to be.

You were looking for problems?

I realized, yes, he’s absolutely right. I’m looking for problems. Then it fit, it fit like a glove. I don’t have any problems, so I don’t have any self interest in this outcome. Where someone who may feel for some reason that they have problems, maybe their practice isn’t big enough, or they’re trying hard to, say, transition from one practitioner to another, it’s going to be harder for them to suspend their self-interest.