We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

Join thousands of corporate employees who are getting the career advice they need to navigate the dynamics, politics, and microaggressions at work from #CareerConvos™️365 Day of Career Development. 

Hiring managers are paying closer attention to your LinkedIn profile than your resume, and many candidates do not realize how much weight it carries in hiring decisions.

In this episode, I break down how hiring managers and recruiters actually evaluate candidates, why LinkedIn has become a primary screening tool, and what professionals need to understand about how their profile is being interpreted before an interview ever happens.

We talk about the differences between resumes and LinkedIn profiles, how hiring managers use LinkedIn to assess credibility and fit, and the common mistakes professionals make when their LinkedIn profile does not align with their experience.

This conversation is especially relevant for professionals navigating corporate roles, accounting and finance careers, and anyone preparing for a job search or career transition.

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

In this episode of Career Convos™ with Nikki, I’m taking it back to the beginning of my CPA exam journey. I share what life looked like right after graduating from Thee Ohio State University with my accounting degree, when the CPA exam had just gone from paper to computerized and the profession was changing fast after Enron and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX).

I talk about why I started my career in industry instead of public accounting and what those first few years taught me about the real world of accounting. I moved around a lot early in my career, but each job taught me something different: from manufacturing cost accounting to joint ventures, intercompany reconciliations, and managing financial close processes. Within a few years, I went from financial analyst to accounting manager, leading a team and learning the technical and nontechnical lessons that shape how I coach accountants today.

I also share what it looked like to balance all of that with becoming a mom, starting The Winston Accounting Group (now The Winston CPA Group) before I had my CPA license, and figuring out how to grow a business while still working full time. And then there’s the moment that changed everything - a conversation with a fellow board member who challenged every excuse I had for not taking the CPA exam. That conversation lit the fire that pushed me to finally start.

In this episode, you’ll hear about the early years that set the foundation for everything I’ve built since. It’s the start of my CPA exam story, told the way it organically happened.

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

What happens when your job disappears, but your bills and ambition Don’t? In this raw and powerful episode of Career Convos™️ with Nikki, I talk candidly about what it really feels like to be laid off, and how to navigate the messy middle between endings and new beginnings.

From that gut-punch calendar invite from your boss and HR that changes everything to the silence that follows, this episode is your voice of reason and reminder: you may have lost your job, but you haven’t lost yourself. We get into:

• How to emotionally and strategically handle being laid off, let go, or impacted by a RIF
• Why pausing before jumping into the next job matters more than ever
• The art of rediscovering your value, purpose, and voice post-employment
• How to prep for interviews with clarity and without bitterness
• What “other duties as assigned” really means, and why it’s your career goldmine
• How to use rejection as redirection and avoid the resume black hole
• A word on manifesting better, not just working harder

If you're navigating career transition or feeling stuck after a job loss, let this episode walk with you.

Additional Resources:
The Self-Exploration Exercise - start yours for free.

Book 1:1 Career Coaching on NikkWinstonCPA.com

Let’s Connect:
Website: nikkwinstoncpa.com/career
Substack: Supercharged Self-Care

Threads: @NikkWinstonCPA

Share this episode with someone you know who's between jobs, rebuilding their confidence, or needs to be reminded that they are still that person - with or without the title.

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

How do you start your day? Are you rushing from one thing to the next before you’ve even had a chance to breathe? In this episode, I share how creating intentional morning rituals - like my WOOSAH Room - transformed not only how I start my day but also how I approach my career decisions.

But let’s talk about interviews. How many times have you walked into an interview hoping they’d like you?

What if they do like you - even love you - and still lead you straight into a toxic work environment? The interview isn’t about being liked. It’s about finding out if the company is worth your time and energy.

If you’re preparing for an interview, especially as an accountant, this episode will teach you how to avoid toxic work environments by asking the right questions. You’ll learn how to evaluate company culture and ask the key interview questions that professionals often overlook. 

This is the career advice you need to stop making bad job decisions and start taking control of your career development. I'm breaking down:

• How rushing through your day or career decisions can set you up for burnout.
• The importance of starting your day with intention and clarity to improve your career decisions.
• Why accountants and other professionals keep landing in jobs they hate - and how to stop it.
• Practical career development strategies to prepare for interviews and evaluate potential employers.

If you’re ready to transform your mornings, make smarter career decisions, and learn how to avoid toxic workplaces, this episode is for you. Tune in for actionable career advice and insights designed to help you thrive in your accounting career and beyond.

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

Going back to the basics with the CPA exam.

Before you start studying for any section or buying course materials, there’s a very important question you must ask yourself: are you MENTALLY prepared for the CPA exam?

I’m publishing a Financial Statements Overview session soon but for now, listen to this super important conversation about getting your head in the game and get ready to beat the CPA exam. Transistor.fm

#podcast #accountingandaccountants #cpaexamreview #cpacandidate #womeninaccounting

https://www.nikkwinstoncpa.com/cpaexam

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

In this episode of CareerConvos™️, I’m sharing the story of my real job while I was working on my undergraduate accounting degree — the job I had instead of doing accounting internships. I talk about why I skipped public accounting and how that experience gave me valuable, transferable skills that shaped my career in unexpected ways.

From negotiation and empathy to real-world communication, these lessons helped me build my leadership style and succeed on my own terms. If you’ve ever felt like your career path doesn’t fit the traditional mold or worried you’re missing out, this episode is for you.

I want to encourage you to own your story and design a career that feels right for you. If you want to build your career on your own terms, this conversation is for you.

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

Nikki Winston, CPA: Okay. So I wanna talk today to those of you who have ever left a job because you didn't like it. You maybe were bored with what you were doing. Maybe it was beneath you, or you just did not feel like you were adding any value. You didn't understand how the work that you do at your desk is part of something bigger or something grander that makes the department better or faster or provide some deeper insights that weren't there before.

The thing that we need to talk about today and the thing I want you to understand is that you cannot say that you don't like your job if you haven't challenged it. So again, you can't walk on a walk around and say, I don't like my job, or I'm quitting because I hate this job, but you've never challenged what it is that you're doing. So this is what I'm talking about. When you come into a new job, many cases, you're a backfill, and you're coming in to pick up where somebody else left off, who may have quit, or been fired, or laid off, or whatever. So, a lot of times, you're inheriting whatever that person had, whatever they were responsible for, and there's this expectation that because you're new, they need you to follow whatever that other person was doing first.

Right? And, you get to a point where you're onboarding in the job, and you're ramping up and starting to figure out how things work. But you never go back and question what you're doing, why you're doing it that way, if it can be done a better way, and how is this helping paint a better picture for the department, for the company, etcetera. And, until you go back and do that assessment, you're basically doing somebody else's job. The job of somebody who's no longer there, and you have to figure out if you're doing it the right way, if you're doing it the best way.

And then, that's where the added value comes in in your role, is that you have that eye to say, there's an opportunity here. Or you feel like, we can do this a lot better. Or, I don't know. I'm I'm I have accounting examples going through my mind of, why do we close the books in 11 days instead of 6 days? What's the bottleneck?

What's taking us so long? Are we waiting for invoices to roll in when we can accrue and move on? Or are we bottlenecked by some report from HR about contract labor that we still have not received, and it's day 5. Things like that. Asking those bigger questions instead of being a warm body in a seat is how you add the value in the role.

So, one thing that you will hear me talk about ad nauseam, if this is your first time, welcome. If it's your 50th time, welcome back. One thing you'll hear me talk about ad nauseam is having conversations with your manager and, occasionally, your skip level, your manager's manager. And the reason for that is a lot of the turnover, when we decide to leave a job, or we quit, or fired, laid off, whatever the circumstance is. It's just like being in a relationship.

A lot of your reason for leaving is probably something that could've been addressed with a conversation. And it really blows my mind, the number of people that I talk to, either we're at a networking event, they've booked a career assessment with me, they've reached out in some capacity. And one of the things I ask everybody is, how often are you talking to your manager about what you have going on, about what's keeping you up at night, how they can support you, days that you have off that are coming up soon on the calendar, in case somebody needs to cover your work. Because it might be on their calendar, but you might have put it on the calendar 3 months ago, but they forgot, because there's a lot more shit going on. And so, it it blows my mind because these are the the things that need to be talked about, And this is the purpose of you booking time with your manager.

At minimum, once a week. It can be 20 or 30 minute conversation. Doesn't have to be super formal. There are some managers, and I'm gonna talk about this in detail in another episode. I think I did already.

Yeah. So there's already an episode where I've gone into detail about the importance of managing your manager. And keeping in mind that your manager is also managing their career. They're managing people. So they're having things come down on them from their managers and their skip levels.

And then they have to disseminate things to you and still be there for you in terms of guidance and coaching. So, you have to make sure that you keep yourself on the radar, and don't expect your manager to approach you to have conversations or initiate these sorts of things. Because at the end of the day, and the beginning of the next, you are in the driver's seat of your career. And, this is an aspect of you taking charge and really owning your career and building the career that you want. And so, if you have not had these conversations because you feel like, that feels awkward, or I don't know how to initiate the conversation, or I don't wanna just be sitting in the conference room across from my manager, and we don't have anything to talk about.

And I was the same way early in my career when I was trying to figure out how do I make sure that my manager knows that I exist, because there's a bunch of people on my team. I don't wanna get lost in the sauce. And I said I put myself in my manager's shoes, and I said, if I was my manager and somebody came to me and wanted to talk to me, what are some things we should be talking about? And so, talking about what's on your to do list, what you have going...

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

In this episode of Career Convos with Nikki, I share my personal journey navigating the choice between public accounting and industry. I talk about the early career pressures I faced, the stigma around public accounting, and why I intentionally chose a different path. I also discuss the challenges of job hopping, finding the right fit, and how I learned to trust my instincts when it comes to career moves.

I reflect on my time at GE, where I truly grew professionally and developed deep expertise in capital markets and securitization. I explain why it took me almost nine months to get comfortable with my role and how that experience shaped my approach to career growth.

If you’re an accountant weighing your options or feeling unsure about the traditional career blueprint, this episode offers honest insights and encouragement to build a fulfilling career that works for you.

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

This episode of #CareerConvos™️ with Nikki is about: 

• Speaking up in meetings, letting your presence be known
• Having an agenda for your meetings - even if you create your own
• Everything you think and feel doesn't need to be put in the universe
• Own the energy that you bring into the environment
• Whether you're at the office or at the house, get dressed for workThere's nothing "soft" about soft skills, they're transferable and they can take you far
• There are things at work that you can't control, but there are things that you can control: your appearance, your energy, your attitude, and your effort

And if you take away nothing else from this episode, take this as your career advice from me: 

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

Don’t assume that your manager really knows what you're up to at work. They too have a career to manage + other people, so your stuff isn’t always top of mind. Join me to explore practical ways to manage upward and use your influence, regardless of your job title. 

From improving communication to highlighting your achievements effectively, this episode of #CareerConvos™️ with Nikki gives you the tools to steer your career. Learn how to navigate office dynamics confidently so your hard work gets noticed. 

Tap in and discover how to shape your professional journey strategically!

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

You're burned out at work. Before you go looking for a new job, ask yourself: What are you running TO, or what are you running away FROM?

In this episode of Career Convos with Nikki, I'm talking about burnout, corporate drama, and the challenges of networking in a remote world. With over one-third of employees looking for new jobs and more than 7.8 million people having already left their positions, burnout is a significant issue we can't ignore. I'll explore a crucial question: Are you running to something better or running away from your current situation?

As you consider leaving your job, it's important to reflect on a few key aspects. I'll discuss what to evaluate before making a career move and how to navigate the corporate landscape during these turbulent times.

Here's a guide to go along with this episode to help you manage up and navigate the office antics: Smart 1:1 Guide for Employee Manager Meetings

Some highlights in this episode:

Burnout in the Workplace
   - It's crazy that 7.8 MILLION people have left their jobs due to burnout, entrepreneurship, and other reasons
   - Do you wake up excited to go to work?

Corporate Drama
   - Don't leave your job because of another person
   - The impact of corporate culture on employee well-being

Networking in a Remote World
   - Don't get lost in the virtual sauce
   - Strategies for building and maintaining professional relationships remotely

Self-Reflection Before a Career Move
   - Key questions to ask yourself about job fulfillment
   - Evaluating your motivations and goals

Get Help with a Career Assessment
If you're feeling overwhelmed or considering a career change, let's talk. Schedule a career assessment with me. Let's find the professional clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

Also download the guide to having 1:1 conversations with your manager so it doesn't feel awkward or forced.

I hope this episode helps you find the clarity and motivation to take charge of your career. You deserve it!

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

I’m Nikki, a CPA, corporate accounting executive, and WERKin' Momma with a passion for sharing career experiences and guidance for accounting and finance professionals. 

Each episode is a conversation about what you need to know as you build your brand, work your way up the corporate ladder, and managing up, down, and across your organization. You'll get the unfiltered, unedited truth, as we have real conversations about what it really means to DO THE WORK to empower you to take charge of your career. So, grab your your water, your tea, your whiskey, or your coffee and let's go!

Visit nikkwinstoncpa.com/career to schedule a career assessment with me plus explore resources like interview prep, building your brand, networking, and career coaching to help you elevate your career.

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

Career Q&A: should I still give notice if I leave a job because of a toxic workplace?

My answer is YES.

Don’t let a toxic workplace dictate how you carry yourself. Handle professional situations with grace no matter what. For these reasons:

1. Somebody’s coming into that job after you. Don’t make it harder for them because of what you had going on. In fact, make it easier for them because they’re about to be dealing with the same problems you dealt with. 
2. Once you allow the toxic workplace to rub off on you and impact your behavior, you’ll carry that, in some aspect, to a new role and worse…
3. Into your personal life. How many times have you complained to a friend or family member about the fuckery you’re dealing with at work? Now you’re spreading the negativity that you’re trying to get away from to people you love. 
4. On that same note, I know you got some small words you wanna say to your manager. Are you willing to degrade your brand over it? It’s really not worth it and won’t make a difference because… point 5!
5. The leaders in a toxic workplace already know their workplace is toxic, yet they do nothing about it. 

Toxic work environments permeate the ecosystem of a business. It shows in how the company treats employees, through interactions with customers, even how they pay their bills. 

So the job didn’t turn out to be what you thought it was. You wound up working for a manager that shouldn’t have been a manager. It happens, it’s OK. 

The takeaways:

1. Don’t let a bad work environment define you. Being in toxic work environments is a reminder to be more selective in the jobs you choose. 
2. Don’t take a job because it’s convenient or pays more - everything is negotiable. 
3. Preserve your brand, even if you don’t like your coworkers. All it takes is a hot second to destroy your reputation. Don’t buy in to the pettiness. 

You have to develop the ability to work with people you don’t like. That’s a deeper conversation. 

What if an interviewer asks you why you’re leaving your job? Would you say it’s because of a toxic workplace or something else? We'll talk about that on another episode.

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

In this episode of Career Convos™ with Nikki, I reflect on the important lessons I learned during the challenging process of buying a new construction home. I dive into why discomfort is essential for growth and how pushing through uncomfortable situations, whether voluntary or involuntary, builds resilience and prepares you for bigger wins ahead.

I share personal stories about patience, managing uncertainty, and staying focused on the prize despite setbacks and delays. From navigating supply chain issues to balancing emotions, I talk about embracing discomfort as a necessary part of any meaningful journey.

If you are feeling stuck, anxious, or afraid to take the next leap, whether in your career, finances, or personal life, this episode offers encouragement and practical insight on how discomfort is temporary but the rewards on the other side are worth it.

Thanks for listening. I hope this episode inspires you to lean into growth and trust your own path. Do not forget to join the conversation with #CareerConvos™.

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

In this episode of #CareerConvos™ with Nikki I open up about embracing discomfort during some of the most challenging times in my career and personal life. I share how I made the difficult decision to leave a toxic job without having another lined up and how that led me to fully invest in my businesses. From there I talk about how Microsoft found me when I was clear on what I wanted next and how stepping into a new leadership role meant going back to being a beginner and embracing that vulnerability. I discuss why discomfort is essential for growth and how leaning into those uncomfortable moments whether in your career business or personal life can lead to breakthroughs. If you are feeling uncertain or stuck I encourage you to lean into your discomfort and trust that it is part of your journey toward something greater. 

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

Hey y’all. I’m Nikki Winston and welcome to #CareerConvos™️ with Nikki. I’m a mompreneur, CPA, and writer sharing real career advice, CPA exam tips, and the highs and lows of balancing work and motherhood.

Today I want to talk about how to leave a job the right way. Employees don’t quit companies they quit people. Usually toxic managers or environments. Sometimes it’s just time to grow even if it’s emotional.

Here is my advice for bowing out gracefully. First tell your immediate manager before anyone else. Have an honest conversation about your resignation. Second follow up with a simple written notice that states your last day no long explanations needed. Third clean up your desk and projects and help prepare your successor so the transition is smooth. Fourth take time to decompress before your next step. Finally stay connected with former colleagues because those relationships matter.

Also always give proper notice two weeks minimum ideally a month if you can. It is about respect and professionalism and it sets you and your employer up for success.

That is it for today. Thanks for tuning in. Share this episode subscribe and use the hashtag #CareerConvos when you listen.

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

In this episode of Career Convos with Nikki, I dive into three important interview questions that can help you avoid landing in a job that doesn’t fit your style or goals. Drawing from my own experiences, I talk about why it’s crucial to ask about what it’s really like to work somewhere, the leadership style of your potential manager, and why the last person left the role you’re interviewing for.

I share real stories about dealing with micromanagement, toxic environments, and how knowing the right questions to ask can save you from frustration and burnout. Whether you’re fresh out of school or several years into your career, understanding the culture and management style of a company can make all the difference in your job satisfaction and growth.

If you’ve ever wondered how to read between the lines in an interview or how to get clarity before accepting a new role, this episode is packed with honest advice and actionable tips to help you take control of your career journey.

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

In this deeply personal episode of CareerConvos™️, I reflect on my very first job fresh out of college, the awkward, eye-opening, and invaluable lessons that shaped my career path. From the handwritten thank-you note that set me apart to navigating a manufacturing facility in stilettos and steel toes, this story is about showing up authentically and embracing the unspoken realities of corporate America.

I share how early challenges, tough love from my first real boss, and relentless curiosity pushed me to grow beyond the numbers and into a confident professional who knows how to navigate complex environments. If you’re seeking real-world career advice grounded in experience, especially about standing out, learning the unwritten rules, and owning your journey, this episode is for you.

Whether you’re new to the workforce or a seasoned pro looking for a fresh perspective, these reflections remind us all that there’s no shortcut to growth, but there is power in the work.

Tune in and get ready to lean into the lessons that aren’t in the handbook but make all the difference.

Visit the #CareerConvos™️ page on NikkWinstonCPA.com for more career guidance.

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

I was feeling great in this episode of #CareerConvos™️ with Nikki and also shared part of my fitness journey. I wasn't progressing toward my fitness goals the way I'd hoped. That required me to up my effort and do something different. I needed to reasses my workouts, eating habits, and the barriers to getting where I wanted to be. I invested in a trainer, started meal planning, and had to prioritize doing the work. 

The result was looking and feeling better but also the discipline of showing up knowing that it's going to be wildly uncomfortable now, but worth it later. 

It's the same concept with career development. If what you're doing isn't getting you closer to the goal, it's time to invest in yourself. 

Make time to invest in the things that get you closer to where you want to be. 

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

In this episode of CareerConvos™️, I dive into the critical role of midyear reviews and ongoing one-on-one conversations with your manager. Drawing from my own experience at GE, where transparent feedback and active career conversations shaped my growth, I share why checking in regularly with your boss is essential for professional development.

Whether your company has formal review processes or not, having candid conversations about your progress, goals, and areas for improvement can prevent surprises come year-end evaluations and open doors for advancement. I also share practical tips on how to initiate these discussions and why owning your career development is a game changer.

If you’re ready to finish the year strong and build a foundation for your next promotion or raise, this episode offers honest insights, encouragement, and a simple one-on-one template to help you take control of your career journey.

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

We talk about navigating layoffs, dealing with microaggressions, managing up, and advocating for yourself in rooms where no one looks like you. Grab your coffee, an old fashioned, or some lemon mint water and let's get into this conversation.
If you haven't already, join thousands of corporate employees who seek out my career advice to navigate the things they deal with at work everyday with #CareerConvos™️365 Days of Career Development. Each week I'm giving you a new piece of career advice plus career development resources you can use right now.

And of course as a Black CPA, I must address the accounting pipeline issues, the fear future CPAs feel about the CPA exam, and how my proven CPA exam review and coaching programs have helped CPA candidates finally pass those exams they keep failing. CPA candidates tell me my CPA exam coaching program helps them easily understand difficult accounting concepts and they appreciate my way of CPA exam review that's less boring.

You'll come across special edition episodes of #CareerConvos™️with Nikki as I'll occassionally pause (like you should at work) and talk about wellness, money, kids, entrepreneurship and more. I'm glad that you found the #CareerConvos™️with Nikki podcast and excited for you to come along for the ride.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

Hey y’all, I’m Nikki Winston and welcome to #CareerConvos™️ with Nikki. Today I’m talking about job hopping and the debate around whether it’s good or bad for your career. Early in my career, I moved around a lot for different reasons — relocations, divestitures, bad culture, or toxic managers. I believe if you hate your job, you shouldn’t stay just to build tenure. Being unhappy at work hurts you and the team.

I also discuss the importance of building real relationships with recruiters before expecting them to find you a job. It’s about long-term connections not instant placements. Sometimes people chase titles or money and jump jobs too quickly. But job hopping isn’t always bad - context matters.

I share how I manage my team with honest conversations and support for their growth. Leadership means people management and making sure your team feels valued and engaged. Thanks for listening and join the conversation by tagging me @NikkWinstonCPA and using #CareerConvos™️.

Let’s keep the conversation going at nikkwinstoncpa.com/career

If this episode reflects what you’re living through at work, book time on my calendar for career coaching.  We’ll talk through the realities of your current job, what’s shifting around you, and how to position yourself for the job you love - and loves you back.

CPA exam coaching sessions are available on my CPA Exam page. I've also shared CPA exam coaching session replays, exam tutorials, and the exact steps I took to pass the CPA exam over there.

Make sure we're connected - I hang out on Threads (@nikkwinstoncpa), LinkedIn, and on YouTube.