Client Snapshot
The Missouri Society of CPAs (MOCPA) supports accounting professionals across the state through continuing education, professional development, and member engagement programming. As the profession evolves, MOCPA prioritizes learning experiences that help members strengthen relationships, navigate change, and lead effectively in complex environments.
The Challenge
Accounting professionals operate in a high-stakes, relationship-driven field where trust, communication, and sound judgment matter as much as technical expertise. Yet many professionals are asked to adapt to shifting expectations—new ways of working, changing client needs, and increased attention to inclusion—without clear frameworks for how to do so well.
MOCPA wanted programming that would resonate with a diverse audience of CPAs: practical, respectful of their time, and grounded in real-world application. The goal was not performative DEI work, but essential skills members could apply immediately to improve decision-making, networking, and professional relationships.
The Partnership
MOCPA partnered with Amy Waninger, Founder & CEO of Lead at Any Level®, to deliver virtual professional development sessions focused on inclusive networking and resilient interpersonal skills.
The partnership emphasized:
Clear learning objectives aligned with member needs
Highly interactive session design suitable for virtual delivery
Content that balanced reflection with action
Sessions such as Network Beyond Bias and Building Resilient Connections were tailored to the CPA context, helping participants examine how bias, assumptions, and communication habits shape professional outcomes—and what to do differently.
The Experience
Rather than relying on lecture-heavy content, Amy designed sessions that invited participants to actively engage through guided exercises, self-assessment, and practical tools.
Attendees described the experience as:
Engaging without being overwhelming
Thought-provoking but approachable
Immediately applicable to their work
Participants highlighted specific activities that helped them recognize unconscious decision-making patterns, reflect on their professional networks, and intentionally practice more inclusive behaviors.
One attendee shared that the session helped them think more consciously about how comfort, bias, and habit influence everyday decisions. Another cited the value of focusing attention on where inclusive behaviors matter most, rather than trying to “do everything at once.”
The Results
Across multiple feedback channels, the results were consistent and strong.
Audience Outcomes
- 100% of participants found the sessions valuable
- Nearly all attendees indicated they would attend a similar session again
- Sessions received high ratings for being relevant, engaging, interactive, and practical
Program Effectiveness
Learning objectives were met
Materials and exercises contributed meaningfully to participant learning
Overall program quality received strong ratings
Participants noted that the sessions helped them recenter, reflect, and walk away with concrete ideas for improving professional relationships
Client Feedback
MOCPA rated the collaboration highly, noting Amy’s organization, preparedness, and ease of partnership. They highlighted the value of interactive design—especially in a virtual environment—and emphasized that participants left with tools they could put into action immediately.
Why It Worked
This engagement succeeded because it treated inclusive leadership as a set of essential, learnable skills—not an abstract concept. By meeting professionals where they are and respecting the realities of their work, the sessions created space for insight, reflection, and meaningful behavior change.
The partnership demonstrated that when professional development focuses on both mindset and practice, participants stay engaged—and organizations strengthen their credibility as trusted learning partners.
Looking Ahead
MOCPA continues to explore professional development opportunities that support members’ growth as leaders, collaborators, and decision-makers.
This work illustrates how thoughtfully designed learning experiences can help professionals navigate change, strengthen connection, and lead more intentionally—regardless of role or tenure.