From mindful walking to redefining worth, this conversation reveals what it really takes to thrive.
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Accounting ARC
With Arpan Grewal
Center for Accounting Transformation
In the latest Student-Led Conversations episode of Accounting ARC, high school business student Arpan Grewal steps in as guest host for a raw, reflective episode centered on mental health and resilience. In conversation with Jina Etienne, CPA, CGMA, CDE, CEO of Etienne Consulting; Rafael Casas, senior consultant with Workday; and Kiera Speed, inspiration logistician for the Center for Accounting Transformation, the episode marks a powerful contribution to Mental Health Awareness Month.
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“Mental health is something we all struggle with, whether we’re students or seasoned professionals,” says Grewal. “It’s not talked about enough, especially in accounting.”
The discussion highlights how resilience is not about perfection but progress. Etienne, a leadership consultant and former public accountant, emphasizes the importance of routines that restore mental clarity. “I had to give myself permission to take care of myself,” she explains, recounting her own challenges during tax seasons and parenting.
Casas shares his personal journey through cancer and depression, noting how professional life can sometimes serve as a harmful escape. “I used to wear ‘thriving under pressure’ like a badge of honor. But that’s not sustainable,” he reflects. “Real resilience means boundaries and self-love.”
Speed adds that burnout is often the result of flawed systems, not personal failures. “It’s time we stopped tying our value to productivity,” she says. “And that starts by supporting each other with tools, conversations, and community.”
In a world where perfection is glorified, especially across social media, the guests emphasize redefining success as an internal measure—not an external scoreboard. From mindful walking to journaling, each panelist shares tangible strategies that help them recharge and refocus.
10 Key Takeaways
- Students and professionals alike struggle with the pressure to be perfect.
- Burnout stems from systemic issues, not individual weakness.
- Resilience involves practicing self-care, not pushing through pain.
- Boundaries are essential to long-term mental health.
- Mindfulness tools—like walking or breathwork—can be powerful resets.
- Success should be measured internally, not just through accolades.
- Community support is key to mental well-being.
- Professionals must model vulnerability and authenticity.
- Tools like journaling and meditation work—if they’re the right fit for you.
- Human sustainability is just as important as technical excellence in the future of accounting.