Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Together in the Trenches

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast! In today's episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Stacey Stokeley, an enrolled agent and the CEO of Bay to Baker Tax Service in beautiful Washington State.

Stacey is not your typical accountant. With a passion for adventure, she brings a unique perspective to the world of taxes and accounting. When she's not in the office, you can find her exploring the woods or enjoying the water, whether it's frozen or not. Bay to Baker Tax Service, which began on a ski lift in the foothills of Mount Baker, has now expanded its services to clients throughout the United States.

Adventure in Business

In Stacey's words, her adventurous spirit is not just a personal pursuit but a philosophy she brings to her business. Bay to Baker Tax Service offers tax preparation and planning services for individuals and small to medium-sized businesses across the US. Stacey's goal is to empower her clients to navigate the often intimidating waters of taxes with confidence, ensuring they not only understand their financials but also use them to make informed decisions for their businesses and lives.

Leadership Lesson from Captain Dave

Stacey recounts a leadership lesson from her early years working on cruise ships. She highlights the remarkable leadership of Captain Dave, who defied the traditional hierarchy by getting down in the trenches with the crew. In times of crisis, such as a widespread illness on the ship, Captain Dave's willingness to perform tasks alongside the crew, like washing pots and pans, left a lasting impact on Stacey's philosophy of leadership.

Stacey reflects on how this experience reshaped her approach to management. Captain Dave's hands-on leadership style challenged the hierarchical view of leadership, inspiring Stacey to be more accessible and supportive to her team. The importance of being available to the team, both in challenging times and for day-to-day support, became a key aspect of Stacey's leadership style.

Connect with Stacey

Stacey invites individuals, especially small to medium-sized businesses, to reach out if they're seeking an accountant who brings a sense of adventure (in a good way!) to the world of taxes. She aims to empower and demystify the tax process, making it a more positive and informed experience for her clients.

Connect with Stacey on Instagram and consider booking a free one hour consultation with her to get yourself ready for the upcoming tax season!

Your host, Jessica Wright, is the Founder and Life & Career Development Coach for Leaders at Wright Life Coaching, LLC.