Meet Kendale King

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kendale King. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kendale, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being the only one in the room that looks like me has taught me to be genuine and fully aware of the circumstances of my situation. I’ve learned to focus on performing at my highest ability, ensuring that my work speaks for itself. At the same time, I strive to be considerate of everyone else in the room, listening, and valuing their perspectives as much as possible.

I also recognize that I’m not just there for myself; I’m paving the way for others who might follow. That’s why I try not to give anyone a reason to doubt why I belong in that space. But beyond proving my worth, I’m also intentional about carving my own lane. I work to facilitate and shape the room I’m in rather than just occupying someone else’s space. It’s about building environments where people like me don’t just fit in but thrive.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a CPA and the founder of KCK CPA, a consulting firm that focuses on the unique financial needs of entertainers, content creators, and digital asset entrepreneurs. What excites me most about my work is that it goes beyond traditional accounting; it’s about empowering my clients with the financial tools and knowledge they need to turn their passion into a thriving business. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of digital assets or helping creators manage their finances, I get to bridge the gap between creativity and financial literacy.

One of the most special aspects of what I do is that I’m not just offering services; I’m creating a community and changing perceptions. I recently launched CPAcon, a convention that celebrates accountants the way the NBA All-Star Weekend celebrates athletes. It’s a place for forward-thinking accountants and financial professionals to come together, compete, learn about industry developments, and explore diverse pathways in accounting beyond the traditional audit and tax roles. This year, I’m working on expanding CPAcon and introducing mini-games leading up to the event to keep people engaged.

Through KCK CPA and CPAcon, I’m dedicated to changing the narrative of accounting, making it more inclusive, dynamic, and innovative. I want people to know that finance can be both exciting and empowering, and I’m here to help guide them on that journey.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are drive, kindness, and a commitment to constant learning.

First, being driven and ambitious—staying hungry—is what pushed me to quit my stable job during the pandemic to start my own firm and create something unique with CPAcon. That drive kept me focused, even when things got tough, and reminded me to keep pushing boundaries.

Second, kindness has played a huge role. Leading with kindness has opened doors, built lasting relationships, and fostered trust with clients and peers. It’s easy to forget the power of simple kindness in business, but it has always been a cornerstone of who I am and how I operate.

Lastly, constantly learning has been crucial. The industries I work in—entertainment and digital assets—are rapidly changing, so I have to stay informed and adaptable. I’m always looking for new knowledge and skills to better serve my clients and grow my business.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to be genuine to who you are. Don’t try to fit into someone else’s mold; carve your own path and stay true to your vision. Always lead with kindness, because it will take you further than you might think. And never stop learning—whether it’s new industry trends or personal development, that hunger for knowledge will set you apart.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

My biggest area of growth in the past 12 months has definitely been learning to focus. I’ve always had a lot of ideas and talents, which can be both a blessing and a curse. In the past, I would jump from one idea to another without fully committing to a single direction. But over the past year, I realized the power of focusing my energy on specific goals to make meaningful progress.

My wife has been on me about this for as long as I’ve known her—constantly reminding me to stay focused and see things through. And she was right! Learning to narrow my focus has helped me make bigger strides in my business, like refining the services of KCK CPA and expanding CPAcon. It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey to channel my creativity and ambition into more structured and impactful initiatives.

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