We were lucky to catch up with Victoria Thayer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Victoria, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
I developed my ability to take risks through one of the most challenging experiences of my life: moving from Venezuela to the USA. At the time, I had no family or friends to support me, and my English-speaking skills were very rough. This move was not only a significant leap geographically but also an immense personal challenge.
The decision to move was driven by a desire for better opportunities, but it came with immense uncertainty. I had to navigate a completely new culture, understand and adapt to different social norms, and learn to communicate effectively in a language that I was not comfortable with. The fear of the unknown was overwhelming, but I knew that staying in my comfort zone would limit my growth.
This move tested my resilience. Every day brought new obstacles, from finding a place to live to understanding the nuances of the English language. There were moments of doubt and fear, but each challenge I overcame built my confidence and resilience. I learned to embrace failures as learning opportunities and not as setbacks. This mindset shift was crucial in developing my ability to take risks.
The need to adapt quickly was another crucial skill I honed during this transition. In Venezuela, I had a certain way of life, familiar surroundings, and a support system. In the USA, everything was different. I had to learn to pivot quickly, adapt to new situations, and make decisions with limited information. This experience taught me the importance of being flexible and open-minded.
One of the most significant lessons from this experience was understanding the value of long-term vision over short-term comfort. Moving to the USA was incredibly uncomfortable and scary at first, but I kept reminding myself of the potential long-term benefits. This ability to focus on long-term goals rather than immediate fears has been invaluable in my ability to take calculated risks.
After successfully navigating this massive life change, other risks seemed less intimidating. The experience taught me that if I could handle such a significant upheaval in my life, I could face other challenges with greater confidence. Each subsequent risk, whether in my personal or professional life, felt more manageable because I had a solid foundation of resilience, adaptability, and a long-term perspective.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to start with small, manageable risks to build your confidence. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Focus on developing resilience by learning from failures rather than fearing them. Cultivate adaptability by being open to change and new experiences. Lastly, always keep a long-term perspective; the discomfort and fear you feel now can lead to significant growth and opportunities in the future.
My ability to take risks was shaped by my experience of moving to a new country with no support system and limited language skills. This experience taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of a long-term perspective, which have been crucial in my continued ability to embrace and manage risks effectively.
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?
At Novii CPA, I lead a dynamic team dedicated to transforming the accounting industry through innovative, client-centric solutions. We operate on a subscription-based model, providing consistent, high-quality financial services tailored to the unique needs of each client. Our focus is on empowering businesses to achieve their fullest potential through expert financial management and strategic advice.
What excites me most about our work is the ability to make a tangible difference in our clients’ lives and businesses. We don’t just crunch numbers; we build relationships and provide insights that drive growth and success. Obtaining a 90% client retention rate in our first year is a testament to the trust and satisfaction our clients have in our services.
One aspect of our service that clients particularly appreciate is our comprehensive support during tax season. We ensure that our clients are well-prepared and confident in their financial reporting, allowing them to focus on their core business activities.
Currently, I’m working on an exciting new venture: an email and task management platform designed to revolutionize how accountants handle their workflows. This platform will automate routine tasks and streamline email management, saving valuable time and allowing accountants to focus more on strategic activities.
If there’s one thing I’d like people to know about Novii CPA, it’s that we are more than just an accounting firm. We are partners in your business journey, committed to helping you navigate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence. Our goal is to support your success every step of the way.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were discipline, resilience, and adaptability to change.
Discipline has been a cornerstone of my success. What we do in our day-to-day lives, especially when no one is looking, drives our long-term success. It’s about consistently putting in the effort and staying focused on our goals. My advice to those early in their journey is to establish strong daily routines and stick to them. Set small, achievable goals and celebrate your progress. Over time, these small habits compound into significant results.
Failure is necessary for growth, and resilience is the quality that allows us to learn from our mistakes and keep moving forward. I faced many challenges, especially during my move to the USA, but each setback taught me valuable lessons and made me stronger. For those starting out, embrace failure as part of the process. Instead of fearing mistakes, view them as opportunities to improve. Develop a mindset that sees challenges as steppingstones rather than obstacles.
The ability to pivot quickly and adapt to new circumstances has been crucial. Life is unpredictable, and being flexible has allowed me to seize new opportunities and navigate through uncertainties. My advice is to stay open-minded and be willing to adjust your plans. Continuously seek new knowledge and skills to stay relevant in your field. The more adaptable you are, the better you can handle the unexpected and turn potential disruptions into advantages.
From personal experience, I would focus on building discipline in your daily routines, embracing resilience by learning from failures, and cultivating adaptability to navigate changes effectively. These qualities will set a strong foundation for your long-term success.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill is a classic that has deeply influenced me. Some of its most impactful ideas include the power of desire. Hill talks about how a burning desire to achieve something is the starting point for all success.
Another key point is the importance of faith and belief in yourself. Hill emphasizes visualizing and believing in your success, which helps turn your aspirations into reality. He stresses the need for specialized knowledge. Continually learning and acquiring knowledge in your field is essential, and this knowledge should be organized and directed through practical plans.
Lastly, imagination is crucial. Hill describes it as the workshop where all plans are created. He differentiates between synthetic imagination, which rearranges existing ideas, and creative imagination, which generates new ones. These principles from Hill’s book have been instrumental in my journey, helping me stay focused and innovative.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://noviicpa.com/
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- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/novii-cpa/
Image Credits
Team & Headshot: Miriam Bulcher Luxury Portraits
With Sign: Leslie Weissburg
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