Continuing our series from last week, up next is Mandy French. Mandy has worked in accounting since she graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2005. She is thrilled to return to public accounting and expand her opportunities to serve business owners and community leaders. Mandy and her husband Colin have two kids (and four pets!) and she tells us a little more about herself below:
LYK: What do you do at StillPoint and in what circumstances would I come to you for something?
MKF: Piggy-backing off of yours, I’d say Chief Idea Officer. Beyond the usual accounting work, I can help business leaders generate ideas by listening to their struggles and experiences, and asking focused questions. I thrive on coming up with alternative ways to address issues and working through an iterative process to find something that moves the needle in a positive direction.
LYK: What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on?
MKF: My focus is centered on purposeful creation. I want to be purposeful in the creation of our firm’s processes, culture, dynamic – both internal and external. I want to be intentional about the services we provide and the clients we serve. I don’t want to stumble into our business but rather very intentionally choose each aspect.
LYK: What’s the worst job you’ve ever had, and what did you learn from it?
MKF: I had an internship in college with a local business whose leader had spoken to a group I was involved with. I was so impressed with her speaking that I handed her my resume during the second session and asked to work with her. I learned we shouldn’t idolize people we don’t know – every moment of that internship was… not the experience I’d hoped for.
LYK: What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?
MKF: This one. Creating this practice and partnership from… nothing. It’s such a rush to realize that this entire business is the result of just our hard work and one massive leap of faith.
LYK: If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?
MKF: Construction. I’d love to be able to build things with my own hands. It’s not a talent I have and I would love to be able to bring something physically into existence with my own hands.
LYK: What’s a trip that changed you, and why?
MKF: It was a short trip but definitely impactful – I took an overnight backpacking trip and ended up on the edge of a tornado. It taught me I can do things that are scary and hard – even without knowing all the details beforehand. Prior to that I didn’t know if I could backpack 8 miles and set up my own tent, much less survive that kind of storm in that same tent.
LYK: What’s something you saw recently that made you smile?
MKF: My nine-year-old son reading to my five-year-old daughter and working with her to sound out the words herself. They aren’t always sweet to each other, but it was a nice moment.
LYK: What’s your guilty pleasure?
MKF: Asking for my husband to cook for me and then not helping. It’s usually a day where I’m tired or stressed and I’ll just sit on the counter while he cooks, and we talk. I have a hard time not helping – but to be cared for in that moment and connect with him is really what I need.
LYK: If you had to pick one age to be permanently, which age would you choose?
MKF: Not one that I have reached yet! Every year I learn more and grow into myself more.
LYK: Who would play you in a movie about your life?
MKF: This is very specific – the “You’ve Got Mail” era Meg Ryan.
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