Spring 2016 issue of Horizons

CHAIRMAN’S CORNER

With Talent, the Sky is the Limit by Jim Castellano, CPA, CGMA

I always ask our business unit leaders during strategic planning sessions the question, “What is the one thing that will prevent you from achieving the vision you have for your business unit?” Invariably the answer most recited is, “Failure to attract, develop and retain talent.” Not creating value for clients, not providing superior quality and service, not winning new work…the number one thing that will hold them back is lack of sufficient talent. My guess is that you may answer the question in the same manner for your business. The challenges of talent recruitment, development and retention have reached a level of crisis for many businesses. The economic recovery continues at a steady pace resulting in employment levels near full strength. Couple this with the fact that, in many instances, we now have five generations in the workplace (Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and now entering the workforce, Gen 2020). This multi-generational workforce presents unique talent planning challenges. Each generation has its own attributes, likes and dislikes. All of this requires a disciplined talent planning process, lest your best laid plans are likely to fall short of their full potential. One facet of our vision at RubinBrown is to have inspired team members. This is undoubtedly a lofty goal, but an essential one for us to achieve the ambitious business plans charted by our business unit leaders and their teams. We believe a key success factor enabling us to have an inspired team is our rigorous and disciplined talent planning process. While our talent planning process is quite elaborate, there are several key elements that might be useful for you as you assess the process in your business.

Jim Castellano, CPA, CGMA Chairman

Jim Castellano is Chairman of the Board of RubinBrown LLP. He joined RubinBrown in 1973 and has served at the helm since 1989. Jim’s influence extends beyond the firm to the accounting profession as a whole. In addition to his leadership role at RubinBrown, he also serves as Chairman of Baker Tilly International, the world’s eighth largest network of independent accounting firms.

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