Leading with Extreme Humanism in a Numbers-Driven World
If you lead a CPA or professional services firm today, you’re not just managing numbers. You’re shaing the lives of your people, your clients, and your community — every single day. That’s why I believe Tom Peters’ message in Excellence Now: Extreme Humanism is not just timely, it’s urgent.
Peters says it plainly:
“Your principal moral obligation as a leader is to develop the skillset, ‘soft’ and ‘hard,’ of every single person in your charge to the maximum extent of your abilities.” [check this quote]
That’s not “nice-to-have” leadership. That’s your job. Period.
Why This Matters Now
From my own work with leaders (as outlined in my Ideal Client Handbook), I see a widening gap in the profession: the firms that thrive invest deeply in their people — not as resources to be managed, but as human beings to be elevated.
If you’re running a 100+ person firm, you already know the pressures:
Margin squeeze from PE-backed competitors.
Relentless client demands.
Talent shortages and burnout risk.
Rapid technology disruption.
In this environment, leadership isn’t about managing spreadsheets; it’s about cultivating commitment, capability, and connection.
What Extreme Humanism Looks Like in a CPA Firm
Here’s how Peters’ philosophy translates directly to your world:
Relentless Development – Your people aren’t just there to serve clients; they’re there to grow. Build formal, personalized growth plans for every employee — from new staff to senior partners.
Empathy as a Core Competency – Understanding your team’s pressures, aspirations, and challenges isn’t optional. It’s how you build loyalty and reduce turnover in a competitive market.
Celebrate the “Small Stuff” – Peters emphasizes the power of small acts of appreciation. In a profession where hard work often goes unnoticed until review season, this is a game-changer.
Humanize the Numbers – Behind every billable hour and KPI is a human story. Connect the work your people do with the impact it creates for clients and communities.
Lead by Example – Your behavior sets the cultural tone. If you model openness, humility, and genuine curiosity, your firm will follow.
The Business Case for Extreme Humanism
This isn’t just leadership theory — it’s a competitive advantage. Firms that make human development their core strategy:
Attract and retain top talent even in tight labor markets.
Build client relationships that go beyond transactions.
Adapt faster because they’re powered by engaged, committed teams.
In short: Take care of your people, and they’ll take care of your clients, and your business will take care of itself.
Where to Start
If you’re ready to put Extreme Humanism into practice, start with one question:
“How will I help each person on my team grow this month?”
Then commit to action. Schedule the conversations. Provide the resources. Recognize the progress.
You’ll be surprised how quickly your firm’s culture — and results — begin to shift.
My Work with Leaders I help CEOs and managing partners build purpose-driven, people-first leadership cultures while still driving profitability and growth. If you’re ready to create a firm where your people are your greatest strategic advantage, let’s talk.
CLICK HERE to schedule a strategy call.
Until Next Time!
