'The talent crisis means enormous workloads'

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By Bianca Prieto | editor

Jennifer Pawlitschek brings a neuroscience-based approach to executive coaching, helping accounting professionals develop essential leadership, communication, and business skills. With over 15 years of experience working with accountants and firms, she understands the challenges they face—from heavy workloads to industry-wide talent shortages. In this Q&A, she shares key strategies for long-term success, managing stress and using neuroscience to build resilience in a demanding profession.

What are the top three skills every accountant should develop to achieve long-term success?

First, communication skills. Accountants must communicate across differences—with colleagues, leaders and clients. This includes explaining technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

Second, leadership skills. Like many professionals, accountants are often promoted based on technical expertise. But leadership requires an entirely different skill set—one that must be developed separately from the ability to analyze financial data or ensure regulatory compliance.

Third, business skills. How do we bring in the next client? How do we retain clients long-term? How do we build lasting, trusting relationships?

While all three are key to career success, they are not the biggest challenge accountants are facing today.

What’s the biggest challenge you’re seeing in your practice?

Stress. The talent crisis means enormous workloads, worsened during the busy season.

How do you address this with neuroscience-based coaching?

First, we clarify the physical aspects of stress. Then, we introduce mental and physical strategies to help shift out of fight-or-flight mode. These may include cognitive reframing (to re-evaluate negative thinking), mindfulness techniques (to interrupt repetitive thought loops), and breathwork or physical exercises (to regulate biochemistry). The key is tailoring the right tools for each client and integrating them into daily routines so that when stress hits, they can shift their state in the moment.

What are the results?

More balance and peace of mind, and with that comes greater concentration and an enhanced ability to enter into flow states. That’s when the work goes very smoothly and is deeply enjoyable. Accountants can then not only find greater balance but also work with more clarity, focus and enjoyment—turning stress into a strategic advantage.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

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