In an era where automation and profit margins dominate accounting discourse, a quiet revolution is taking place—one rooted in values, relationships, and purpose. For accountants and tax preparers navigating an evolving industry, this shift isn’t just philosophical—it’s practical. In the latest episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Ingrid Edstrom offers a refreshing and bold perspective on what it truly means to succeed in accounting today.
Meet the Guest: Ingrid Edstrom, Priestess of Profits
Ingrid Edstrom is not your typical accounting professional. She’s the Chief Empowerment Officer of Priestess of Profits, a consulting firm that blends financial strategy with human connection. Ingrid is a Woodard Certified Business Coach, a Certified Positive Intelligence Coach, and the founder of the Accounting Alchemy Network. She’s been named among the Top 40 Under 40, Most Powerful Women in Accounting, and Top 100 ProAdvisors.
But what makes her story unique is how she got here—not through traditional credentials, but by forging a values-based path grounded in service and authenticity.
“I’m not a CPA. I’ve never taken a formal accounting class in college… and someone called me a thought leader. I just about hit the floor,” Ingrid recalls. “Then I realized, thought leaders are the ones making stuff up. That’s what makes them thought leaders.”
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: A Catalyst for Leadership
Ingrid’s rise from a self-described outsider to a respected voice in accounting underscores a larger message: you don’t need to “fit the mold” to lead. Battling impostor syndrome, she reframed her doubt as a strength and leaned into her unique voice.
Her advice? Stop waiting for permission. Leadership in accounting today comes from authenticity, not credentials alone.
“What would it look like if we empowered everyone to get past their impostor syndrome and step into their thought leadership?”
Building Client Loyalty Through Authentic Relationships
Much of Ingrid’s business philosophy revolves around building real relationships—not just managing transactions. For her, accounting is fundamentally about connection.
“Accounting is more than numbers—it is still a people’s business.”
Ingrid emphasizes that the best client relationships are reciprocal, not just service-based. She encourages accountants to choose clients they genuinely enjoy working with and to lead with empathy and generosity.
“If we’re hiding behind a professional veneer… then we don’t have any deeper relationships. We need to treat each other as humans first.”
Niching with Intention: A Strategic Game-Changer
One of the most tactical parts of Ingrid’s journey is how she grew her practice by niching into the tourism industry. She didn’t choose this niche by accident—she chose it after identifying her ideal client and intentionally designing her services around that profile.
“I decided to niche in the tourism and activities industry because I cloned my favorite client… I sat down and interviewed him about what worked.”
This focus paid off, generating speaking invitations and long-term referrals. Even when COVID temporarily disrupted the tourism sector, her previous investments in niche authority brought clients back organically.
The Values vs. Profit Paradox
At the heart of the episode lies a powerful question: can you build a thriving business without compromising your values?
Ingrid challenges the idea that profit must come at the cost of integrity. She redefines sacrifice not as giving something up, but as making something sacred.
“If we continue to sacrifice our values on the altar of profit, that perpetuates an unhealthy world.”
By leading with values, she’s built a business that is sustainable—not just financially, but emotionally and relationally.
Accounting as a Vehicle for Positive Change
Ingrid believes the accounting profession is poised to be a force for good—if professionals are willing to shift their mindset.
“True security is not financial, true security is relational… That is our true economy.”
Through her Accounting Alchemy Network, she’s encouraging professionals to think beyond numbers and redefine success to include well-being, integrity, and impact.
Key Takeaways for Accountants and Bookkeepers
-
Impostor syndrome is common—but it’s not a reason to hold back. Leadership begins with authenticity.
-
Niche with purpose. Specializing helps you attract the right clients and build authority.
-
Relationships matter more than transactions. Long-term client loyalty stems from genuine connection.
-
Live your values. Sustainable business comes from alignment, not compromise.
-
Redefine success. Move beyond revenue metrics to build a meaningful practice rooted in community.
Listen, Learn, and Lead Differently
This episode is a must-listen for any accounting professional tired of the same old growth strategies. Ingrid Edstrom’s journey shows that it’s possible—and powerful—to grow a business without sacrificing who you are.
Listen to the full episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm now and discover how values can be your most valuable asset.
Offers:
Check out the Accounting Alchemy Network at http://AccountingAlchemy.net
They have amazing discussions and education around how accountants can live their values through their work, creating and being the change you want to see in the world. All of their offerings are free.
Get a FREE copy of these books all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. These are a must-have addition to every accountant’s library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today:
- “Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant’s guide to QUICK turnarounds” – This is a how-to guide on how to turn around a struggling business into a more sustainable model. Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process – from cash flow management to strategies for improving revenue. This book will teach you everything you need to become a turnaround expert for small businesses.
- “in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable – Discover what you need to know to run the premier accounting firm and get paid what you are worth in this book, by the same author as Red to Black – CPA Allen B. Bostrom. Bostrom teaches the three major functions of business (marketing, production and accounting) as well as strategies for maximizing profitability for your clients by creating actionable plans to implement the nine principles.
- “Your Strategic Accountant” – Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services you should offer as you run your business. help your clients understand which numbers they need to know to make more informed business decisions.
- “Your Profit & Growth Expert” – Your business is an asset. You should know its value and understand how to maximize it. Beginning with the end in mind helps you work ON your business to build a company you can leave so that it can continue to exist in your absence or build wealth as you retire and enjoy the time, freedom, and life you want and deserve.
Learn what it is you can do to become an author, leveraging your expertise to market your services effectively and get the clients you deserve. This is a webinar you don’t want to miss. Learn from Mike Capuzzi what a Shook is and how you can use it to position yourself as the Premier Accounting Firm in your area. This is a must-see presentation so get ready to take some great notes.
In addition to becoming an author, see what you can do to follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. After more than 40 years we’ve identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share. Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center. It’s here you can become a:
Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community. Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business.
- The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group
- The Universal Accounting Fanpage
- Topical Newsletters:
Lastly, get your Business Score to see what you can do to work ON your business and have the Premier Accounting Firm. Join over 70,000 business owners and get your score on the 8 Factors That Drive Your Company’s Value.
For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE!
Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss.
Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal.
Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe.
Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback
For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777
