Cathy Knepp
Senior Director & Head of Human Resources | Platform Accounting Group
What unique strengths do you bring to your professional and other roles?
I bring grit, perspective and a commitment to doing the right things. I tend to slow moments down just enough to get curious, looking at situations from more than one angle so we’re seeing the whole picture and solving the right problems — not just the loudest ones.
This approach has been especially important in fast‑growing environments. I focus on being steady when things move quickly, and I care deeply about the people impacted by change. I try to balance progress with thoughtfulness, making sure we keep what matters most intact as we grow. At the end of the day, I want people to feel heard, supported and confident about where we’re headed together.
What’s your next big goal or project in your professional journey?
My next focus is scaling my impact beyond Platform and helping shift the accounting industry’s view of leadership. At Platform, we have proven that prioritizing culture, leadership development and employee experience is not just a nice‑to‑have. It is a competitive advantage, even in a Top 100 firm environment. My goal now is to share that perspective more broadly and help move an industry rooted in traditional thinking toward a more people‑focused, modern approach.
If firms want to sustain success and continue growing in an environment of constant change, they need leaders who are equipped to support their teams and carry their organizations into the next generation of professional services.
What key advice would you offer to other aspiring leaders?
Don’t wait until you feel fully ready to raise your hand. Be clear about what you want, stay curious and keep learning as you go. The most meaningful growth in my career came when I trusted myself enough to step into discomfort and advocate for where I could add the most value. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking better questions, staying steady through change and genuinely caring about the people you’re leading.