IMA^® (Institute of Management Accountants) hosted its new Virtual Series event on January 14, giving members the skills to take on the challenging times of the year ahead, as well as unwind during a happy hour networking session. The event, titled “Shape Your Tomorrow,” attracted approximately 1,200 registrants from around the world.

Following opening remarks by IMA Board Chair Paul Juras, Ph.D., CMA, CSCA, CPA, the event offered presentations on:

• “Financial Leadership in a Brave New World,” led by Gwen van Berne, CMA, CFO, RIPE NCC; and Shaun Taylor, CFO Americas and Head of Finance Europe & Americas, Standard Chartered (pictured below).
  
  Taylor and van Berne discussed how CFOs play an increasingly pivotal role in driving and supporting decision making in their organizations. With companies constantly evolving to ever-changing market conditions, the speakers explored how CFOs and finance professionals must build on their traditional responsibilities and step towards a new mandate to thrive in a post COVID-19 environment.
  
  
  
 
• “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in U.S. Finance & Accounting,” moderated by Loreal Jiles, IMA Director of Research-Digital Technology and Finance Transformation, and featuring panelists Alan Johnson, President, IFAC; Bernie Milano, CPA, Former KPMG National Partner, Former President, KPMG Foundation & The PhD Project; Shannon Nash, CPA, JD, Founder and Chair, National Society of Black CPAs; David Neighbors, CPA, Partner, BDO; and Okorie Ramsey, CPA, CGMA, PMP, VP, Sarbanes-Oxley, Kaiser Permanente (pictured below).
  
  IMA and CalCPA, along with other partnering and contributing organizations, recently concluded a research study on “The Role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) in Finance and Accounting Transformation.” This session brought together senior leaders to share the study’s findings, convey how DE&I impacts organizations, explain the role of accounting and financial professionals as it relates to DE&I, and equip attendees with actionable suggestions on how DE&I can be improved in the profession.
  
  
  
  
  
  The panel discussion on DE&I was introduced by Jeff Thomson, CMA, CSCA, CAE, IMA president and CEO, who observed: “The session proved exciting and engaging, with provocative information shared by panelists and great questions from members. The panel and the research we’re conducting starkly reveal an uncomfortable truth: Inadequate progress has been made in attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent in the accounting and finance profession, especially in senior leadership positions. Yet I remain encouraged by stories of inspiration—from members and across the profession—to accelerate the path to progress.”
 
• “The Mindful Leader Paving the Way for Influence and Innovation,” led by Sarah Elliott, PCC, CPA, Co-founder & Principal, Intend2Lead LLC; and Tamara Ghandour, President, LaunchStreet; Founder, Everyday Innovators Tribe; Host, Inside LaunchStreet Podcast (pictured below). 
  
  Elliott and Ghandour discussed how management accountants are learning new skills and forging new paths and yet as technology continues to accelerate the pace of change, we also are faced with new challenges. In this session, attendees learned how to use these challenges to expand into more conscious leadership. They also explored how to manage the pace of change and uncertainty, evolving from a place out of control to a place of influence and innovation.
  
  
  
   

The event concluded with closing remarks by Juras, followed by a virtual networking session. 

For more information on upcoming IMA events, please visit the Events page on the IMA website. For information about virtual chapter or council events in your local area, visit myIMA Network.