Kearney Employee Spotlight with Erin Dunkum

What is your favorite part about working for Kearney?

My favorite part about working for Kearney is that the company is not solely focused on working. The Kearney experience incorporates community service, education, sports, health and wellness, socializing, and mentoring. Plus, there are so many opportunities to incorporate family and friends. Not many companies put this much effort into taking care of their people and providing a well-rounded experience that expands beyond traditional work.

How has Kearney been invested in the development of your career?

Kearney invested in my career by not forcing me into the “box” of a stereotypical CPA firm employee. I used to stress because I didn’t remember T accounts or financial statement line items, but I really enjoyed writing and helping clients succeed. Would Kearney still want me? In hindsight I see that Kearney leadership and teammates steered me towards opportunities that fit my skill set and personality and helped me excel when I identified opportunities for myself.

What are three things you cannot live without?

Coffee! I didn’t start drinking coffee until I was on an audit in 2009. I realize now I was really missing out all those years prior. I currently own four different coffee making apparatuses. I guess I am making up for lost time!

My Audible.com app! I love to read, but my eyes won’t stay open for more reading after a long day of work. This app can make commuting, grocery shopping and cleaning much more enjoyable!

Sunglasses! I own about 12 pair and they are stashed everywhere. It’s not even about fashion for me. I get anxious if it is even a partially sunny day and I don’t have a pair handy.

If you were to host a dinner party, what three celebrity guests would you invite?

Jimmy Fallon because he is hilarious and who doesn’t like to laugh?

Alyssa Mastromonaco who recently authored the book, “Who Thought This Was a Good Idea” based on her experience as Obama’s White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. At 35 years old she was the youngest woman ever in that position. The book was hysterical and humbling. I was inspired by this woman who had so much responsibility and an unreal amount of stress, but still saw the humor and opportunities though the mundane and not so mundane.

Gordon Ramsey because I love food. Plus, watching his impulsive rhetoric and spitfire nature are a bit of a guilty pleasure for me.

What is been the biggest challenge of your career and how did you overcome it?

Perfectionism has been my biggest challenge. I think it’s a struggle for a lot of folks and it takes different forms. For me, this meant trying to do as much as possible to the best extent possible. Sometimes I worked harder and longer than necessary, never said “no”, constantly monitored my email, rarely asked for help and then micromanaged when I did ask for help. Whew! In the end, it doesn’t make you a good team player or an enjoyable person to be around. It’s been a process, but I realize as time goes on that it is better to be authentic and focused on quality rather than perfection.

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