Host Mike Potenza sits down with Kathy Johnson, who shares her story of parlaying a high-school accounting class into a dynamic 25-year career. Growing up in small-town Texas, she rose from newspaper bookkeeper to VP of FP&A before reinventing herself as a forensic accountant, expert witness and educator. As past chair of CalCPA and an AICPA judiciary instructor, Johnson champions leadership, diversity and lifelong learning, crediting volunteer service and networking for opening doors. Her story shows how curiosity, courage and community can turn a CPA license into an expansive, impact-driven career.