Power of Change Honoree: Kim Zavislak on saying “yes”

By Jessica Salerno-Shumaker, OSCPA senior content manager  

Saying ‘yes’ to new opportunities can mean extra time commitments and stretching your skill set, but the experiences are well worth it, according to Kim Zavislak, CPA, a partner at KPMG US. 

“You get a lot of advice, to say ‘no’ to things, and I understand the thought process behind that,” she said. “But I would say I've done the opposite. And I tend to say ‘yes’ to a lot of new opportunities and different things.”  

Zavislak was named a Power of Change honoree at the OSCPA Women, Wealth and Wellness Conference in July 2022. The award salutes individuals who are advocates for women’s initiatives in the workplace and business community, serve as mentors or role models, make a significant impact on their communities and break barriers for other women.  

Zavislak said she still remembers her first day at KPMG. 

“My goal was to stay for two years, and I've now been here for over 24,” she said. “I knew that public accounting was challenging. But once I got here, there continued to be new opportunities. So certainly, two years went by fast.”  

She said some of the more memorable moments at KPMG were making partner and participating in different leadership experiences. Winning new clients and getting through any tough challenges together with her team have also been rewarding.  

Some of the most challenging times of Zavislak’s career have also been the times when she learned the most. The team environment in public accounting has inspired her and has been instrumental in solving difficult issues.  

Working with young women to help build their confidence is also important to Zavislak, as she said she sees many women come into accounting doubting their potential. She can relate to this because she felt similarly when entering the profession. Zavislak is passionate about working with young professionals and helping them achieve their goals.  

“There's always more work to do,” she said. “This recognition is inspiring, but also motivating, to keep doing good work to elevate the young professionals who are coming behind us.”  

Click here to see the complete list of Power of Change honorees. Learn more about the 2023 Women, Wealth & Wellness Conference.