silence, shame, and outdated policies still shape the profession—but we rise anyway.
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accounting arc
with liz mason and donny shimamoto
center for accounting transformation
in a stirring pride month episode of the accounting arc podcast, liz mason, cpa, and donny shimamoto, cpa.citp, cgma, confront what it really means to belong in a profession still wrestling with how to talk about identity.
“bringing your whole self to work is still a radical act,” says shimamoto, founder and managing director of intraprisetechknowlogies llc and founder and inspiration architect for the center for accounting transformation.
for much of his career, it was one he avoided.
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both mason, ceo of high rock accounting, and shimamoto spent years hiding parts of themselves to navigate professional expectations. for mason, that meant letting assumptions stand unchecked. “it was easier not to correct people,” she says. “because the stakes were too high.”
the episode offers a deeply personal look into the systemic challenges lgbtq+ professionals still face—from subtle assumptions to overt discrimination, from masking identity in religious firms to confronting legal risks in international settings.
even as many firms roll back dei programs to retain government contracts, mason and shimamoto argue that culture is still being shaped—formally or not. “even when the programs are gone, the need for community remains,” says mason.
their advice? be intentional. ask better questions during interviews. support firms and clients aligned with your values. build community, even if it’s informal. and above all, don’t let fear steal your authenticity.
“we’re finally at a point where you can be your full self and still succeed in this profession,” says mason. “but only if we keep showing up—and keep speaking up.”
10 key takeaways
- authenticity improves well-being, performance, and retention.
- dei programs may be vanishing, but belonging is still vital.
- cultural silence often comes from fear, not lack of care.
- asking values-based questions during interviews is crucial.
- economic decisions reflect personal values and impact change.
- informal communities can still foster safety and support.
- echo chambers undermine the goal of true inclusion.
- respecting others’ perspectives is key to productive dialogue.
- younger generations still prioritize diversity and equity.
- visible leadership from marginalized professionals creates hope.