Axel Doran
Audit Senior – DOZ
How has COVID-19 impacted how you work?
The pandemic and the global shutdown it caused have challenged me in a way I never expected—it made me realize how important regular human interaction is to me. Once I recognized how much I value time with my coworkers, I directed more focus on developing relationships with them. Doing so virtually has not been easy, but when our whole firm is together again it will be that much sweeter!
CPAs have had to quickly adapt to new technology over the past year. What’s your favorite (or most used) app/technology and why?
My favorite software lately has been Smartsheet. We began using this technology to transition our administrative process to a virtual environment a few years ago, but the versatility of Smartsheet has helped us manage data, organize and standardize processes, and summarize information across many other departments since its adoption. Without Smartsheet, our transition to remote working would have been much more difficult.
What is your favorite part of your job?
One would think this question would get easier as a career progresses, but I still struggle to narrow my answer down. I appreciate the opportunity to become an expert in the affordable housing industry. I feel inspired when surrounded by extremely intelligent people. I count myself lucky to be in a firm that allows flexibility to enjoy my personal life. But if I must pick one aspect of my job to cherish, it would be the connections formed with my colleagues in “the heat of the battle.”
You serve on INCPAS’ Young Pros Leadership Academy (YPLA). What has been the best part of your experience so far?
The personal and professional growth I am experiencing due to YPLA outmatches any other development programs I’ve participated in. I get the most out of reading the books, critically reflecting on their messages and then discussing them with my peers at our meetings. I have also gained valuable perspective from accountants working for other public firms or in industry by networking with them.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the profession?
Curiosity sets you up for success. I struggled with confidence early in my career because classroom success did not automatically transfer to workplace success. I overcame this by asking my colleagues to explain everything I did not understand. This curiosity helped me succeed, and thus develop the confidence to seek out challenging work. From there, the curiosity and confidence cycle has compounded.
You played baseball at the University of Indianapolis. What lessons did you learn on the field that you still use today?
I started playing baseball as a young kid, and I attribute most of my successes to the lessons I’ve learned since the day I first picked up a ball. The most impact occurred when I was on teams where I was the worst player. I learned you are never as bad as you think you are. You grow the most when you are at your limits and anything is possible if you want it badly enough.
What is the best thing you’ve read recently?
I am fascinated with the concept of nature vs. nurture. This was discussed briefly in “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, our latest YPLA book. My favorite book on the subject is “Outliers” by Malcom Gladwell.
What is your favorite podcast?
My father is the elected sheriff in my hometown of Gibson City, IL. Because of this, I have always been interested in the crime genre. I remember watching a lot of CSI and the First 48 growing up. Now I get my fix by listening to True Crime Garage.
How do you unwind after a busy day? Any hobbies?
I have always loved to be outside. Since my baseball career has ended, I try to play as much golf as I can with a delusional dream of one day breaking 80. If I am too frustrated from the last golf outing, or if the sun goes down too early, I’ll invite some friends over to enjoy a bonfire. And if it is cold outside, I invoke my inner Rogers Hornsby and “stare out the window and wait for spring.”