3 QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO ANSWER
While Bob Dylan sang, “the times they are a changing” 50+ years ago, that truth is never more relevant than today! There are two parts to our discussion each connected in different ways.
Recently a “former” CPA called me with a heartfelt question. Seems his life took on an unexpected and unconventional twist, one that he was ill prepared for. He shared, “Now I’m a convicted felon and I can’t get a break. What do I need to do to find my second chance?” He asked that of me since I wrote the book Second Chances – Transforming Adversity into Opportunity.
I asked him to share his story. He shared: “I was the CFO of an organization 5 years ago where I thought the COO and CEO were doing something unethical and potentially illegal. I wrestled with what to do eventually deciding to resign. I wanted no part of their actions. The next CFO made the same choice. The third CFO liked the scheme and now all three are in federal prison.” Curious, I asked, “and how did that impact you?” Seemed on the surface he made the right choice.
“You see, the US Attorney’s office contacted me about a year ago asking – why did you leave your post as CFO for (xyz company).” I told them, “I thought the CEO and COO were doing something wrong so I got out!”
Those were fateful words. You see admitting you knew something was fishy, but not reporting it is conspiracy to commit the act punishable by law. The former CPA was given a choice – face prosecution by the federal government or take a plea deal. He, wisely, selected the deal. But since every choices has a consequence – he became a convicted felon (though didn’t serve prison time) and how is trying to figure out how to put his life back in order.
There are three significant questions that are important to know and more important to answer correctly. If you think something is wrong and later it’s uncovered or discovered, these are the three questions that most likely will be asked:
1. What did you know?
2. When did you know it?
3. What did you do about it?
How you answer those questions make all the difference. Look forward to seeing many of you soon on May 20.
