"A Powerhouse Transforming the Industry"

Cheryl Gravis Wipper, VP of Content and Communications, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, brings an interesting mix of strategic, analytical, creative, and operational capabilities. After all, a strategy without execution is only an idea. This means that she can think broadly, envision new ways of doing things, and achieve goals. Cheryl’s colleagues often say, “if you want something to get done, give it to Cheryl.” She’s a powerhouse who doesn’t let obstacles get in her way. She also listens with empathy and is compassionate about people’s experiences. While change drives her, she knows that change also causes disequilibrium and discomfort in others. So, she listens a lot and finds ways to Sherpa the staff up the impossible mountain. In 2021, she led a significant reorganization- one of the largest the organization had ever engaged in. Her team completely redesigned itself. Cheryl met with everyone on the 240-person team to hear their concerns and reinforce that they had a direct route to leadership. This lifted morale significantly and turned many change resisters into champions.

As an executive in a mid-size organization, Cheryl always takes time to mentor women in their advancement. “I know what it’s like to have to battle both overt and subtle sexism in the workplace, and I know what it’s like to be criticized for the same actions men are praised for,” she says. “I help women navigate those delicate and challenging situations. I share my experiences so others can learn from what I’ve done right and what I could have done better. I firmly believe that women need to support one another. There’s room for all of us at the top.”

The steadfast leader is keenly aware that her behaviors and actions as a female leader cast a light or a shadow on other women. For this reason, she embraces the power of positivity and the discipline it takes to continually rewire her brain- neuroplasticity- to think in more self-affirming and uplifting ways. “I was recently criticized for having a too positive response to change. I listened to the feedback, asked lots of questions and learned where this perception was coming from. I then explained that I set the mood in a room as a leader. If I walk in stressed and negative, everyone will pick up on that vibe,” elucidates Cheryl. “If I stay positive and realistic- this isn’t about a Pollyanna attitude- then I am helping others rise to a different perspective. There is very little we control in life; I can control my thoughts, emotions, behaviors and actions.”

Her strong advice to women leaders is, “The corporate environment can be unfair to women. Don’t take it personally. There are always ways to “win” despite society's limitations and perceptions. I have found that focusing on what I can control is the best approach. I can learn from any situation, even ones that seem patently unfair. It’s about continually flipping the lens and asking what I need to know and what I can do that’s within my control.” With such a unique mindset, Cheryl has been taking the company to new heights.

Cheryl sees that almost every industry at the present moment is experiencing disruption due to demographics, societal norms, technology, and automation. Women must become technically and operationally proficient and stay ahead of their impact on day-to-day work. “One of the reasons I have been successful is that I have been able to spot trends way before they take effect. I was the first to implement marketing automation in my organization, and I was the first to implement enterprise-wide content strategy and content supply chain management.”

The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants has been able to stay ahead of change and implement new ways of working and new technology enablers. This has resulted in broadening the customer base and increased revenue. Six years ago, they achieved a significant merger that completely transformed the company’s global footprint. This commitment to transformation also applies to her personal life. “I am always looking for what’s next. In 2020, I started a personal blog based on a traumatic mother-daughter experience (www.walk-the-moon.com). Five years ago, I became a Jazzercise instructor. I am always embracing passions that round me out as a person and fill my soul,” says Cheryl. “Work cannot be our lives. We have to diversify. At work, I am leading four transformation initiatives. In my life, I am always looking for ways to stretch. Being at the forefront of change is so energizing. Rather than reacting to the future, I am creating it.” WL