Meet Sandra Balogun | CPA, Leadership Coach, Author & Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandra Balogun and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandra, how do you define success?
How I Define Success

Success is living out the purpose for which you were designed. It’s not a trophy you place on a shelf—it’s the daily choice to align your gifts, values, and passions with the work you do and the life you lead.

I like to illustrate this with a simple fable. Imagine every creature in the animal kingdom gathered for an Olympic-style contest. The sole event? Flying. The eagle soars effortlessly, but the fish flops helplessly on the ground and the tiger barely leaves the dirt. Judged only by that single standard, the eagle is crowned “successful,” while the fish and the tiger are branded failures. Yet put the fish back in water and witness its graceful mastery; set the tiger loose on the savannah and you’ll be awestruck by its power and speed.

The point is clear: success can’t be measured by someone else’s scoreboard. We each have a unique “sweet spot” where our strengths, passions, and calling intersect. When we operate there—whether we’re crunching numbers, teaching children, composing music, or leading a team—we’re not just productive; we’re fulfilled.

So, for me, success is twofold:

1. Purpose: Knowing what you were created to do.

2. Excellence: Becoming the very best version of yourself in that purpose.

Find your water. Find your savannah. Then swim or run—or fly—in the lane that was made for you. That is success.

What should our readers know about your business?
The CPA Leader in a nutshell

I blend two passions—finance and personal growth—into one service. As a CPA and certified leadership coach, I help clients get their numbers right and sharpen the mindset that drives those numbers. Whether we’re tightening cash-flow forecasts or mapping a leadership plan, the goal is the same: healthy finances and thriving people.

What makes us different

Two hats, one advisor: You don’t have to juggle a coach and an accountant—I’m both.
Money skills for every age: My children’s book, *Where Did the Money Go?*, sparks early conversations about earning, saving, and giving. Parents tell me it’s become one of their kids’ favorite read.
Heart-led approach: Data matters, but so do purpose and values. We measure success in impact, not just income.

The road so far

Moving to the U.S. in 2019, starting a business, and winning MassCPA’s Women to Watch Award taught me three things: stay humble, stay visible, and stay courageous. Cold emails, early-morning study sessions, and faith have carried me through the hard parts.

Lesson learned

Don’t let yesterday write tomorrow’s script. Own your story, master your money, and lead with service—you’ll build a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, here’s exactly how I’d spend the day with them:

We’d start the morning at Boston Children’s Museum alongside my kids. Nothing breaks the ice faster than the Bubble Room and the giant climbing structure.

After lunch we’d hop in the car, cue up a road-trip playlist, and head north through the Green Mountains to Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock, Vermont. Once there, we’d trade city bustle for crisp country air, sample fresh cheddar, and climb aboard a horse-drawn sleigh that glides past the cows and snow-dusted fields.

One playful city morning, one peaceful countryside afternoon—that’s how I’d give a best friend a true taste of New England.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely—and narrowing it down to just a few feels almost impossible, because my journey is a tapestry woven by many generous hands. But four standouts deserve this special shout-out:

1. My husband, Samuel Balogun. His unwavering belief in my dreams—on the late nights, tight deadlines, and daunting pivots—has been the steady heartbeat behind everything I do.

2. Naomi V. Dunsen-White, the brilliant editor of my debut children’s book *Where Did the Money Go?* Naomi took my rough manuscript and, with patience and insight, helped craft a story that truly sings.

3. The Massachusetts Society of CPAs (MassCPA). Being honored with their *Women to Watch* Award validated years of quietly doing the work—often behind the scenes—and reminded me that the profession notices and celebrates those who lift others as they climb.

4. Maxwell Leadership. Their training in leadership, coaching, and speaking has been transformational. The frameworks and community they provide equip me daily to serve clients with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

Each of these pillars—family, mentorship, professional recognition, and world-class training—has shaped the leader, CPA, writer, and coach I am today. I share this spotlight with them, grateful for the light they’ve shone on my path.

Website: https://www.thecpaleader.com

Instagram: officialsandrabalogun

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabalogun/

Youtube: @sandrabalogun