Bethany (Neese) Correa, CPA

Tax Manager – BGBC Advisory, LLC

You are a graduate of INCPAS’ Young Pros Leadership Academy (YPLA). What impact did the program have on your career? 
YPLA came at such a pivotal point in my career, and it helped me develop skills for managing in the middle. I am a better communicator and delegator, and in my two years, the program gave me the space to grow the essential skills and confidence I needed to be promoted to manager. 

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the profession? 
Do your best, learn from your mistakes and overcommunicate. I struggle with perfectionism, and knowing I am doing my best, striving to grow, and communicating with others helps keep me grounded. I choose to focus on what I can control: my attitude and effort. I find that when I get stressed, these principles help me re-center. 

You love to travel. Where are you in your photo? 
I am in India. My husband, Dixon, and I spent two weeks visiting his family and exploring Mumbai and Kochi before we got married. One morning, Dixon planned a trip for us to an elephant rescue camp because I had never seen Asian elephants in person. In this picture, the elephants are on their morning walk before getting their breakfast and a bath. We had no idea we would get this close, as these are wild elephants rescued from the logging industry. Our time there was one of my favorite adventures from that trip.

What is your favorite place you have visited and why?
This is such a hard question because I have had the privilege to travel to many amazing places. Each trip teaches me something about myself, but the UK will always have a special place in my heart. It’s the first place I travelled to outside of the U.S., and I had the time of my life in the countryside visiting historical and literary sites. 

You helped start BGBC Advisory's book club. Tell us more! What is your favorite book the club has read? 
Our book club initially started out reading one book focused on professional development each quarter. Now we read one book per month and have expanded our focus to overall personal development. My favorite book that we’ve read so far is “Love + Work” by Marcus Buckingham. I was experiencing some burnout, and the book helped me reflect on the specific aspects of my job that bring me joy and advocate for more “red thread” opportunities and responsibilities. 

What is the best book you’ve read lately?
“2 States: The Story of My Marriage” by Chetan Bhagat. It centers around an Indian couple navigating cultural differences and conflict between their families as they grow in love. I learned significant lessons about India’s diverse cultures and was reminded of how empathy, understanding and respect build resilience and resolve conflict.

How do you unwind after a busy day? Any hobbies?
Weather permitting, my favorite way to unwind is taking a leisurely bike ride before settling in for the night with a good book, movie or TV show. I find moving my body makes it easier to relax, and after a busy day, I like to end my day feeling accomplished and cozy.