Beyond The Ledger

In a workplace still shaped by hybrid schedules, remote communication and shifting expectations around professional growth, relationships have become more than a soft skill — they are a career advantage. Gallup’s latest workplace reporting shows that global employee engagement has fallen to 20%, reflecting a broader challenge for organizations trying to keep people connected, motivated and invested in their work. For accounting and finance professionals, the stakes are especially high: technical ability may open the door, but relationships often determine who earns trust, gains opportunity and builds lasting influence.How can professionals build the relationships, trust and visibility that turn technical skill into long-term career growth?On this episode of Beyond the Ledger, host Troy Ashby sits down with Felix Lozano, retired Chief Growth Officer and former Director of Audit at Whitley Penn, for a conversation about the relationships that shaped Lozano’s career and the purpose that now defines his retirement. Their discussion spans Lozano’s early lessons in communication, his decades in public accounting, the importance of proximity in a post-COVID workplace and the personal turning point that redirected his time toward philanthropy, family, faith and service.What you’ll learn…00:00 – Intro & Welcome01:56 – What LinkedIn Doesn’t Show About Felix02:54 – 31 Years with the YMCA04:32 – How Relationships Shaped His Career07:27 – First-Generation College & Learning to Communicate10:28 – The Accident That Changed Everything11:39 – Serving South Dallas During COVID15:22 – Philanthropy: Uganda, Guatemala & Peru17:18 – Advice for the Post-COVID Generation19:59 – Presence, Proximity & Saying Yes22:55 – Two Years into Retirement24:13 – Becoming the “CEO of Me”28:48 – What Gets You Noticed and Promoted30:25 – What Felix Is Excited About NextFelix Lozano is a retired Chief Growth Officer and former Director of Audit at Whitley Penn, where he spent 27 years helping businesses grow, developing professionals, and building lasting relationships. Across a 37-year career in public accounting, Felix became known not just for his technical expertise, but for his people-first philosophy: always give more than you receive.Since retiring in 2023, Felix has focused on a purpose-driven chapter centered around family, mentorship, philanthropy, and investing in both businesses and people. He actively supports organizations focused on education, leadership, and community impact, including the YMCA, State Fair of Texas, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Engage Hope, Christian Hands in Action, and Hope Farm.Grounded in faith and driven by service, Felix is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders and believes true success is measured by the impact we leave on others.

Work doesn’t feel the way it used to. Between new tech, changing expectations, and the constant pressure to keep up, a lot of people—even those who look successful on paper—are quietly wondering what’s next. In fact, recent workforce studies suggest a large share of employees feel disengaged or uncertain about their next move, despite appearing to have it all together. It’s not uncommon to feel stuck or unsure about your direction right now. And that tension matters: stay where you are too long, and you risk outgrowing your role; move too quickly, and you might step into something that doesn’t fit either.So what should you actually do when you feel stuck? Is it about making a bold leap, or refining your direction with intention and strategy?On this episode of Beyond the Ledger, hosted by Troy Ashby, the conversation dives deep into that very question. Joined by Andrea Carter, founder of Carter Growth, the episode explores how professionals can navigate career inflection points, align purpose with opportunity, and build momentum when progress feels stalled.What You’ll Learn…The 25-Year Career Question That Changed EverythingBuilding a Career at EYWhy Andrea Didn’t Plan to Become a PartnerTaking Risks and Changing Career PathsThe Inflection Point After 25 YearsStarting Carter Growth from ScratchThe Reality of Building a BusinessNetworking That Actually WorksCommon Organizational ChallengesWhy Strategy Fails Without ExecutionAI: From Ideas to ActionFinding Purpose in NonprofitsJoining the Center for Nonprofit ManagementAdvice for Career TransitionsAndrea Carter is a growth-focused executive and operator with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations turn vision into execution. She’s the founder of Carter Growth and has spent her career driving business transformation, operational efficiency, and scalable growth across private, nonprofit, and middle-market organizations.Andrea previously served as a Partner at EY, where she led high-impact initiatives across industries and helped generate over $50 million in new consulting revenue. She’s also taken on leadership roles as a fractional COO and now serves as Chief Operating Officer at the Center for Nonprofit Management, continuing her work supporting mission-driven organizations and community impact.Known for her ability to step into complex environments and create clarity, Andrea is passionate about building organizations that grow with purpose. Outside of work, she’s a proud mom of four, a dedicated St. Louis Cardinals fan, and makes time for a few trips to Napa each year.