Stay grounded in what you can do, control
Chair's Message
Boz Bostrom | February/March 2025 Footnote
Editor's note: Updated February 10, 2025
We are certainly living in challenging times. Last May, Gallup conducted a poll asking respondents to rank the overall state of moral values in the country. Only 1% replied “excellent,” while nearly 50% rated them as “poor.”
In a separate poll released early in 2024, Gallup asked respondents to rate the honesty and ethical standards of 23 different professions. As usual, health care professionals held most of the top spots, while sales and politics fared the worst. Notably, 22 of the 23 professions saw a decrease in trust since 2019, with two of the largest drops coming from professions we work closely with: business executives and bankers.
Fraud remains all too common and scams are intensifying. These trends can feel discouraging. On a personal level, I keep three things in mind to stay grounded.
First, I strive to understand the perspectives of others, even if I don’t agree with them. When I’ve fallen short, it was often because I hadn’t fully considered how others would react to a decision or because I didn’t communicate it effectively.
Second, I view this as an opportunity to set myself apart. No profession is more polarizing between political parties than college professors. If I can bridge that gap through listening and clear communication, it can make a meaningful difference in the lives of my students and make me a professor of choice for them.
Third, I focus on what I can control. Worrying too much about things beyond my control can become overwhelming, making it harder to stay effective. I remain productive and positive by concentrating on areas where I can have an impact.
In times like these, trust becomes even more critical. As people face uncertainty and complexity, they are desperate to find trustworthy partners to help them make informed decisions. This need will likely intensify in 2025 as changes in national leadership may result in new legislation and regulatory shifts.
This is where we, as professionals, have a unique role to play. In a world of constant change, we can be a steadying force — helping individuals and businesses navigate complex and challenging situations. Finances are deeply personal and financial sustainability is key to long-term success of any organization. Our expertise can provide the clarity and confidence people need to move forward.
Although my time as chair is coming to an end, and I will hand the gavel to Eric O’Link in April, my advocacy for our profession will not stop. By the time you read this, legislation regarding additional pathways to CPA licensure will likely be back on the floor in both the Minnesota House and Senate. I will continue to promote our profession to students and use my connections to advocate for our members. I will remain involved at the national level as a member of the AICPA Council. Above all, I will continue to strive to be someone others can trust.
Fellow MNCPA members: It has been an honor and a privilege!
Sincerely,
Boz Bostrom, CPA
Chair, MNCPA board of directors
