Interview with Nesha Pai
as kind and tenacious as they get
Nesha is one of the most interesting people I know. She’s also my accountant. That right there sets her apart from most in her industry (sorry to all you accountant types out there). Her story and overall approach to life is fascinating and I hope you enjoy this peek into her life.
Tell me how you fill your days. Think big picture: current business/career, interests, and areas that you're passionate about making a difference in:
I spend every waking minute being productive. I am either working on my business, in my business, a speaking engagement related to my book, or on my philanthropic pursuits. Currently, I am fundraising as a star for the 2021 DWTS For the Pink House (Carolina Breast Friends). I also serve as Treasurer on the Friends Of Queens Park Board, which is the initiative to bring a Central Park type of concept to Charlotte. I recently got asked to join the Board of a new women's mental health non-profit as well.
Some people in your shoes would have given up a long time ago. Can can you think of a few things that really keep that fire lit?
The answer is simple: My dad's example taught me to NEVER GIVE UP. My son has also been the biggest motivator. I was determined to be the example to him of what is possible in achieving greatness in our lives.
Can you think of a time where you thought, "This is it, I can't do this anymore"? Obviously, you lived to tell the tale, so tell us about it.
Many times---we are human and we will doubt ourselves and our path. I had imposter syndrome for a long time---like, what am I doing owning an accounting firm? I was never mentored and had subpar leadership in my career, so I was never cultivated to believe in my talent and smarts. Fortunately, my inner voice was a lot louder than their voices.
Looking back on this time in your life, what are a few key lessons that you learned and still carry with you?
1) Surround yourself with people who you admire and who are also on a journey of growth. They will help you become the best version of yourself.
2) You cannot achieve your best life, unless you take risks and follow your purpose here.
3) You will fail and that is part of the process. Embrace it, get back up, and keep moving.
Are there any people or groups in your life that helped you get from that time of uncertainty to where you are now?
My parents and my son. I watched my immigrant father beat the odds and his work ethic was ingrained deeply within me. As a parent, looking at your child is motivation enough to stop any type of doubt talks or pity parties. You know that you are here for a greater purpose and you have no choice but to keep rising and moving because what you do and say will affect their course.
How does being connected with others contribute to your success today?
It takes a village. No one can succeed alone. No one ever has. You have to have a team of people around you that love and support you and your dreams. It cannot work otherwise.
Check out the Miro-based formatting of this same interview. I had a blast creating this and it brings color to her story that the text format lacks.
If you’d like to get in touch with Nesha, you can find her here:
You can also find her on Instagram @neshapai and @paicpa
And last but not least, on Linkedin: Nesha Pai
