When I started Kinder Accountants 21 years ago, I didn’t set out with a grand plan to become a “business leader”. I simply wanted to build a business that helped clients, colleagues, and our wider community, feel more confident about their future.
Along the way, I’ve learned that leadership doesn’t always look the way we expect it to.
For many years, leadership in business was often associated with being the loudest voice in the room, pushing harder, moving faster, and never slowing down. But I’ve discovered there’s another way to lead: one built on kindness, curiosity, and trust.
“Leadership isn’t about standing in the spotlight, it’s about helping others shine.”
At Kinder Accountants, our values are simple: Be Human, Be Curious, Share Knowledge, Keep It Simple, and Do the Right Thing. These principles guide how we support our clients and how we create an environment where our team can thrive.
I’m also incredibly proud of the talented team of women I work alongside every day. Together we support our clients not just with numbers, but with encouragement, perspective, and practical advice when they need it most.
Last year, I was honoured to be named Business Leader of the Year at the Herefordshire Means Business Awards. Even more meaningful was that all three finalists were women. A small but powerful sign that the way we recognise leadership is evolving.
Like most people in business, my journey hasn’t always been straightforward. But the challenges along the way often teach us the most about resilience, empathy and the importance of supporting one another.
International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress doesn’t only come from big gestures. Often it’s the everyday actions that matter most: encouraging someone who doubts themselves, sharing knowledge openly, creating workplaces where people feel safe to grow, and supporting others to succeed.
Because when more women feel confident stepping forward as leaders, our businesses and communities are stronger for it.
Author Bio
Sharon Baker FCCA is founder and director of Kinder Accountants, an award-winning advisory-led accountancy firm based in Herefordshire. With more than 21 years’ experience supporting business owners, Sharon is passionate about helping entrepreneurs build successful businesses that support the lives they want to live.
