Over the past year since David Stonesifer was named a Titan 100, his greatest leadership lesson has been centered on the importance of active listening and its impact on effective decision-making. “Fostering a culture of open communication and truly hearing diverse perspectives significantly enhances the quality of decision outcomes,” said Stonesifer. “I’m proud that our team has a wealth of insight, experience, and expertise, and actively listening to varying viewpoints not only enriched my understanding of the issues at hand but also empowered team members to contribute meaningfully.”
As the chief executive officer of Herbein + Company Inc., Stonesifer said actively listening has strengthened the firm’s collective problem-solving capabilities and instilled a sense of ownership and commitment within the team.
Herbein + Company Inc. is a leading CPA advisory firm, creating impact nationally and locally since 1972. The firm builds value through exceptional service and innovative solutions and provides client-focused accounting, tax, advisory, human resources consulting, wealth management and risk management services.
Since becoming a titan of industry, Stonesifer said his greatest accomplishment was centered on the firm’s first international location. The Herbein office in Quezon City, Philippines marked a significant expansion with a substantial increase in team size.
“I’m excited about our firm’s bold ambition to grow our services, add clients and serve them better,” said Stonesifer. “We’re investing in building the best and most personalized client experience, and are continuing to challenge the status quo by reimagining what we do to engage with our clients in newer, smarter and simpler ways.”
Stonesifer has also committed to nurturing future leaders. He has been instrumental in collaborating with a nationally recognized expert in executive coaching and development to launch the Herbein Leadership Academy to support newly appointed partners or senior managers.
“This is a strategic initiative focused on the holistic development of our leaders and it encompasses tailored mentoring experiences that emphasize the cultivation of leadership skills, the strengthening of client relationships and the promotion of comprehensive professional growth,” said Stonesifer. “Mentoring plays a crucial role in preparing our leaders for their responsibilities as firm shareholders, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, skills and perspective necessary to navigate the complexities of our industry and lead our firm toward continued success.”
As a leader, Stonesifer said his superpower is his ability to connect deeply with people and build strong, lasting relationships. “Whether it’s with clients, team members, or stakeholders, I prioritize understanding their needs, concerns, and inspirations because I believe genuine connection fosters trust and loyalty, which are invaluable in business,” he said.
