Eric Soucia is a highly accomplished accounting professional renowned for his assurance, tax, and consulting services expertise. With a meticulous eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled results, he has earned a distinguished reputation as a trusted advisor across diverse industries. Having specialized in manufacturing, not-for-profit organizations, automotive, wholesale/retail, construction, and healthcare, Soucia’s depth of knowledge is unmatched. His journey to accounting prowess began at a prominent regional accounting firm, where he honed his skills and distinguished himself in providing services to closely held, middle-market clients. His relentless pursuit of excellence and ability to cultivate enduring client relationships set him apart as an industry leader.
An ardent believer in professional collaboration and continuous development, Soucia proudly holds memberships in esteemed organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. He remains at the forefront of emerging trends and cutting-edge methodologies by actively engaging with his peers and staying updated on industry practices. He previously was a committee head on the Buffalo Chapter of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, where he spearheads initiatives that promote best practices, foster professional growth, and elevate the accounting profession’s standards. Soucia’s academic background serves as an additional testament to his professional acumen. He is well educated and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Hilbert College and a minor in economic crime investigation.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day involves managing client engagements, conducting meetings, and working on various projects. I start by reviewing my schedule and creating a to-do list to stay organized. I tackle client requests, communicate with team members, and provide strategic guidance throughout the day. I strive to maintain productivity by setting realistic deadlines, staying focused, and leveraging technology tools to streamline processes. Regular breaks and a healthy work-life balance also keep me energized and productive throughout the day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start by brainstorming and researching to get a clear vision. Then, I plan the necessary steps and collaborate with the right people. Communication is vital throughout the process to ensure everyone is on the same page. Finally, it’s all about rolling up the sleeves and making things happen.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend excites me is the growing emphasis on sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility. It’s inspiring to see organizations across various industries taking proactive steps to reduce their environmental impact, promote ethical business practices, and contribute to social causes. This trend reflects a shift towards a more conscious and responsible approach to business, and it can potentially create a positive impact on society and the planet. I’m excited to witness and contribute to this transformative movement.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that significantly helps me stay productive is practicing effective time management. I am meticulous about prioritizing tasks and setting clear goals for each day. I can maintain focus and work efficiently by organizing my schedule and breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Additionally, I leverage productivity tools and techniques, such as creating to-do lists, setting deadlines, and utilizing time-blocking strategies, to optimize my workflow and maximize productivity throughout the day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I advise my younger self never to stop learning and expanding my knowledge. I would embrace curiosity and seek new experiences, skills, and perspectives. I have discovered that lifelong learning is the key to personal and professional growth.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on?
I can’t think of anything at the moment.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Prioritizing self-care. In today’s fast-paced world, neglecting our well-being amidst our various responsibilities and commitments is easy. However, caring for ourselves is essential for maintaining balance and happiness. Whether engaging in activities that bring you joy, practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, exercising regularly, or simply taking moments of solitude, self-care rejuvenates the mind, body, and spirit. It enables us to show up as our best selves in all aspects of life, and it’s a valuable investment in our long-term health and happiness.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I minimize distractions by turning off notifications on my devices, closing unnecessary tabs or applications, and creating a dedicated workspace free from interruptions. This helps me maintain focus and concentration on the task at hand. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, reaching out to a trusted colleague or mentor for advice or guidance can also be helpful. Sometimes discussing the challenges with someone else provides fresh insights and helps me gain a new perspective.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has been instrumental in my business growth and career advancement is continuously seeking learning and professional development opportunities. By proactively investing in my growth, whether attending relevant workshops and conferences, pursuing certifications, or participating in industry-specific training programs, I have gained valuable knowledge and skills that set me apart in my field.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One failure that stands out in my career was when I missed an important deadline on a critical project. To overcome the situation, I immediately took responsibility for the mistake and communicated transparently with my team and superiors. I expressed my sincere apologies, outlined the steps I would take to rectify the situation, and worked diligently to mitigate any adverse impacts caused by the missed deadline. From this failure, I learned several valuable lessons. I realized the significance of effective time management and prioritization. I now meticulously plan and allocate my time, ensuring clear deadlines and realistic expectations for each task. Secondly, I recognized the importance of proactive communication. By regularly updating my team and stakeholders on progress and potential challenges, I ensure that everyone is on the same page and can collectively address issues before they escalate.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I propose creating a mobile app that connects local artisans and craftsmen with customers seeking unique, handmade products. The app would provide a platform for artisans to showcase their creations, facilitate secure transactions, and enable customers to discover and purchase one-of-a-kind items directly from the makers. It would promote and support local craftsmanship while offering consumers a convenient and curated shopping experience.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Evernote to capture and organize my ideas, notes, and essential information across multiple devices. With Evernote, I can create different notebooks for various topics or projects. I create messages in each notebook that include text, images, web clippings, and audio recordings. The app’s search functionality makes it easy to retrieve specific information whenever I need it.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One book I’ve found incredibly valuable is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. This book delves into the power of small habits and how they can lead to significant personal and professional transformations. Clear provides practical strategies and actionable steps to help readers build and sustain positive habits while breaking free from negative ones. The book offers valuable insights into human behavior, motivation, and goal-setting, making it a must-read for anyone looking to make lasting changes and improve their effectiveness.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed the movie “Inception.” The film’s mind-bending storyline, stunning visual effects, and exceptional performances kept me engaged and constantly guessing. It’s a thought-provoking and visually captivating movie that left a lasting impression.
Key learnings
- Continuously seeking learning and professional development opportunities
- Invest in growth
- Significance of effective time management and prioritization
Steve (Stefan) Junge hails from Germany and helps with the day-to-day publishing of interviews on IdeaMensch. While he and Mario don’t share a favorite soccer club, their enthusiasm to help entrepreneurs is a shared passion.