We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Diane Castell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Diane, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
Taking a risk has been one of the most defining moments of my life. There were days when the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming. With eight children to care for, I faced the challenge of providing for them while also wanting to keep them out of daycare. It was in this pivotal moment that I chose to create my own business.
Growing up working alongside my father, a CPA, I absorbed invaluable lessons about accounting and tax preparation for both businesses and individuals. This background provided me with a solid foundation to build my practice. I realized that by harnessing the knowledge I gained from him, I could create an environment where I could raise my children while also providing for them.
As the years went by, I continued to work at various firms in addition to managing my own clients. However, the flexibility of being my own boss became my priority. It allowed me to balance my professional obligations with the needs of my family—a balance that was essential.
My father often reminded me of a crucial truth: “When you work for someone else, only one person has to fire you for you to lose your job. But when you have your own business, it takes 100 clients to ‘fire’ you.” That perspective resonated deeply with me and fueled my determination to succeed.
The risks I took by starting my own business have proven to be worth it, and they continue to pay off today. If something unexpected arises or if someone needs my attention, I can adapt and make it work. The autonomy I gained has not only empowered me but has also provided a stable and nurturing environment for my children.
In reflecting on this journey, I recognize that embracing risk has led to immense rewards. I’m grateful for the path I chose and the lessons learned along the way. Every challenge has reinforced my belief that taking calculated risks can lead to a fulfilling and balanced life, both personally and professionally.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Accounting has been woven into the fabric of my life for as long as I can remember. At just seven years old, I began assisting my father in his CPA practice—initially with small tasks like organizing papers and observing him at work. Before long, I was reconciling bank statements on my own, learning invaluable lessons in accuracy, discipline, and the significance of financial information.
As my responsibilities grew, so did the tools at my disposal. I vividly recall the day my father brought a computer to the office. Though I had no prior experience, I eagerly dove in, teaching myself and experimenting. Each new skill opened doors to further knowledge, and that thirst for learning became the backbone of my career.
Over the years, I deepened my expertise in preparing financial records, payroll taxes, and both individual and business tax returns. My passion for understanding details—and my desire to help others—compelled me to pursue an accounting degree, allowing me to create accurate records that save clients time, money, and stress.
While working at H&R Block, I discovered the role of Enrolled Agents ( America’s Tax Experts). As an Enrolled Agent I can taxpayers directly before the IRS. I knew this was the next step for me. I have a passion for preparing taxes, solving problems, and advocating for clients, so I dedicated myself to studying and successfully passed the IRS Special Enrollment Examination to become an Enrolled Agent.
Today, in my own practice, I draw on everything I’ve learned since those early days. My mission is straightforward: to identify every legal deduction, reduce tax liabilities, and help clients transform their existing expenses into meaningful tax savings.
From childhood to present, accounting has been a constant in my life, and I leverage that lifelong knowledge to make a real difference for the individuals and businesses I serve.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe the core of my reputation lies in my commitment to my clients. By actively listening to their needs and tailoring solutions to fit their unique circumstances, I create a personalized experience that fosters trust and satisfaction. Client testimonials and word-of-mouth referrals have been instrumental in building my reputation, as satisfied clients share their positive experiences with others.
Operating with transparency and integrity has been paramount to my success. I strive to communicate clearly about processes, fees, and potential outcomes. Clients appreciate my honesty and ethical approach, knowing they can trust me to represent their best interests. This has resulted in long-term relationships and repeat business.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Instead of labeling decisions as mistakes, I began to see them as opportunities for learning and discovery. This shift allowed me to reflect on what I could gain from each situation, regardless of the outcome. I learned to ask, “What can I take away from this?” rather than dwelling on regret.
I was raised to see the world in terms of black and white—decisions labeled as either right or wrong. This binary perspective shaped much of my early thinking and decision-making. However, a pivotal moment came when I read a thought-provoking book by an author who discussed the concept of “Bull Shit Rules”—those ingrained beliefs and rules we unconsciously adhere to throughout our lives.
By challenging these ingrained beliefs, I cultivated a more flexible mindset that embraces complexity. I now approach decisions with curiosity, recognizing that not every choice has a clear right or wrong answer. This shift has allowed me to live more authentically and make choices that genuinely align with who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.castelltax.com
