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Jayhawks in leadership positions are everywhere you look, including through the Jayhawk Career Network. KU Alumni, in partnership with SumnerOne, is highlighting Jayhawk leaders who are models for others in their industries with our “Copy the Leader” program.
What do you do in your work?
Kirt Bocox is a tax partner at KPMG, located in Orlando, where he leads the Tax Practice and serves as the National Lead for Cooperative Tax. He is a trusted advisor, offering real-time solutions to clients such as NASCAR, Tomorrow Golf League (TGL), SeaWorld and Sun-Maid. In addition to his professional role, Kirt contributes to the community by serving on the Board of Florida Citrus Sports. This organization is dedicated to enhancing the Central Florida community through various sporting events, including the annual Pop-Tarts and Cheez-It Citrus Bowls. Kirt travels to various Big 12, Big 10, ACC and SEC schools during the fall, representing Florida Citrus Sports and its bowl games.
What are the qualities of a good leader?
Growing up in Caldwell, KS, a small farming community on the Kansas and Oklahoma border, I was able to witness a lot of great leaders in the community. They all shared very similar qualities. They were all hard working, had great integrity and genuinely cared for those around them. Those leaders were out in the community serving and leading at the same time and helped create a vision of success for others to follow.
How do you practice leadership at your job?
I really believe in being a servant leader. Being a CPA by trade, the “P” stands for public, so I need to be contributing back to the public in as many ways as I can. Whether that be mentoring or developing our staff, to building trust and alignment with my clients, and finally, supporting and growing the community I live in.
What makes a team or group successful?
A successful team at KPMG is guided by clear goals and strong leadership, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic vision. Effective communication and collaboration are crucial, allowing team members to leverage diverse skills and perspectives for innovative problem-solving. Additionally, adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning and quality help teams navigate challenges and deliver exceptional value to clients.
What makes a team or group successful?
Great teams and groups have a high level of trust, accountability, and shared expectations. When you trust each other, you can have difficult, uncomfortable conversations that make us stronger. When trust is lacking, teams tend to gloss over conflict or necessary changes to operations or strategy, which causes more damage in the long-term.
How can leaders in your industry help their organizations adapt to change?
Leaders in the accounting industry can help their organizations adapt to change by fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, encouraging team members to embrace new technologies and methodologies. By maintaining open communication and collaboration, they can ensure that everyone is aligned with evolving goals and strategies while addressing concerns and feedback effectively. Additionally, leaders can prioritize strategic planning and risk management to anticipate future trends and challenges, enabling the organization to respond proactively and maintain a competitive edge.
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