New chapters: motivation and momentum in 2026
With the January Blues now behind us, Accountancy Ireland asks three Chartered Accountants what matters most to them in 2026, sparking hope and motivation for positive change in the months ahead
Dervla McKenna
Founder
StepOut.StepUp
Professionally speaking, right now I am hopeful for a more human and sustainable model of leadership, one that values impact over constant busyness.
The pace of change in business is not slowing, but I’m encouraged by a growing willingness to challenge the myth that being “always on” is a marker of commitment or competence.
From my work as a coach and mentor, I see just how much is lost to pressure, overload and the burden of keeping up with unrealistic expectations.
I’m hopeful we will see more leaders and organisations set smarter boundaries and build cultures in which high performance is supported through recovery, not fuelled by exhaustion.
I also hope to see a stronger pipeline of women progressing into senior roles, backed not just by policies, but also by practical, trusted and bespoke professional and personal development support.
Leadership coaching and mentoring are most powerful when crafted to the needs of the individual, and their specific role, experiences and circumstances. A “one-size-fits-all” approach, which assumes everyone’s challenges are the same, will not work.
Too often, women step into high-stakes roles facing more scrutiny than their male counterparts and receiving less support. Many find themselves expected to simply absorb the pressure and keep going.
I hope the profession will continue to advocate for targeted supports that help women in leadership to build confidence, influence and longevity in a healthy, sustainable way.
These leaders need to be able to thrive with authority and ambition, without sacrificing their health, relationships or any other aspect of the lives they’ve worked hard to build.
Personally, I hope I can practice what I preach. This year, I want to continue to create a life that energises me, where I can continue to support others in a way that is meaningful and impactful, while also protecting my own wellbeing.
I want to prioritise the relationships that matter most and make time for the activities and adventures that restore me, challenge me and bring me joy.
I don’t see this balance as a “nice-to-have”. For me, it is what makes sustainable leadership possible and what allows me to keep showing up with clarity, generosity and purpose.
John Scott
Senior Accountant
Young Innovations
I’m starting this year by stepping out of my comfort zone and taking on a new role in a different industry.
While I was happy in my previous job, I am excited about this change. I hope it will provide a fresh start and help me focus on where I want to take my career in the accounting profession.
I am always looking for ways to improve myself and explore new opportunities. My experience as a Chartered Accountant from Ireland has helped me stand out in the US, but I am also working toward becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant, which I know will open even more doors and allow me to contribute at a higher level.
In my next chapter, I am particularly interested in harnessing technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen accounting processes.
I see AI not as a replacement for professional judgment, but as a tool to enhance accuracy, consistency and insight.
I have always believed that no one should be the “smartest person in the room”; every individual has unique knowledge and experience to contribute, and the best teams are those that learn from each other.
On a personal note, I recently watched the Chicago Bears narrowly miss out on going to Super Bowl 60. The energy and commitment this team brings to my adopted city shows that the journey is as important as the outcome.
Building a team that performs under pressure, stays disciplined and adapts, can lead to enduring success.
As I begin my third year living away from Ireland, I am reminded of how influential the Irish diaspora is. It’s a privilege to represent a heritage that is so identifiable throughout the US.
These experiences continually inspire me to challenge, collaborate, energise and gain a better perspective each and every day.
Martina Goss
Founder
Professionally, my hopes could be summarised in three words: impact, growth and culture fit. First, I am hopeful that I can use my skills in finance and innovation to deliver a positive impact.
Impact means helping companies to succeed—both financially and innovatively—in delivering products that have a positive impact on society.
Second, I am hopeful for growth— continuing to learn and upskill, including becoming more proficient in AI! Growth also means being open to opportunities outside my comfort zone, perhaps in new industries, such as the health sector.
Finally, I am hopeful that I can make an impact as part of Ireland’s community of creative, innovative and bold thinkers. I hope for an environment in which it is not only about the money but also about societal impact and sustainability.
As accountants, we are natural planners at work, but I think it is also important to maintain this discipline in our personal lives. To this end, I am hopeful I will do more planning in my personal life to ensure I actually live my life outside work.
Equally, I am hopeful of continuing to live more mindfully each day. For me, this means bringing awareness to my thoughts, actions and how I invest my time each day.
Finally, I am hopeful I can continue to move in the direction of a more minimalistic way of living by letting go of things that no longer serve me, maximising the use of possessions I already have and, when purchasing new items, choosing needs over wants.