I recently attended a leading partners meeting for my region of CPAmerica. In the interest of full disclosure, I am not the managing partner for our firm. I came off the bench for this one. However, I find that when I attend these meetings I end up both inspired and depressed. Inspired because being in the company of such great colleagues challenges me to rise up to my best and allows me to see the potential for my firm and in myself. Depressed because I see the obstacles in our way, obstacles that experience teaches are difficult to surmount. Those in the position of power and benefiting handsomely from the situation are reluctant to change, even if they admit to the long-term benefit. If I want to be a leader, I need to make sure inspiration wins out.