2016 Most Influential Women Honoree: Michelle Goldsberry

Michelle Goldsberry believes leadership exists in all of us. She discovered hers five years ago.

“My mentor, boss and friend suddenly passed away,” says Goldsberry, president of PSC Accounting and Tax Service LLC. “The employees of our firm did not know if they would have jobs and our business and tax clients started scrambling for answers.

“I immediately jumped into the fire and took the reins. I felt I couldn’t let our clients or staff down.”

Goldsberry’s practice has grown leaps and bounds since she filled that role. She believes changing something and making it better than when you found it is an example of a leader.

Starting with PSC in 1994, Goldsberry now oversees nine employees that prepare taxes for several thousand clients and manage monthly accounting duties for small businesses. Goldsberry also assists clients with start-ups and represents people in front of the IRS. And, she seeks to teach the next generation of accountants through an intern program.

“My leadership formed by grabbing opportunity and challenges of everyday life, and this is crucial when running a business,” she says. “You have to stand ready for any and all situations at any given moment.”

Goldsberry tries to influence her community one small step at a time.

“I have done a lot of little things that may not have been full of glory, but it means the world to me to make a positive contribution,” she says.

One of those things is an annual Thanksgiving trip to purchase toys, books and crafts for Shriners Hospitals for Children. What started out as a bag or two of toys grew into a larger initiative after Goldsberry challenged employees and clients to join the effort.

“We usually take a truckload of toys to fill the hospital’s waiting room for siblings or put them in the hands of kids receiving treatment,” she says. “I was taught growing up to share, care and fill a need when there is a void. I have a compelling vision to change the world around me little by little.”

Goldsberry is a published author whose book, “Wishes,” is about adoption, a topic she is especially passionate about as an adoptive mother. When she couldn’t find a book to explain the topic to her son, Goldsberry wrote one.

“When authoring my second children’s book, I wrote my story for him,” she says. “Now, it is being shared with the world, and I find that amazing. I get emails from parents that have adopted, and they used this book to start their child’s library. That is an honor.”

As a person with diabetes, Goldsberry is an active participant with the American Diabetes Association, and her team has been recognized as a top fundraiser and leader in the mission to educate people about the disease.

Linda Fenner counts Goldsberry as both her accountant and friend.

“I strongly believe she has the ability to be a great example of what can be accomplished by a person of honesty, integrity and hard work,” Fenner says. “She has a good mind for business and an innate ability to deal with complex subject matters regarding not only business but social situations as well. She inspires me as well as all those around her.”