INTHEBLACK June 2026 - Magazine - Page 33
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE
“You have to know what you really
want from your career. You only live
once, and while money matters,
what makes you happy every day
matters more.
“For me, that is entrepreneurship.
It is physically and mentally tiring
and you need to have a clear plan,
build a strong support network
and expect some challenges along
the way — but I find it so satisfying.”
we can focus more on strategic or
higher-level analysis work.
“That desire to make an impact for my
clients inspired the name of my business,
because it reflects exactly what I aim to be
for them — a guiding star that helps them
navigate complexity, make smart decisions
and grow with confidence.”
Keo hopes to develop the skills and
confidence of her small but growing team
by promoting opportunities to learn on
the job.
“I think you learn by doing,” she says.
“If you make mistakes, fix them and learn
from them. I encourage my team to fall
forward, because they will still be making
progress, and that is how you grow.”
RESILIENCE AND VISION
While Keo is inspired to teach others, she is
also committed to her own ongoing education.
“I like learning new things and that is why
I am trying to improve my Mandarin,” she
says. “I began learning when I was young.
I remember feeling bored after I had finished
all my homework, so my grandmother
suggested I learn a language.
“I spend about two hours a week on it now,
and while I am not quite fluent, I am halfway
there. The teachers at the language school
I run are the same ones that I started
learning from years ago. I think it is
important to maintain a strong network.”
She also believes entrepreneurship
has enhanced her personal growth.
“I have always thought outside the box
and wanted my voice to be heard,” she says.
“At the same time, I do not just grow my
business — the business grows me as well,
because I have become very patient and
disciplined. I have had moments of doubt,
but I stay focused on the long-term.
Her next goal is to expand into audit
services while continuing to promote the
importance of compliance and “the smart,
informed financial management that will
help Cambodian businesses to grow”.
“Accountants who combine technical skills
with strategic thinking will play a crucial role
in ensuring that this growth is both strong
and sustainable,” she says.
Keo may be fine-tuning her business plans
for the future, but she still makes time to
appreciate what she has achieved in just
two short years.
“When clients believe in my vision,
it validates the work that I have put in
and it reminds me that business success
is about creating value and meaningful
relationships,” she says.
“I am proud of what I have built and the
resilience that I have developed, especially
because so many people said I could not do
it. Building something from nothing is never
easy, but this is just the beginning.” ■
READ
an article on
why younger SME
entrepreneurs are
key to productivity
growth
EXPLORE
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range of data,
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intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au 33
