TWR Podcast Episode 87: Addressing Mental Health With Nicole Davis

Ask any accountant with at least one tax season under their belt—mental health is just as crucial as physical health. Although mental illness can seem “invisible” to others, it can be just as debilitating as physical maladies.

In a recent episode of the Woodard Report Podcast, Joe Woodard and Heather Satterley welcomed Nicole Davis, a principal at Butler Davis Tax and Accounting in Atlanta, to discuss her mental health struggle while building an accountant career. With over two decades of experience, an MBA from the University of Tulsa, and a powerful personal story, Davis offers valuable insights into the resilience needed to thrive in the accounting industry.

Davis's path into accounting was unconventional. Initially aiming for a career in finance, she switched to accounting due to the lack of finance programs at her scholarship institution. Despite the challenges, she found a passion for accounting and has never looked back.

Davis’s mental health

After graduating from Grambling State University and obtaining her MBA, Davis worked with an oil and gas company in Oklahoma. Although she liked the company's culture, her tenure there was marred by personal struggles. “I worked there as long as I could,” Davis said.

Some of those struggles involved major depressive disorder, which forced her to take a leave of absence. When she returned home to Georgia to be with her family and receive treatment, her husband and his two children came with her. “It was a big transition for all of us because my husband just landed a dream job to him,” Davis said. “And he had to quit that job to come to support me…it was another tough time for us.”

Davis’s diagnosis of major depressive disorder had come after a period of intense personal and professional pressure, including adjusting to a new city, a new job, marriage, and the responsibility of caring for her husband's two young children. With medication, therapy, and the support of her family, she began a slow but steady recovery. “I just focused on my mental health and my self-care. And that's what the husband asked me to do. It's like, ‘Hey, don't worry about working yet. Just take care of yourself.’ And that's what I did.”

This challenging period taught Davis the importance of emotional intelligence, cognitive health, and strong relationships. She emphasizes that mental health is essential, especially in high-stress environments like accounting. Davis's experience has equipped her with a toolkit of emotional and cognitive strategies, which she now applies professionally. Her positive outlook and resilience are evident as she navigates the complexities of running a successful accounting firm.

Today, Davis's firm, Butler Davis Tax and Accounting, is thriving. Davis's dedication to her clients and her commitment to providing high-quality service have earned her a strong reputation in the accounting industry. Butler Davis Tax and Accounting serves a diverse range of clients, including small business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals, offering services such as tax preparation, accounting, and financial consulting. Davis's personal experience and understanding of the challenges faced by small business owners make her uniquely qualified to support her clients and help them achieve their goals.

Scaling New Heights 2024

Davis will share more of her inspirational story at Scaling New Heights 2024. She will present on the main stage on Wednesday morning, and also host a breakout session titled "Diversity & Inclusion: Beyond Buzzwords, Here's Why It Truly Matters" at 12:50 PM. Don't miss the opportunity to hear from this remarkable professional who embodies resilience and dedication.

For more information on Nicole Davis and her work, visit Butler Davis Tax and Accounting.