( ENSPIRE She Did That ) Founder of the TAPA Institute Empowers Professionals Through Innovative Study Programs, Leadership Coaching, and Mental Wellness Strategies
ENSPIRE Contributor: Serena Chen
In celebration of Women’s History Month, ENSPIRE is highlighting Dr. Sabine Charles, an entrepreneurial trailblazer who has redefined her career and helped countless others achieve their professional goals. Dr. Charles began her entrepreneurial journey because of a high-stress situation from her full-time job. She received an ultimatum from her boss, forcing her to pass the CPA Exam in one year or lose her job. As a young mother, the fear of losing her job prevented her from passing the exam from time to time again and caused stress that resulted in neck pain that sent her to the hospital.
Dr. Charles transformed her hardship into motivation that helped her develop new study methods and embark on her entrepreneurial journey. She founded Charles Financial Strategies, LLC, to be the master of her destiny and help other struggling professionals in the same position she once had. Dr. Charles’s evolution from auditor in corporate banking to founder of Charles Financial Strategies, LLC, is an inspiring testament to resilience, determination, and the power of innovation in overcoming adversity. In recent years, Dr. Charles has created a subsidiary, The TAPA Institute, providing members with CPA training courses, counseling, and mentorship that have transformed the professional lives of countless women worldwide.
Your entrepreneurial journey began under immense pressure. How did that moment of crisis lead you to reimagine not only your path but also how others can approach their professional careers?
My journey into entrepreneurship was born out of personal adversity. Fifteen years ago, I found myself grappling with the challenges of passing certification exams, feeling the weight of anxiety, frustration, and fear. This personal struggle illuminated a gap in the support systems for professionals like me. Recognizing that many others faced similar hurdles, I was inspired to create the TAPA Institute. In this space, professionals could find technical guidance and emotional and psychological support to navigate their certification journeys.
This experience taught me that success isn’t solely about intelligence or hard work; it’s about resilience, mindset, and having the right support structures. At TAPA, we focus on holistic development, ensuring that our clients are equipped not just with knowledge but with the confidence and emotional fortitude to excel in their careers.
Many professionals struggle with burnout and self-doubt, especially when facing a situation similar to yours. How does the TAPA Institute help individuals with the technical and emotional sides of that journey?
At TAPA Institute, we recognize that the journey to certification is as much an emotional endeavor as an intellectual one. Our programs are designed to address both facets. Technically, we offer personalized study plans, boot camps, and tutoring sessions tailored to individual learning styles. Emotionally, we provide stress management coaching, including hypnotherapy sessions aimed at reducing anxiety and enhancing mental clarity.
We understand that burnout and self-doubt can derail even the most prepared candidates. Integrating mindfulness practices and emotional intelligence training into our curriculum, we help individuals build resilience and maintain focus throughout their preparation. Our holistic approach ensures that clients are ready for their exams and equipped to handle the pressures of their professional roles.
You’ve helped countless individuals and women pass the CPA exam and step into leadership roles. What are the key elements to building confidence and succeeding in these spaces?
Confidence stems from competence and self-awareness. At the TAPA Institute, we emphasize the development of both. Our programs are designed to build technical proficiency through rigorous training while fostering emotional intelligence and leadership qualities. We believe that understanding oneself—recognizing strengths, acknowledging areas for growth, and developing emotional resilience—is crucial for success in any professional arena.
Moreover, representation matters. Seeing individuals who look like you in leadership positions can be incredibly empowering. We strive to create a supportive community where women and underrepresented professionals can see themselves reflected and feel encouraged to pursue and attain leadership roles. Mentorship, networking, and continuous learning are integral components of our approach to building lasting confidence and success.
The TAPA Institute offers everything from comic books to mindfulness exercises. What inspired you to embrace such a holistic and innovative approach to learning?
My inspiration came from recognizing that traditional learning methods don’t cater to everyone. People absorb information differently—some are visual learners, others auditory, or kinesthetic. To address this, I developed resources such as “The CPA Doctor and the Certification Superpowers,” a graphic novel that simplifies complex audit concepts through storytelling. This approach makes learning more engaging and accessible.
Additionally, understanding the psychological barriers to learning, such as stress and anxiety, led me to incorporate mindfulness exercises and hypnotherapy into our programs. By addressing the cognitive and emotional aspects of learning, we provide a comprehensive educational experience that empowers individuals to succeed.
If you could go back in time, what would you say to your younger self who was juggling motherhood, overwhelming stress, and big ambitions now that you’ve built such an inspiring and impactful legacy?
I would tell my younger self, “Your challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones. Embrace each struggle as an opportunity to grow and learn. Trust your abilities, and don’t be afraid to seek support when needed. Your journey, with its ups and downs, will lead you to personal success and pave the way for others to follow.”
Balancing motherhood, career aspirations, and personal growth is no small feat. But each experience and challenge has contributed to the person I am today. It’s through these experiences that I’ve been able to create programs that resonate with others facing similar paths. Remember, resilience and perseverance are your greatest allies.
Your work supports women and underrepresented professionals across industries. Why are representation and mentorship so essential in finance and certification?
Representation and mentorship are vital because they provide visibility and guidance. When individuals see others who share their backgrounds succeeding, it reinforces the belief that they can achieve similar success. Mentorship offers a roadmap, helping navigate the complexities of the finance and certification world, which can often seem insular and daunting.
At the TAPA Institute, we prioritize creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We actively mentor and support underrepresented professionals, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to excel. By doing so, we aim to break down barriers and foster a more equitable and representative industry.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your work and the TAPA Institute?
I aspire to leave a legacy of empowerment and transformation. Through the TAPA Institute, I aim to redefine how professionals approach certification and career advancement by integrating technical training with emotional and psychological support.
Dr. Charles is also a bestselling author, a renowned public speaker, and a professional certification exam tutor. Her company is certified as both a minority-owned and a woman-owned business. Dr. Charles supports two charities, JASA and ImpactAbility, which reflect her dedication to representation and inclusion in the professional world. Dr. Charles’s story is especially relevant during Women’s History Month as we look at the contributions of women in all industries, from business to entrepreneurship and leadership. She represents the resilient and innovative mindset that has allowed women to excel in the workplace on an individual and global scale, and she serves as a potent reminder to all women of what’s possible and the power we have over our future. Find more information about Dr. Sabine Charles or the TAPA Institute at their website.
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