Forvis Mazars’ Catherine Gilpin on Prioritizing Balance

Catherine Gilpin, a partner at Forvis Mazars, focuses on supporting community health centers nationwide that serve medically underserved populations. 

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She emphasizes the importance of strategic time investment, highlighting that prioritizing tasks is essential for maintaining work-life balance and preventing burnout. Gilpin provides insights on balancing work with personal life, reducing stress and why saying no can be healthy. 

You Can Do Anything You Want, But Not Everything

“It’s empowering to know we can pursue any path we desire, but with this empowerment comes the reality that our time, energy and resources are finite. Recognizing that “you can do anything you want but not everything” is about making intentional choices. When we focus on what truly aligns with our values and long-term goals, we can let go of the pressure to accomplish everything at once. Narrowing our focus not only increases our effectiveness but also fosters a deeper sense of satisfaction and purpose. Embracing this mindset allows us to pursue meaningful achievements without the overwhelm of endless obligations.”

Work-Life Balance

“Achieving work-life balance is essential for long-term personal and professional well-being. In a world that increasingly emphasizes productivity, it’s easy to blur the lines between work and personal time. True balance doesn’t mean splitting time equally between both but ensuring that each aspect of life—work, family, personal interests and self-care—receives the attention it needs at the right moment. Prioritizing time away from work for relaxation, family and hobbies rejuvenates the mind and body, enhancing our effectiveness and engagement when we return to our professional roles. By committing to a balanced lifestyle, we cultivate resilience and prevent burnout, leading to sustainable success.”

Saying No in a Healthy Way and Feeling Good About It

“Saying ‘no’ can be challenging both personally and professionally, but it’s a powerful skill to develop. Learning to decline requests that don’t align with our priorities or values is essential for maintaining our focus and energy. When we say no, we give ourselves the freedom to say yes to what truly matters. Practicing a healthy, respectful no allows us to make decisions confidently, knowing we’re honoring both our commitments and ourselves. Over time, the discomfort of saying no lessens, replaced by the positive feeling of being in control of our own lives.

“By prioritizing strategic time management and fostering a balanced work-life approach, professionals enhance their well-being and set a positive example for their teams, which supports Forvis Mazars’ goal of providing an unmatched client experience.”