693: Bridget Kaigler is a CPA & Gardener [podcast]

Bridget Kaigler, CEO and founder of Bringing Leadership Back, joins the show to share how she discovered her passion for gardening and transforming outdoor spaces during the pandemic. She describes creating her backyard retreat as her own form of therapy, turning a previously untouched space into something “magazine ready.” Bridget opens up about how her gardening journey led her to help friends design their own outdoor sanctuaries and how the process became a source of creativity and balance in her life. She reflects on bringing her authentic, extroverted self to the accounting profession, embracing relationship-building and practical leadership. Bridget also highlights the importance of nurturing passions outside of work to stay energized and connected, encouraging others to “bloom where you are planted.” Through her story, she hopes to inspire others to bring their full selves -- interests, hobbies, and all -- into their professional lives.

Episode Highlights

· Bridget began creating her backyard oasis during the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming a basic yard into a retreat-like, magazine-worthy space without spending much money.
· Gardening and yard beautification serve as a form of therapy and relaxation for Bridget. She finds joy in nurturing plants and creating something beautiful from scratch.
· The process of gardening -- design, creativity, patience, and nurturing -- mirrors skills and mindsets she brings to her professional life, especially in leadership and relationship-building.
· Bridget realized early in her CPA career that embracing her extroverted personality and authentic self led to stronger relationships, better teamwork, and more success than holding back to fit a narrow professional mold. 
· She emphasizes the importance of having passions outside of work (your "And"), not only for personal fulfillment but also for sparking meaningful connections in the workplace and showing up as your whole self.