BIV is proud to recognize Anna DiBella, founder and CEO of ProFix Accounting & Strategy, and 39 exceptional business leaders with 2022 Forty under 40 Awards.
Each recipient is featured in BIV's annual Forty under 40 Magazine, and will be celebrated at an awards gala Feb. 22. Profiles of each award recipient – originally published in the magazine – will be available at biv.com in the days ahead.
Who or what is responsible for your work ethic?
My work ethic is driven by my desire to experience life to the fullest. My family nicknamed me “Full-throttle Anna” because everything I do in my life, I dive in with all the energy and enthusiasm I have.
What drives you?
To contribute positively to society and be a leader who uses their voice and influence to bring real change that helps people. My ultimate goal is to create a safer world for everyone, both in the business world and in my community.
A favourite book you would recommend?
Revolutionary Witchcraft: A Guide to Magical Activism by Sarah Lyons.
Now that you are (or are close to) entering your 40s, what goals have you set for yourself?
As I look to the future, I am excited to sell my business in a few years and become a full-time advocate on behalf of survivors of sexual assault and rape, with specific focus on police and justice reform. I am determined to make this world safer for everyone.
What was your childhood career dream?
Growing up I dreamed of a having a career that would allow me to explore the world. I still do!
What was your toughest business or professional decision?
Not to give up. I started PROFiX Accounting in March 2020 as a single mom with a baby and a toddler right before daycares closed. I had to adapt my life and business strategy from day one and it was really hard to not quit.
What is your best habit?
Meditating at least 20 minutes daily. Meditating everyday ensures I prioritize my mental health and have one moment of still quiet time to myself everyday without distractions from clients, employees or kids. I’ll skip lunch over meditating if I need to. My workday is most productive if I prioritize meditation.
Tell us one improbable fact about yourself.
I never wanted to be a CPA because I thought it would be boring. After university, I worked on a sailboat in Colombia and came home broke. I took a law firm bookkeeping job for the money and the rest is history. Turns out being a CFO sure isn’t boring!
Best piece of advice ever received?
Celebrate your wins. Life moves fast and if you don’t take time to celebrate your achievements, then what’s the point of working so hard everyday?
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Adapt or die. Those words are on my wall; I look at them everyday. Because I launched my firm in March 2020. I have been adapting my business strategy from day one, and we are more competitive than ever as a result.
What’s left to accomplish?
My goal from the start was to grow PROFiX into a national accounting firm with more than 1,000 clients, and I’m well on my way.
Read the profiles of all 40 award recipients in BIV's annual Forty under 40 Magazine. Register to recognize this year's winner at the Forty under 40 Awards gala on Feb. 22.
