Q: Can you share with us some of the events that have shaped your career?
AP: There have been many events or moments that have helped shape my career … but they all point back to another person seeing something in me that I might not have seen. They encouraged me to do more, go for what I want, or even to jump into the political world. Each of these leaders took the time to mentor me which allowed me to grow and find my own success. 

Q: After you graduated with two master’s Degrees, one in Business Administration and Forensic Accounting, where did you think your career path would take you?
AP: Getting my master’s in Forensic Accounting, lead me to want to investigate fraud. I did numerous cases, where in the end, fraud was not discovered, however, there was significant immorality. I saw lives changed or ruined and did not like the ugliness that came along fraud investigation, so I had a course redirection and decided I could best use my skills by working to help business owners prevent fraud.

Q: What was your first job? And how did it shape or impact you?
AP: My very first job was a paper route. I lived in a small town, and the route covered the entire town. I had to fold, and stuff the papers in the bags, deliver them, and fill the newspaper machines, cleaning out the quarters. I am an early bird now and think this might have been the start of that trend.

Q: Your Founder/CEO of Pennock Consulting … you must have had a great idea and went from there … can you share some history and tells us more about your consulting firm? 
AP: Pennock Consulting is an outsourced CFO consulting firm that provides short term, temp, project or long term outsourced Chief Financial Officer Services. Woven into these services is the strong forensic accounting knowledge that assists business owners in creating a strong financial system with good internal controls.  

Q: What are some of the best practices you have employed to enjoy a successful career?
AP: Setting boundaries is extremely important. Time blocking and time management helps, don’t fight it! When you make a mistake, fess up to it, make it right and move on. Don’t over commit, it cheats you and the customer and does neither good.

Q: Can you share with us some of the volunteer work you do in the community?
AP: I am currently a Board Member of Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, the Lake Mary Parks, and Recreation Board and Florida Executive Women. I have been chair of Wine, Women and Shoes, a large fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank, and volunteer in the schools whenever I can. I have volunteered for Junior Achievement, United Way, Seminole County Public School Foundation, Florida Hospital Foundation, and Shepherd’s Hope. I always focus on volunteer opportunities that are personal to me, rather than something to build my resume.  

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? 
AP: My mother. She gave me a foundation of faith that I always turn to when I face a challenge. She was a single mother in the 70s and did everything possible to make sure I had a good life. I didn’t always see what she did but am very well aware now that I have my own kids and what she must have gone through. Always with a smile and never a complaint.

Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today?
AP: The pressures of what the media thinks we should be. I believe movies set us up for failure by giving us false narratives. I think the news doesn’t give us enough good credit, always reporting the negative. 

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?
AP: Find someone you admire and ask them to mentor you and don’t compare yourself to the men in the office. We do things differently. We network differently, we work differently, we communicate differently. And that is OK. Be different!

Q: What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership positions? 
AP: Be you. Always follow your gut it won’t lie to you. Never lose sight of what is important to you.   

Five Things About Amy Pennock

1. If you could talk to one famous person past or present, who would it be and why? 
I’ve never really been so enamored with a famous person so much that I would want to talk to them, however, I would love to spend one more day with my Grandpa. He was the first true male figure in my life and left us over 20 years ago. He was fascinating, served in the military, farmed, ran a business, and raised 6 daughters. I think he took too much wisdom with him when he left and would enjoy one more conversation with him.

2. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I love losing myself in the noise of the ocean.

3. If you were a superhero, what would your special powers be?  
Flying or teleporting, I hate driving!

4. What app can’t you live without?
Fitbit, I am competitive, so it makes me meet my goals!

5. What book are you currently reading?  
The Growth Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck