Q&A With Lindsay Faulstich: Leading with Positivity and The Mindset of a Modern Advisor
For more than 15 years, Lindsay Faulstich, CPA, MST, has approached her career with energy, optimism and a genuine passion for supporting others. Throughout her career, she has experienced the full spectrum of the profession, from the technical demands of public accounting to the high-pressure pace of private equity and the unique considerations facing family offices, athletes and entertainers. In this Beyond the Bio feature, Lindsay shares the lessons that have shaped her approach, the value of learning by doing, and why empowering others is so essential in a profession that moves quickly.
Q: What first drew you to the profession, and how have you seen the accounting industry evolve over your career?
“I started my career as an engineer and moved into accounting because it felt like a better fit. Making that change taught me the importance of being open to new paths and pursuing what energizes you. What has kept me in this profession is that every day is different, and you can make a meaningful impact on others.
A few years into my career, I moved into the private equity side. Seeing the client perspective helped me understand how decisions are made and what clients navigate day to day. As the profession has evolved toward more advisory-focused relationships, that background has helped me become a well-rounded advisor.”
Q: You’ve advised clients across private equity, family offices, real estate, financial services and more. What have you learned from working in these different spaces?
“In many ways, tax work follows similar constructs across industries, but each space has its own nuances. Regardless of how complex the work becomes, I try to stay focused on the individual on the other side of the process.
Across every industry, most people want the same thing. They want to understand what decisions mean for them personally and feel confident in the path forward. Keeping that in mind shapes how you communicate, how you problem-solve, and how you support their planning and goals.”
Q: You have managed and grown teams throughout your career, including helping to build new practice areas. How would you describe your leadership style?
“I am an extremely positive person, and maintaining a positive environment makes a huge difference. Everyone wants to enjoy coming to work, feel included and know their contributions matter. I also believe in treating people consistently at every level, and I try to play to each person’s strengths. Making everyone feel included in the conversation is important to me.”
Q: How do you approach learning new things and staying adaptable in a profession that constantly changes?
“Understanding your learning style is essential. I am a kinetic learner, so I like to immerse myself in new concepts to understand them fully. When tax laws or regulations change, I read news from different perspectives and consult the Internal Revenue Code or IRS instructions to interpret the rules firsthand.
My MST program was a law-based curriculum that pushed me to think critically and read regulations the way an attorney would. I really enjoyed that learning experience, which shaped how I approach technical research and has been invaluable to my work.”
Q: You currently lead Grassi’s Sports & Entertainment practice. What do you find most meaningful about working with athletes and entertainers?
“I love how dynamic the space is. Athletes and entertainers often have income, branding, endorsements and investments developing at the same time. Their financial lives move quickly, so helping them understand the implications of their decisions is incredibly rewarding. There is so much value in supporting the full arc of someone’s journey, and this practice allows us to guide clients with a comprehensive practice built around their needs.”
Q: What unique tax considerations come into play when advising athletes?
“Multi-state taxation is a major consideration. If a football player competes in several states, their income must be allocated across all of them. Athletes also tend to invest early, especially in real estate, and their personal brands often create additional layers of income. It is important to help them understand the implications of every decision and give them the clarity to manage both their careers and their broader goals.”
Q: What advice would you give junior professionals about building strong client relationships and standing out early in their careers?
“Stick with it. The first few years can be difficult, but the work becomes much more interesting as you continue the career path. Responsiveness is the biggest differentiator, and it helps build trusted relationships with clients. Even if you are not the one with the answer, showing up consistently builds trust and teaches you so much. Being engaged is one of the most powerful tools young professionals have.”
Q: Who have been your most influential mentors or role models?
“I have had mentors at clients, in prior roles and in my personal life. They have all shaped me in different ways. A mentor does not have to be an accountant. They can come from anywhere. If you admire someone, ask them to join you for coffee or lunch. Most people are flattered and happy to share what they have learned, and those conversations have been some of the most influential in my career.”
Q: What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
“I coach my kids’ sports teams, including field hockey, lacrosse and basketball, even though I never played some of those sports growing up. It turns out that coaching requires many of the same attributes as leadership. I always try to show up with positivity, structure and clear direction.”
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Lindsay approaches her work with curiosity, optimism and positivity, even when the pace is demanding. Her dynamic, people-centered approach strengthens both client relationships and the mentorship she offers young professionals, reinforcing a shared foundation of trust and growth. In turn, she plays a vital role in shaping Grassi’s collaborative culture as an advisor who helps others succeed.