“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great at whatever they want to do." - Kobe Bryant
Ara Anoshiravani collaborates closely with firm leadership, practice leaders, market hubs and employees across the globe to align day-to-day operations with GHJ’s long-term vision. Her role includes optimizing internal processes, developing team efficiencies and enhancing GHJ’s service delivery for clients. Ara brings over 25 years of experience in professional services, with a strong background in accounting, operations, workforce development and team coaching.
Ara spent more than two decades at a Big Four firm, where she held numerous leadership positions, including managing the West Tax U.S.-India team and overseeing the firm’s workforce development initiatives. During her time at the Big Four firm, she led in other capacities including regional talent leader and head of strategic operations in learning and development. Ara leverages this experience in learning and development, change management and operations strategy in her current role, in which she supports GHJ’s continued investment in people and infrastructure.
Ara holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of San Diego. She serves on the board of the Girl Scouts of Orange County and is a member of the Coaching Federation of America. She lives in Orange County with her husband and dog and has two children currently attending college.
What is your favorite part of working at GHJ?
GHJ’s culture drew me to the Firm. Its people are uniquely compassionate, collaborative and earnest. The purpose-driven culture aligns with the values I hold.
What do you enjoy most about working with clients and GHJ team members?
I thoroughly enjoy driving solution-oriented results and helping others through their issues and concerns, while empowering them to reach their goals.
How do you help others #BeMore?
The best way to help clients or team members is to start with a foundation of a trusting relationship. This can be achieved through honest, open communication and never losing sight of the goal.
How does GHJ help you #BeMore?
I live life with intentionality and focus on giving myself at least one hour a day that is strictly dedicated to what I enjoy. What I do during this hour varies from quality time with my family or friends, walking by the beach and reading, to exercising, traveling or getting a mani/pedi. I respect GHJ’s focus on #BeMore and agree we all should celebrate self-care.
What issues in the community do you care most about?
American Diabetes Association, Girl Scouts, Scouts of America and California Zoroastrian Center are all important organizations whose missions I support.
What is your favorite quote that best describes your professional philosophy?
As a Kobe fan, I have to share two Kobe quotes: “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great at whatever they want to do;” and “Mamba Mentality: It is a constant quest to try to be better today than you were yesterday and better tomorrow than you were the day before.”
Fun Facts
Favorite place in the world:
Varanasi, India
Favorite singer:
Frank Sinatra, Taylor Swift
Favorite movie or book of all time:
Life of Pi
One word that best describes me:
Empathetic
When I am not working, you will catch me doing this:
Spending time with my family and friends, hiking or walking by the beach. My husband and I are now empty nesters, as our son is a junior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and our daughter is a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Although, we have our five-year-old Australian Labradoodle home with us!
