From Fear to CFO – My Bold Journey

Back in 2023, I was honored to be featured in Bold Journey Magazine. At the time, I shared my journey through imposter syndrome and how it shaped me as a business owner. Looking back now in 2025, I can see how those lessons were the foundation for where I am today — serving business owners and real estate investors as their CFO and accounting advisor. The fear I once wrestled with became the courage I now use to teach, lead, and empower others. Here’s a look back at that feature, with an updated perspective on how it connects to the work I do today.

In that original interview, I opened up about the fear of not being “enough.” Imposter syndrome made me second-guess myself, even though I had the skills and experience. What I’ve learned is that fear often disguises itself as doubt — but it can become the very thing that pushes you to grow.

What I didn’t expect was how much marketing and visibility would challenge me. Post-COVID, business shifted heavily onto social media, which meant getting in front of a camera. As an accountant, my natural instinct is to work behind the scenes — so showing up on video was terrifying. I hated seeing myself on screen and worried no one wanted to hear what I had to say. But like bookkeeping, the only way forward was consistency. Now, showing up has become a rhythm, and it’s how I connect with the very people I want to help.

Since that article, my business and vision have grown. Today, I focus on high-level advisory as a CFO and accounting advisor for business owners and real estate investors. My team provides the full-service backbone — bookkeeping, accounting, tax prep, and strategy — while I dedicate my time to teaching proper bookkeeping, rooted in both tax code and GAAP principles.

For my REI clients, I’ve stepped into a second role as a multifamily investor relations specialist, helping passive investors understand how to build true wealth through real estate with tax-smart strategies.

Here are the three biggest takeaways from my journey that apply to anyone running a business or investing in real estate:

1. Fear is a teacher. Whether it’s numbers or visibility, what scares you often reveals where you need to grow.

2. Clean books = clear strategy. Accurate accounting isn’t just compliance — it’s the foundation for every smart business decision.

3. True wealth is freedom. Money matters, but time and health freedom matter even more.

I’m grateful for that first Bold Journey article, because it captured a season of becoming. Today, I’ve stepped into my calling with more clarity than ever: helping entrepreneurs and investors create freedom through financial confidence.

If you’re ready to clean up your books, get clear on your strategy, and make smarter RE moves, let’s connect.

👉 Schedule a discovery call today!

https://calendly.com/aomllc/discovery-call

Read the org article:

https://boldjourney.com/meet-mysti-marcantonio/