Eric Newton

Please briefly describe your daily job duties.

My daily responsibilities include leading multiple client engagements, serving as the primary point of contact for clients, and managing my teams. The role requires frequent communication both internally and externally, and some days are spent entirely in professional meetings.

What is the most challenging part of your job as a person who stutters?

The most challenging part of my job is the mental energy that constant verbal communication can require. I can become hyper-focused on my stutter, which can be draining and sometimes makes it harder to build new relationships as naturally as I would like—an important part of my role. Although my stutter is not prominent, there are times when I get stuck and need to pause, reset, or choose a different word than I intended. Unexpected turns in a conversation can make it especially difficult to remain fluent and confident because I am constantly thinking about how my words will come out. Fortunately, my teammates and clients are understanding and supportive and I am probably more aware of these moments than they are.

What are your long-term career aspirations?

My long-term goal is to become a partner at my firm and use that position to lead, mentor, and support accounting professionals as they enter and grow within the profession.

Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the hiring process? If so, how did you do it?

I did not disclose my stutter during the hiring process and I have not formally disclosed it to colleagues or clients, although most become aware after having several conversations with me. I believe disclosure can be valuable and I have been reading other NSA Career Spotlights to learn how others have approached it. One concern is that people who do not know me well may interpret my stutter as nervousness or assume that I am not a strong communicator. Most people, however, are understanding and empathetic. If others knew that I stutter, I think I would feel more at ease and be less self-conscious about it.

What is your proudest moment at your current company?

My proudest moment was successfully guiding one of my audit engagements through its first inspection by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), which oversees audits of public companies. The inspection was a high-pressure experience that required me to answer questions in the moment without scripted responses. After we passed, I reflected on how effectively I had communicated by resisting the urge to rush, taking time to organize my thoughts, and responding clearly and concisely.

What are some of the proudest moments in your life that have nothing to do with “perfect speech,” but everything to do with resilience or character?

Becoming a father and raising my two young boys are among the proudest experiences of my life. When I am building a relationship with my children, stuttering becomes a non-factor. Fatherhood allows me to focus on what matters most and continually pushes me to become the best version of myself for my family.

Please describe how stuttering makes you a better, more valued contributor at work.

Although stuttering can be challenging, it has strengthened the way I contribute at work. It has taught me patience, thoughtfulness, and the value of showing vulnerability, which helps me connect more genuinely with colleagues and clients. Because my first instinct is often to listen rather than immediately jump into a conversation, I have also developed strong listening and analytical skills. This allows me to better understand my clients’ concerns and needs before responding. By being open about my experience and giving others room to share their perspectives, I have built trust, encouraged stronger teamwork, and formed relationships that have supported my professional growth.

What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and those in a career striving to achieve greater success?

Be confident in who you are and do not hide parts of yourself because you stutter. That may mean disclosing your stutter, opening up to people you trust, or resisting the urge to sit back and avoid speaking in situations that have historically made you uncomfortable. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, you may discover strengths you did not know you had and find it easier to build genuine relationships.