20 Under 40: Deanna Baldwin

Meet Deanna Baldwin, 38, partner at KPMG Private Enterprise and one of our 20 Under 40 Class of 2024 recipients

AS A PARTNER at KPMG Private Enterprise, Deanna Baldwin manages a portfolio of client relationships and works collaboratively with colleagues to provide professional services and strategic advice to privately held businesses, not-for-profit organizations, charities and individuals. Serving as a mentor, performance manager and facilitator for professional development, she is passionate about empowering teams and driving client success, and throughout her career has placed high value on our city’s growth and wellbeing, giving of her time, skills and efforts in support of numerous community organizations and initiatives.

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What would you say is your single biggest business achievement, and why?

My biggest business achievement is my recent promotion to partner at KPMG. This promotion has been the culmination of many years of hard work, grit and determination. I could never have achieved this milestone without the unwavering support of my ­colleagues, in particular the partner group at KPMG London.

What about your biggest business obstacle, and how did you face it?

I started my career at a local firm in Toronto. In 2015, I moved back to London and began my career at KPMG. Moving to a new firm as an experienced staff member required agility and tenacity. In a short period, I needed to learn KPMG’s proprietary methodology, build relationships with new clients, and earn the trust and respect of my colleagues. The learning curve in public accounting is steep. I think that at first, everyone experiences some imposter syndrome.

When you’re not working, what kind of things are you passionate about?

I have two young kids who are the biggest joy in my life. My son is one and my daughter is five. When I’m not working, I spend every moment I can with them. They’re smart, funny, ­inquisitive, loving and keep me on my toes.

What’s in your earbuds: music or a podcast? And what are you listening to?

Podcast. I found Melissa Wood-­Tepperberg’s workouts during Covid and have become a loyal follower of hers ever since. Her podcast, Move with Heart, explores themes of mindfulness, spirituality, nutrition, fitness and much more.

If you weren’t working in your current field, what would you be doing?

I would own a stationery store. My store would sell beautiful cards, notebooks and journals. We might even host calligraphy classes — something I’ve tried to learn over the years, unfortunately not with much success. Interview by Kieran Delamont