In a world where complexity often overshadows clarity, I’ve built my career on taking ownership, driving innovation, and delivering results. My journey as a trusted advisor in corporate tax technology is not just a list of roles or accomplishments—it’s a testament to high agency, the mindset of proactively shaping outcomes rather than waiting for opportunities to emerge. Let me walk you through my “high agency resume,” a story of initiative, impact, and relentless pursuit of growth.
From NCAA Mascot to MBA: A Foundation in Grit
My story begins at Ball State University, where I wasn’t just a student but also the NCAA Division 1 mascot, embodying school spirit and leadership in front of thousands. Balancing academics with the demands of performance taught me resilience and adaptability—qualities that would later define my professional approach. After earning my undergraduate degree, I pursued an MBA at Cleveland State University while working full-time as a Senior Tax Analyst. Juggling a demanding career and night classes honed my ability to prioritize, strategize, and execute under pressure. This period was my first lesson in high agency: success doesn’t wait for perfect conditions—you create it.
Catalyzing Growth in Tax Technology
As a Senior Tax Analyst, I discovered my passion for tax software, automation, and process improvement. Corporate tax departments face immense pressure to comply with regulations while optimizing efficiency, and I saw an opportunity to bridge that gap. By guiding organizations to adopt cutting-edge tax technologies, I helped streamline operations and reduce compliance risks. My work wasn’t just about implementing tools; it was about understanding the unique needs of each organization and crafting solutions that empowered their success.
High agency, to me, means not just solving problems but anticipating them. Whether it was automating manual processes or designing workflows to save time and resources, I took ownership of outcomes, ensuring that every project delivered measurable value. This mindset has been the cornerstone of my work as a trusted advisor, helping corporate tax departments navigate complexity with confidence.
A Life of Impact
High agency extends beyond the workplace—it’s a way of living. As an Eagle Scout, a 17-time marathon finisher, and a brother in the Knights of Columbus, I’ve learned that discipline, commitment, and community are integral to growth. Serving on a nonprofit board has further reinforced my belief in creating impact, whether it’s through strategic guidance or hands-on leadership. These experiences have shaped my approach to consulting, where I strive to be a catalyst for growth, not just for organizations but for the people within them.
Crafting a High Agency Resume
So, what does a high agency resume look like? It’s not just a document—it’s a narrative of ownership, impact, and adaptability. Here are the principles I’ve followed to build mine:
1. Own Your Story: My resume doesn’t just list jobs; it highlights how I’ve driven change—whether by implementing tax software that saved millions or mentoring teams to achieve their potential. Every bullet point answers the question: “What did I make happen?”
2. Focus on Impact: Employers and clients don’t care about tasks—they care about results. For example, when I streamlined processes as a Senior Tax Analyst, I didn’t just “manage projects”—I reduced compliance errors and cut processing times, delivering tangible value.
3. Embrace Versatility: From mascot to marathoner to MBA, my path hasn’t been linear. High agency means embracing diverse experiences and showing how they’ve shaped your ability to solve problems creatively.
4. Stay Curious: The tax and technology landscape is always evolving. By staying ahead of trends—whether it’s new automation tools or regulatory changes—I ensure my expertise remains relevant and impactful.
5. Build Relationships: High agency isn’t solitary. My work with corporate tax departments, nonprofit boards, and community organizations thrives on collaboration and trust. A resume should reflect not just what you’ve done, but how you’ve empowered others.
Why High Agency Matters
In today’s fast-paced world, high agency is a superpower. It’s the difference between waiting for instructions and creating solutions. It’s the courage to take on challenges, the discipline to follow through, and the humility to learn from every experience. My resume isn’t just a record of my career—it’s a blueprint for how I approach life: with purpose, initiative, and a relentless drive to make a difference.
Whether you’re crafting your own resume or navigating your career, I encourage you to embrace high agency. Take ownership of your story, seek out opportunities to create impact, and never stop learning. That’s the mindset that turns a resume into a legacy.
About Ryan
Ryan Stemen,MBA is a trusted advisor guiding corporate tax departments in leveraging tax technology for efficiency and compliance. With an MBA from Cleveland State University, Ryan combines technical expertise with strategic vision to drive process improvements and business growth. A 17-time marathon finisher, Eagle Scout, and nonprofit board member, he brings a high-agency mindset to both his professional and personal endeavors. Connect with Ryan at ryanstemen.com.
Ryan Stemen, MBA 