Inspiring change

This month, we are celebrating the amazing women who are an integral part of Crowe Ireland. We are shining a spotlight on their outstanding accomplishments and recognising their commitment to accelerating action in their daily lives.

In this interview, audit trainee Eznee Masdi emphasises the importance of self-love and resilience, drawing inspiration from her mother, and personal and professional growth.

Tell us about yourself.

Hi, I’m Eznee, an audit trainee at Crowe Ireland, hailing from the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—home to the iconic twin towers. I’m currently diving into my very first corporate role with Crowe Ireland, and it’s been an exciting ride so far! When I’m not crunching numbers, you’ll probably find me in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes. Cooking has become my ultimate therapy after a long day at work—there’s something truly magical about creating a meal from scratch, and it’s the perfect way to unwind and recharge.

As a woman, what would you tell your younger self?

Self-love starts from within! If I could talk to my younger self, I’d remind her that no job, title or external validation defines your worth. I spent years seeking validation from others, thinking that achievements would prove my value. But I’ve learned that the real magic happens when you accept and love yourself, flaws and all. I’d give my younger self a pat on the back for everything she’s accomplished, no matter how small, and remind her that life is full of choices—there’s no such thing as a “wrong” decision. It’s all part of the journey, and if one path doesn’t work out, it’s okay! I’d tell her that “You have the strength and power to try again”.

Who is a woman who inspires you?

Without a doubt, it’s my mom. As a working mom with four kids, she is the definition of resilience and a master of balance. Managing both a career and family isn’t for the faint of heart, but she did it with grace and selflessness. I owe so much of where I am today to her, and I truly believe she’s a strong woman capable of anything. She deserves all the good things life has to offer!

What does the theme of “Accelerate Action” mean to you and how is it visible in your life?

To me, "Accelerate Action" is all about making bold moves, breaking through barriers, and turning talk into tangible action. It’s about moving past discussions and ensuring progress is actively pursued, especially when it comes to gender equality.

This theme is something I see in my own journey—both personally and professionally. I’ve always had big dreams, and working abroad was at the top of my list. Of course, it hasn’t been easy! It’s been a path filled with challenges, lessons, and growth. But as I’ve learned, it’s about taking one step at a time and not waiting for things to happen. I take the initiative, push through, and never settle for slow progress. It’s about making things happen, and that’s how I believe we drive change—not just for ourselves, but for women everywhere. If we want equal rights, representation and opportunities, we need to accelerate action, starting right now.

Why do you feel it’s important to recognise women in this way?

I’m passionate about celebrating women’s achievements, sharing our stories, and inspiring others to take bold steps. The theme of "Accelerate Action" speaks to me because achieving gender equality requires resilience and continuous effort.

Through this conversation, I want to shine a light on the strength of women—especially working moms, like my own incredible mom, who balance multiple roles while shattering barriers. I hope to inspire others to take action, support women in their communities, and create a more equitable future for all.

How do you feel the theme “Accelerate Action” is visible in the workplace?

At Crowe, we’re seeing tangible changes that reflect the theme of accelerating action. Gender diversity in leadership roles is becoming more common, with women stepping into partner, director and managerial positions. There’s a clear push for women to not only prove their expertise but also pave the way for future generations.

On top of that, the firm is making strides to support working moms and caregivers. With flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, mentorship programs and hybrid work models, Crowe is creating a workplace where women can thrive in their careers while balancing family life. "Accelerate Action" isn’t just a slogan here; it’s reflected in the policies, the leadership, and the collective commitment to making real progress toward a more inclusive, supportive and gender-equal workplace.

I want to take a moment to wish all the incredible women out there a very happy International Women’s Day! May we continue to find strength in each other and inspire positive change every day.