Finding Strength in Finance: Lessons from Melissa Stockwell’s The Power of Choice

Finding Strength in Finance: Lessons from Melissa Stockwell’s The Power of Choice

By: 2026 CSMFO Conference Host Committee 

Thank you to those who participate Each year, the CSMFO Conference Host Committee selects a featured speaker to kick off the conference. For 2026, the committee members focused on finding a speaker committed to public service and their determination to succeed. Join us in Palm Springs on February 25, 2026, to hear from Melissa Stockwell, U.S. Army veteran, Paralympian, and author of The Power of Choice. Stockwell delivers a powerful message about resilience, purpose, and leadership—one that resonates far beyond the world of sports or military service. For finance professionals, her journey offers timely inspiration and practical wisdom.

Stockwell’s story is one of transformation. After losing her leg in combat, she redefined her identity, turning personal tragedy into a platform for growth, advocacy, and achievement. Her emphasis on the power of choice—how we respond to life’s challenges—parallels the daily realities faced by those in government finance and other high-impact financial roles.

Resilience in the Face of Setbacks
Finance professionals routinely navigate challenges such as budget cuts, policy shifts, and economic pressures. Stockwell’s ability to adapt and persevere reminds financial leaders that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about confronting it with strength, clarity, and courage.

The Power of Daily Choices
Every budget decision, audit recommendation, and policy interpretation carries long-term impact. Stockwell’s message—that choice is a daily, deliberate act—mirrors the integrity and accountability required in finance roles. Ethical leadership, even when difficult, builds trust and stability.

Turning Purpose into Action
After her military service, Stockwell found new purpose through athletics and advocacy. Finance professionals, too, often seek meaning in service—ensuring public funds are used wisely and communities are supported. Her journey reinforces that aligning personal values with professional goals fuels impactful leadership.

Leading with Vulnerability and Strength
Stockwell is open about her struggles, showing that strength often coexists with vulnerability. Finance professionals, while often working behind the scenes, hold immense responsibility. Authentic leadership means acknowledging challenges while continuing to lead with empathy and conviction.

Inspiring Others Through Your Journey
Just as Stockwell inspires others through her perseverance, finance professionals have the power to influence the next generation. Mentorship, visibility, and a commitment to service can shape the future of the government finance profession in meaningful ways.

In The Power of Choice, Melissa Stockwell offers more than a memoir—she offers a mindset. And for finance professionals navigating complexity and change, her story is a powerful reminder that leadership starts with choosing courage, every single day.
We look forward to sharing Stockwell’s powerful messages at the 2026 CSMFO Annual Conference.