Welch’s Senior Manager and Competitive Athlete, Kyungsoo Yoon

For as long as I can remember, I was known as “the swimming kid.” My journey in the pool began at the age of 5, and by the time I hit my stride, I was making waves across Ontario. With countless gold medals at the Ontario Provincials, I proudly held the 15-17 age group national record in Canada from 2006-2007. Competing at the highest levels, I made multiple top 8 and top 16 finishes at Canadian Nationals and even became a top 16 finalist at the 2008 Canadian Olympic Trials.

Swimming opened the door to another dream: a scholarship to the University of Connecticut, where I majored in accounting. It was during this time that I discovered a passion for business and numbers, setting the foundation for my professional career.

After graduation, I began my career at a Big Four firm, where I spent over 10 years sharpening my skills. While my time there was invaluable, the decision to join Welch LLP in 2023 proved to be transformative. The timing couldn’t have been better—my wife and I welcomed our fourth child in 2024, and balancing life as a dad of four could have been overwhelming without the unwavering support from the Welch team.

At Welch, I’ve found a workplace that truly understands the importance of work-life balance. They’ve created an environment that allows me to excel professionally while still prioritizing my family. It’s this culture of support that has empowered me to chase more than just career goals. Outside of work, I’ve reignited my competitive spirit, trading the swimming pool for the jiu-jitsu mat, where I now train and compete regularly.

Jiu-jitsu has reignited my competitive spirit and brought a new level of excitement to my work-life balance. It keeps me disciplined with a consistent training schedule, helping me stay mentally and physically strong.

Anyone who knows me understands my passion for learning, and that’s exactly what drew me to jiu-jitsu. It’s like playing chess on a whole new level—a never-ending journey of discovery with endless combinations of skills to master.

What truly inspires me is the people. You’re surrounded by a community of individuals who embrace growth, persevere through challenges, and ultimately succeed.  This sport constantly reminds me that nothing worth having comes easy. Skill isn’t something you can buy—it’s earned through countless hours of practice, patience, and hard work. That’s what makes the journey so meaningful and rewarding.

Today, I feel like I’m living at my full potential—thriving as both a father and a professional. With Welch LLP by my side, I’m excited for what the future holds, and I’m proud to be part of a firm that values both personal and professional success.