As part of our countdown to RSM Puerto Rico’s 50th Anniversary, we sat down with Hugo Burgos Sánchez, Assurance Division Leader for both RSM Puerto Rico and RSM Dominican Republic. We talked about leadership, the lasting impact of mentorship, embracing transformation, and why he believes the best chapters of RSM’s story are still ahead.

 

Since our last interview, you've taken on the role of Assurance Division Leader for both RSM Puerto Rico and RSM Dominican Republic. How has this new chapter changed your perspective as a leader?  

It has reminded me that leadership is really about people.

When I started my career, the focus was naturally on learning the technical side of the profession. Today, my perspective is much broader. I spend more time thinking about how we create opportunities for our people, how we build future leaders, and how we position the firm for the next generation.

Leading across Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic has also given me a deeper appreciation for the impact we can have beyond a single office or market. We are helping shape the future of two practices at a time when our profession is changing rapidly. That's both a responsibility and a privilege.

What excites me most is that we're not just reacting to change. We have an opportunity to help lead it.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest opportunities for growth for the Assurance Division in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic?

I think the biggest opportunity is that clients need trusted advisors now more than ever.

Businesses are facing increasing complexity, whether it's technology, cybersecurity, regulation, data governance, or simply keeping up with the pace of change. Our role is evolving beyond providing assurance over financial statements. Clients are looking for insights, perspective, and confidence to make important decisions.

In Puerto Rico, we have built a strong reputation over many decades. In the Dominican Republic, we have an exciting opportunity to continue expanding our presence and creating something truly special.

For me, growth is not just about increasing market share. It's about increasing our impact on clients, our people, and the communities we serve.

As someone who has always advocated for innovation and technology, how do you see artificial intelligence changing the way we serve clients and develop our people?

Honestly, I believe we're only beginning to understand the magnitude of what AI will mean for our profession.

Throughout my career, I've seen technology improve efficiency, but AI feels different. It has the potential to fundamentally change how we analyze information, assess risk, and serve clients.

What gives me confidence is that the qualities that make a great auditor won't change. Professional skepticism, judgment, ethics, curiosity, and the ability to understand a client's business remain indispensable.

I don't see AI replacing professionals. I see it helping us become better professionals. It will allow us to spend less time gathering information and more time understanding what the information means.

That is where real value lies.

One of the things you spoke about in your previous interview was the power of mentorship. As a leader today, what responsibility do you feel toward developing the next generation of professionals and future partners?

I feel a tremendous responsibility.

When I look back at my own career, I can clearly identify the people who believed in me, challenged me, and opened doors for me. None of us achieve success alone. 

I felt inspired by my accounting professor who led me through the maze of the accounting nuances and guided me like a lighthouse, which led me to pass the CPA exam before graduating. 

Because of that, I believe one of the most important responsibilities of leadership is helping others see their potential before they see it themselves. RSM Puerto Rico through its many iterations has been able to provide the sowing grounds for improving my skills.  Thanks to the collaboration and insight of great leaders with unique traits like Fernando Rodríguez (former Managing Partner and Assurance Partner from the previous generation of firm leadership), Luis Ocasio (retired Assurance Partner), Raúl Hernández (retired Assurance Partner and longtime colleague) and certainly Doris Barroso (Managing Partner and former Assurance Division Leader). 

Technical training is important, but developing confidence is equally important, which is why self-evaluation tools like the DiSC assessment and other similar elements help provide those extra insights to excel at the profession.  Sometimes a conversation, a piece of advice, or an opportunity can completely change the course of someone's career. Mentorship means care, which encompasses the golden rule.

If we want RSM to continue thriving, we need to invest in future leaders today! I invite our team to aspire and make themselves heard.  We like to listen. 

What do you believe will be the key to keeping RSM Puerto Rico successful for the next 50 years?

Never becoming comfortable.

One of the things I admire most about this firm is that it has evolved continuously throughout its history. The profession we practice today looks very different from the profession that existed 50 years ago, and I suspect it will look dramatically different 10 or 20 years from now.

Our future success will depend on maintaining that willingness to adapt while staying grounded in the values that brought us here: integrity, quality, relationships, and a commitment to doing the right thing.

The firms that succeed will be the ones that embrace change without losing their identity.

What legacy would you like to help build as you lead the Assurance Division into its next chapter?

It’s about those who dare.

When people look back at this period, I hope they see a team that embraced transformation rather than feared it. A team that understood the language we were speaking and expanded the horizon through new ideas, experiences, and opportunities. A team that recognized that the firm is what connects us and understood the importance of making that connection even stronger.

We are operating in a new information landscape where expectations around audit quality, transparency, and assurance continue to increase. As we continue to strive for quality, one of the most rewarding things is hearing our clients speak about how we contribute to their success. Rather than viewing those expectations as challenges, I hope we are remembered for seeing them as opportunities to raise the bar.

Personally, I am fully invested in building a culture where people feel inspired and empowered to grow. I hope our team members aspire to become partners through dedication, continuous learning, exceptional client service, and a commitment to quality. When it is all said and done, the division will be strong. The legacy is for others to define; for me, it is about moving the needle and creating an environment where people feel energized to create value for our clients and pursue a common purpose alongside their colleagues.

There are many exciting things ahead. We recently launched our AI Immersion initiative, and I am confident our people will enjoy the journey. We will continue investing in talent, expanding our capabilities, and growing our presence in the Dominican Republic.

You've witnessed multiple generations of professionals grow within the firm. What advice would you give to those who aspire to become future leaders at RSM?

Stay curious and remain humble.

The strongest leaders I've worked with never stopped learning. They asked questions, sought feedback, adapted to change, and continued growing regardless of their position.

I would also encourage people to be patient. Careers are marathons, not sprints. Every assignment, every challenge, and every difficult situation teaches you something valuable.

Most importantly, invest in relationships. Technical skills may open doors, but trust is what enables people to follow you as a leader.

As we celebrate RSM Puerto Rico's first 50 years, what excites you most about the future of the firm?

What excites me most is the combination of our history and our future.

We are celebrating 50 years of accomplishments, but at the same time, we are entering one of the most transformative periods our profession has ever experienced. Technology is changing how we work. Quality expectations are increasing. Clients are looking for deeper insights and greater assurance. New markets are opening. New opportunities are emerging.

For many people, that amount of change can feel overwhelming.

For me, it's energizing.

I genuinely believe this is one of the most exciting times to be part of RSM. We have an exceptional team, a strong culture, and an opportunity to grow our presence in both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic while helping define what the future of assurance looks like.

The first 50 years built a remarkable foundation. What excites me is knowing that the next chapter is still being written, and we have the opportunity to be the ones who write it.

Just for fun, bonus question... What do you believe you bring to the leadership (partner) team?

I bring the spark for healthy debate, and I am for thoughtful deliberation. Love details.  I contribute strategic thinking, candid perspectives, and direct communication, without unnecessary drama or indecision. I often visualize my ideas through imagery and analogies, helping to provide context and make complex issues easier to understand.

I also enjoy analyzing differing viewpoints and challenging assumptions to ensure we consider all angles before making important decisions. My natural style aligns with the "D" (Direct) of the DiSC assessment model, although I try to be more “C” (Conscientious). which many of my partners appreciate because it brings clarity, decisiveness, and momentum.

Over time, I have learned that this strength is most effective when applied with balance. In larger doses, it can be overwhelming; in the right measure, it helps move conversations forward, challenge conventional thinking, and drive decisions with confidence.

 

“For me, growth is not just about increasing market share. It's about increasing our impact on clients, our people, and the communities we serve.”
– Hugo Burgos Sánchez