Management Consulting Principal Kasra Mojtahedi and Management Consulting Managing Director Nicole Fleischmann had quite the surprise planned for them. What they thought was an invitation to present at a leadership meeting was merely a front for a celebration in their honor.
During this celebration, Fleischmann and Mojtahedi were presented with the Patriot Award, an honor that’s part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program. The pair were nominated by Management Consulting Director Lee Cage, who wanted to recognize them for providing a flexible working environment as he furthered his commitment to the Army National Guard. The celebration included a short presentation by an officer from the program and was attended by CEO Wayne Berson and National Managing Principal of Advisory Eskander Yavar.
Reflecting on the award, Mojtahedi shared, “This honor isn’t about just me and Nicole — it underscores BDO’s culture. Everyone on our team, including our People and Culture colleagues, found a working arrangement that suited everyone. It speaks to our firm’s mindset and eagerness to provide flexibility for our veterans, service members, and professionals in general.”
As part of their honor, Fleischmann and Mojtahedi will get to ride in a tank or a Blackhawk helicopter — affectionately known in the Army as a “boss lift.”
Supporting Those Who Serve
Cage, who is part of the Tennessee Air Army National Guard, was seeking to become a warrant officer, a specialized Army position that requires an advanced leadership course. He wanted to take this major step in his military career without neglecting his BDO responsibilities.
“Earlier this year, I went to Nicole and Kasra and proposed how I could attend the eight-week leadership course while still fulfilling client obligations,” said Cage. “At the same time, we were involved in an important client project. I asked, ‘What do you need from me?’ They flipped the table and responded, ‘What do you need from us?’ They didn’t see this accommodation as a burden, which motivated me to work harder.”
Cage was able to take a leave of absence to attend the course, as he was away for much of the workday. As part of the arrangement, he fulfilled some client responsibilities when not focused on course work and stayed connected to Fleischmann and Mojtahedi to ensure the work with the client could move forward.
“I didn’t want to just check out for eight weeks. I owed it to my team and the client to support when I could,” Cage explained. “Knowing Kasra, Nicole, and the rest of my team had my back allowed me to really focus on what I needed to do for this course.”
The arrangement paid off, as Cage excelled in his program, earning superior academic achievement. He was the only National Guard reservist competing against active-duty service members and finished top three in his cohort.
“One of our clients’ sons was in the same program Lee was in, and the two of them would take photos and send them to us to show they were doing well,” said Fleischmann. “It was heartwarming to see, but it also showed the client that we support those who serve.”
A Workplace for All
When Cage returned from his leadership training, he talked with his military leaders about recognizing Fleischmann and Mojtahedi for creating an environment for him to excel both in the National Guard and at the firm.
“Other soldiers will tell me, ‘My job makes it hard for me to serve,’” explained Cage. “But that’s not the case at BDO. When all parties involved are upfront and solutions-oriented, a flexible work arrangement can help retain talented professionals.”
Fleischmann added, “I previously worked with Lee at another professional services firm, so this nomination adds another chapter to our working relationship. Before he joined BDO, I told Lee that the culture here is as advertised, and that’s a big reason why he came here. Showing flexibility indicates you trust your employees, and that helps them remain committed to our clients and our firm’s vision.”
About the Award Program
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) aims to strengthen the connection between civilian employers and service members. The ESGR Patriot Award is a prestigious recognition presented to individual supervisors who have demonstrated outstanding support for employees serving in the National Guard or Reserve through their flexibility, understanding, and proactive communication. This honor is highly regarded within both the military and civilian sectors, as it highlights the essential role supportive employers play in the nation’s defense readiness and the well-being of service members.
From left to right: Management Consulting Principal Kasra Mojtahedi, Management Consulting Director Lee Cage, and Management Consulting Managing Director Nicole Fleischmann pose for a picture during a celebration at the Potomac office.
Mojtahedi and Fleischmann received their honor in front of firm leaders, including National Managing Principal of Advisory Eskander Yavar (far left).