“Consulting is fast-paced and now, I enjoy the challenges that come along with the industry. The work I perform is much more valuable, and intellectually stimulating. In a stable or repetitive environment, I find it can get boring while the consulting world delivers various clients in a multitude of industries with complex problems.“
I wish I knew about the potential instability that accompanies consulting for what comes next after each project since, sometimes, there isn’t one immediately lined up.
Over the years I have also learned that as soon as a project initiates, you must establish trust immediately, as one starts with little organizational credit. Alongside with trust, it is vital to develop the ability to quickly comprehend information conceptually, then convert and apply that knowledge effectively and efficiently in any environment.
One last challenge, as a young consultant; it is difficult to establish credibility the more junior you are since many leaders have years of experience that surpass your actual age and rightfully so, question your ability to deliver value. However, a fresh set of eyes, curiosity and technical aptitude go a long way as a young consultant.
It was, in fact, a professor of mine who inspired me to get into the field and connected me with David Poirier after two years of working at a large company.
After a year with TPG, I left and joined another private consulting company that was slightly more established at the time. Back then, I was more inclined toward stability and consistently securing the next step. At that point, I went to a few larger corporations where I felt stifled in delivering value as so many potentially great ideas would get shut down by hierarchy that often left teams, including myself, feeling under-valued.
While consulting for a Start-up, I was asked to join full time as a Vice President and it was fun, along with immense pressure to perform, as the business was malleable but came with high expectations from investors.
I decided to come back with TPG because the awareness I have developed of my skill set alongside TPG’s ability to assemble incredibly talented teams, which continually inspires me to create optimal change and value for all of our clients.
Consulting is fast-paced and now, I enjoy the challenges that come along with the industry. The work I perform is much more valuable and intellectually stimulating. In a stable or repetitive environment, I find it can get boring while the consulting world delivers various clients in a multitude of industries with complex problems. Even within a client, one day I can be completing technical work, and the next day I can be delivering change management or leadership coaching.
Being able to work with people at TPG who I trust immensely. Both in their character (each individual’s integrity and intent) and their competence, their results garnered through their capabilities. It is the ability to go into a project and appreciate that you can depend on the team around you to deliver. Work is also a lot more fun as the relationships continue to develop and gain strength, which converts to the team delivering value and not just an individual.
