How did your work at BCG prepare you for your current leadership position?
BCG gave me confidence above all else. Working with such talented teams on difficult business problems helped me build a foundation across so many skills - from telling effective stories with data to managing teams and giving feedback. As an entrepreneur I tap into all of these skills in one way or another. Knowing I have this extensive toolkit from my years at BCG gave me confidence to take risks and build something new.
I learned at BCG that solving challenging problems starts with being data driven and curious.”
What learnings from BCG still serve you well today?
I learned at BCG that solving challenging problems starts with being data driven and curious. As a founder you spend a lot of time spotting and addressing roadblocks. When this happens, I find myself returning to principles I learned at BCG: break problems down into their smallest components to find the root cause, then use data -in whatever form we have it - to guide decisions. Then we tell that story. And tell it again and again so that customers, investors, team members can absorb the information and take action.
My advice is to take the time to stay connected with your friends and fellow university and BCG alums, and to stay engaged in professional learning outside BCG too.”
Looking back, what advice would you give current BCGers?
The intensity of BCG can make it challenging to pick your head up and stay in tune with the outside professional world, which is more important than ever given the speed of technology and AI. My advice is to take the time to stay connected with your friends, fellow university and BCG alums, and to stay engaged in professional learning outside BCG too. It will make you a better consultant and help if you decide to make a career leap.
