Your differences are a strength

I have always been quite tall (mistaken as a teacher in middle school), full of energy and action (shortness of life became quite real as a teen), and generally what you see is what you get (feelings are out on display, leaning towards the too positive zone). You can therefore imagine the comments I’ve received over time as I’ve navigated the business world: “you need to tone things down” or “you take things too personally” or “you need to be more realistic.”

Pivotal in my career was the opportunity to work overseas on a big programme where the skills and experience our client needed was something they’d only expect an American would have (related to U.S. rules). My style, perceived as very forthright, had become a strength. I grew exponentially both as a person and as a professional in this new environment and it was the project that made me a partner. 

A big contributor to my success and my perseverance to stick with it – has been 2 partners who took me under their wing as a new graduate 32 years ago, Paul Snyder and David Jahnke. They became my sponsors and mentors. No matter where I’ve been located in the world and even long after they retired they’ve been supporting me. That’s why I’m so keen to be sponsor and support our RaiseYou and Allyship programmes, which have both been hugely successful enablers in developing and supporting our female and diverse talent in FS. I encourage more leaders to do the same. 

My top tips – don’t feel hemmed in by your current work and location – there is so much variety in consulting where you can find your groove – be curious and open and explore. You don’t have to be someone else and in fact those differences that make you YOU are often a strength. And definitely seek out a sponsor if you don’t already have one!