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Laurie, Anthropologist and Corporate Historian at Independent Consultant: Advize Career Interview
This interview with a highly successful anthropologist and corporate historian reveals a fascinating and unconventional career path.
A journey starting with diverse roles—from Hollywood consulting to marketing research and organizational development—culminated in a fulfilling career as an independent consultant and author.
The interviewee's experiences highlight the importance of self-discipline, financial acumen, and adaptability in navigating the unpredictable world of contract work.
A key takeaway is the value of collaboration and navigating organizational politics, along with the transferable skills gained from anthropological training.
The interviewee's candid discussion of challenges, including hearing impairment, and the emphasis on authentic engagement in one's work, provides invaluable insight for aspiring professionals.
The unconventional path, including mentoring opportunities, showcases alternative routes to success, inspiring students to explore their own unique career trajectories.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Laurie Levin
Anthropologist and Corporate Historian
Independent Consultant
UC Berkeley; Harvard University; UCLA, 1972
Harvard/MA and UCLA abd
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Anthropology, Sociology
Healthcare
Creative
Disabled, First Generation College Student
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Career Path Of An Anthropologist And Corporate Historian As An Independent Consultant
Laurie's career path is "a bit all over the place," encompassing diverse roles like consulting for Hollywood directors, marketing research for an Italian distillery, organizational development research at Hughes Aircraft, grant writing, and speechwriting for the Getty Institute. This ultimately led to a book publishing career that Laurie continues today.
Main Responsibilities of an Anthropologist and Corporate Historian as an Independent Consultant
Laurie's main responsibilities as an independent consultant center on aligning their skills with client objectives, shaping projects to meet those goals. This involves offering guidance through "conversation" on how to best achieve the desired outcomes, a collaborative approach highlighting the differences between contract and in-house work.
A Day In The Life Of An Independent Anthropologist And Corporate Historian
Laurie's career as an anthropologist and author is described as "unpredictable" and "a little scary" due to inconsistent income and a reliance on one job leading to another, requiring adaptive living strategies to navigate periods of "dry downtime". The work, however, is ultimately deemed "very satisfying".
Key Skills for an Independent Anthropologist and Corporate Historian
Laurie, an independent consultant, emphasizes self-discipline as crucial for success, stating that "there's no one looking over my shoulder," requiring strong organizational skills and adherence to deadlines. Equally important is shrewd financial management, a necessity given the unpredictable nature of contract work, necessitating careful budgeting and planning to cover expenses between projects.
Favorite Parts of Being an Anthropologist and Corporate Historian as an Independent Consultant
Laurie, an anthropologist and corporate historian, thrives on the project-based nature of independent consulting, enjoying the "flexibility" it offers and the chance to "learn a lot about stuff" outside their usual expertise. This work consistently challenges Laurie creatively, requiring them to "go into places I've never been before" and develop diverse professional skills while interacting with "a whole different kind of people."
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Independent Anthropologist And Corporate Historian
Laurie's biggest challenge as an anthropologist and corporate historian is navigating the "politics" inherent in every organization, describing it as "very much like a small village" with "power struggles" and unspoken dynamics. Successfully completing assignments requires understanding these complexities and carefully choosing "what to say, learning what not to say," as this is equally important as the work itself.
Favorite Parts Of Working As An Independent Anthropologist And Corporate Historian
Laurie, an anthropologist and corporate historian, most enjoys the diverse people met and the unique learning opportunities in their consulting work, stating, "I love meeting people that I ordinarily wouldn't hang out with." The chance to "create something from that didn't exist before," coupled with collaborative teamwork and pushing personal boundaries, makes every project a fulfilling new experience.
What type of person thrives in the Consulting industry, according to an Anthropologist and Corporate Historian as an Independent Consultant
Laurie, an anthropologist and corporate historian working independently, offered a candid and insightful response when asked about those who thrive in their industry; admitting "I don't belong to any organizations of people who do what I do," and ultimately expressing uncertainty due to a lack of professional network insight.
What an Anthropologist and Corporate Historian Wishes They Knew as an Independent Consultant
Laurie, an anthropologist and corporate historian, wishes they had known how unpredictable workplaces are and the importance of genuine engagement; finding something one loves to do, "so that you can bring to the task...in a very authentic way," is key, making work "part of who you are as an ongoing process."
Entry-Level Anthropologist And Corporate Historian Positions With Independent Consultants
Laurie, an anthropologist and corporate historian, highlighted a recent experience hiring a research assistant without a college degree but with extensive research experience, showcasing that alternative pathways exist into the field. The project involved close collaboration, with Laurie emphasizing the importance of mentoring, stating that "mentoring her in that way was, uh, I think helpful," illustrating a commitment to professional development beyond formal qualifications.
Significant Career Lesson From an Anthropologist and Corporate Historian As an Independent Consultant
Laurie's significant career lesson emphasizes humility and collaboration, stating that "collaboration is the key to success." The anthropologist and corporate historian highlights the importance of respectful listening and idea-sharing over aggression and grandiosity to achieve optimal results.
College Experiences That Helped An Anthropologist And Corporate Historian As An Independent Consultant Succeed
Laurie's anthropological training instilled crucial skills for a successful career: "follow through preparedness, discipline," and the ability to ask insightful questions, even if it means challenging a client's perspective. This foundation, combined with the ability to "parse information, organize information, interpret information, and write about information," proved highly transferable across various professional endeavors.
How Identity Has Influenced An Anthropologist And Corporate Historian In An Independent Consulting Career
Laurie's hearing impairment presented a career challenge, forcing the professional to "adapt," "accept limitations," and ultimately "let go of how things were done before." This proactive approach, coupled with transparency about the disability, allowed Laurie to leverage other skills and achieve career success without letting the hearing impairment define their professional journey.
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