Significant Career Lesson From A Supply Chain Operations Manager At A Big 4 Consulting Firm
Renee, a Manager in Supply Chain & Operations at a Big 4 Consulting firm, emphasizes the importance of "being authentic" in one's career, proudly showcasing their Jamaican accent as a way to connect with colleagues and clients. This authenticity, however, is coupled with a need for constant self-reinvention, as illustrated by their journey from a shy, introverted consultant to a confident presenter who actively seeks opportunities for growth.
Authenticity, Career Development, Communication, Networking, Reinvention
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Renee Williams
Manager, Supply Chain & Operations
Big 4 Consulting Firm
University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago.
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey - MBA Supply Chain Management; MS Business Analytics
Engineering - Mechanical
Consulting & Related Professional Services
Consulting
International Student, Scholarship Recipient, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Authenticity is key to career success. Embrace your unique qualities and don't be afraid to be yourself; this helps you connect with colleagues and clients.
2. Continuously reinvent yourself by setting goals and seeking opportunities for growth. This could involve overcoming challenges (like public speaking) to become a more well-rounded professional.
3. Consulting requires a blend of authenticity and self-improvement. While staying true to yourself, actively seek opportunities to develop new skills and improve upon existing ones to evolve in your career.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
One lesson I've learned that I think is super important is being authentic. It's sometimes a challenge when you're coming into a new space. You might feel the need to try to fit in or be like everyone else, but it's important to recognize that you have a seat at the table because you bring something unique. You want to be sure to tap into that and really bring all of who you are to work.
For example, my accent is something I'll mention. I have a Jamaican accent and I proudly wear it, even though I'm pretty much able to code switch at any point. I really make it my point of duty to show up and be authentically me. I've been able to connect with clients and colleagues alike just based on that uniqueness about myself.
I think it's important to show up and be authentic in your role and in the way that you present yourself while executing your role. Another thing that's important is constantly reinventing yourself. So it might seem counterintuitive to be authentic and then reinventing, but you do want to take stock of where you are today versus where you want to be tomorrow.
What are some of the goals that you want to achieve? And how will hitting those goals help you to become a better professional? I came into consulting very shy and very introverted. I wanted to stay in the background and didn't want to be out in front, but eventually, I learned that it was important to do this.
So I sought out opportunities to do this that were low-stakes, internal opportunities where I could present to just my colleagues and hone my presentation skills and my networking and relationship-building skills. I then brought those skills to my client roles. You have to find different ways to reinvent yourself so that you can constantly evolve in your role.