Sarah, GVP, Strategy at Huge Inc: Advize Career Interview
A master's in industrial-organizational psychology and an MBA from UCLA Anderson fueled a remarkable career trajectory from human resources to GVP, Strategy at Huge Inc., a leading digital agency.
This individual's journey highlights the value of diverse experiences, including internships in marketing and product management and management consulting at Booz & Company.
The current role involves leading a team of top-tier consultants to identify and unlock significant growth opportunities for clients, requiring strong client services, navigating ambiguity, and possessing a relentless curiosity.
Success in this fast-paced, project-based environment hinges on creative collaboration, understanding various disciplines, and effectively tailoring communication to different audiences.
The interview emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary education, proactively seeking mentorship, embracing failure, and aligning with organizations committed to diversity and inclusion.
The interview offers invaluable insights for students interested in strategy consulting, digital transformation, or navigating a male-dominated industry, emphasizing unparalleled learning opportunities and the crucial skills needed to thrive in a dynamic, ever-evolving field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sarah McMains
GVP, Strategy
Huge Inc
USC, 2006
CSULB, MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology; UCLA Anderson, MBA
Psychology
Consulting
Business Strategy
Greek Life Member
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Career Path Of A Group Vice President, Strategy At Huge Inc
Sarah's career path began with a master's in industrial-organizational psychology, leading to human resources, but a desire for "corporate strategic growth" prompted an MBA from UCLA Anderson. Subsequent internships in marketing and product management, followed by management consulting at Booz & Company, ultimately culminated in their current role as GVP, Strategy at Huge Inc., a "growth digital agency" focused on digital transformation.
Main Responsibilities Of A Group Vice President, Strategy At Huge Inc
As GVP of Strategy at Huge Inc., Sarah leads a team of former management consultants from firms like McKinsey and Bain, focusing on "identifying, quantifying, and enabling big opportunities" for clients. Their work involves analyzing market dynamics and customer trends to advise clients on entering new markets, attracting new customers, or developing new digital experiences and products.
Most Important Skills For A Group Vice President Strategy At Huge Inc
As senior vice president leading Huge Inc.'s business strategy and data consulting team, Sarah and her colleagues—many with backgrounds at top management consulting firms like McKinsey and Bain—"focus on identifying, quantifying, and enabling really big opportunities" for clients. This involves market analysis, competitor research, and trend forecasting to help clients make strategic decisions regarding new markets, customers, and digital experiences.
Favorite Parts of Being a Group Vice President of Strategy at Huge Inc
Sarah, a GVP of Strategy at Huge Inc., emphasizes strong client services skills and the ability to "navigate ambiguity" as crucial for success in their role, given the inherent uncertainties of project-based work and client communication. A "sensational curiosity," constantly questioning and seeking "what's next," is also highlighted as essential for a successful strategist.
Biggest Challenges for a Group Vice President, Strategy at Huge Inc
Sarah, Huge Inc.'s GVP of Strategy, thrives on the dynamic nature of her role, finding immense satisfaction in "delivering results for clients" within the "six to twelve week range" of projects. This constant influx of "something new" and diverse teams keeps the work engaging and prevents stagnation.
Challenges Of Working In Digital Agencies As A Vice President Of Strategy
Sarah's biggest challenge as GVP, Strategy at Huge Inc. is the constant context switching required by "constantly starting something new," whether it's a new client or project. This necessitates "remembering what we talked about last time" across numerous back-to-back calls with diverse agendas, demanding constant awareness and focus.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Digital Industry According To A GVP Of Strategy At Huge Inc
Sarah, GVP of Strategy at Huge Inc, thrives on the "always on the edge" nature of the digital industry, finding excitement in being at the "forefront of innovation" and leveraging this to position Huge Inc as thought leaders for their clients. This constant exposure to new technologies and market trends fuels their curiosity and informs their strategic work.
What a Strategist at Huge Inc Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Digital Agency Industry
Sarah, a GVP of Strategy at Huge Inc, highlights the importance of "creative" and "collaborative" skills in a digital agency setting, emphasizing the need for strategists to understand various disciplines—"technology, Creative Design, data and data science"—to effectively partner with diverse teams and deliver successful client outcomes. The ability to "speak those languages" is key to thriving in this environment, she notes.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Strategists
Sarah, a GVP of Strategy at Huge Inc, wishes someone had emphasized the unparalleled learning opportunities available early in a strategy career, advocating to "be more of a sponge" and observe diverse company structures and strategies. Access to senior clients provides invaluable insights, and this experience should be actively leveraged for both project work and personal professional development.
Significant Career Lesson from a Group Vice President of Strategy at Huge Inc
Entry-level roles for undergraduates in Sarah's field include "Consulting roles or Consultants" in management consulting firms, or "junior strategist," "junior analyst," or "junior account partner" on the agency side. These roles typically involve working with a senior colleague on a single client, allowing for focused industry experience and mentorship to develop "work and insights."
College Experiences That Helped A Group Vice President Strategy At Huge Inc Succeed
Sarah, a GVP of Strategy at Huge Inc., emphasizes the crucial skill of "driving buy-in" from both internal teams and external clients, tailoring "your story to the specific audience." The importance of embracing failure, "failing up," particularly early in one's career, is also highlighted as key to growth and learning.
How Identity Has Influenced a Group Vice President Strategy's Career at Huge Inc
Sarah, Huge Inc.'s GVP of Strategy, credits a multidisciplinary undergraduate education—majoring in psychology and minoring in business—"pursuing what you're passionate about"—as crucial to her success. This diverse background, combined with further education in HR and business school, allows Sarah to leverage "both of what I learned in undergrad" in her current role, which involves talent development and strategic client opportunities.
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