Career Path of a Founder at Prima Consulting
Shanna's career path, beginning with a bank teller position and waitressing while in college, led to an internship at Arthur Anderson Consulting, followed by full-time employment there before the firm's collapse. This unexpected setback propelled a journey through headhunting, asset management roles at ING (now Voya), Janus Henderson, and Charles Schwab, culminating in the launch of their own leadership development and coaching consulting firm a year prior to the interview, showcasing a resilient and adaptable career trajectory built on seizing opportunities and navigating unexpected challenges.
Executive/Leadership, Career Development, Overcoming Challenges, Resilience, Networking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Shanna Weber
CEO/Founder/Head Consultant
Prima Consulting
Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey MBA
Business Management & Admin, Finance
Coaching, Speaking & Writing, Consulting & Related Professional Services
Consulting
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Shanna's experience at Arthur Anderson Consulting: This internship provided valuable experience in financial consulting, including building models and scenario analysis, which are crucial skills in finance and consulting.
2. Her resilience after Arthur Anderson's collapse: Losing her job unexpectedly, Shanna proactively sought new opportunities, demonstrating adaptability and resourcefulness, which are highly valued traits in any career.
3. Her diverse career path in asset management: Shanna's progression from product development to leadership roles at prominent firms like ING, Janus Henderson, and Charles Schwab highlights the potential for career growth and diversification within the financial sector. She also successfully transitioned to entrepreneurship by starting her own consulting firm.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college?
Did you have any internships or jobs before your current role?
I worked my way through college with a passion for finance. I started at a bank as a teller and also waited tables throughout college.
The summer before my senior year, I was accepted as an intern at Arthur Andersen Consulting. This was one of the "Big Five" firms at the time, which later became the "Big Four" including firms like KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
I interned for a full summer, focusing on financial consulting, advising, building models, and scenario analysis. I discovered a passion for evaluating companies, determining their worth, and understanding how they could be structured.
Before my senior year even began, I signed an agreement with Arthur Andersen to work for them after graduation. I started working there full-time and was with them for about a year and three months.
Then, Arthur Andersen was indicted and collapsed. I found myself unemployed with only two weeks to find a new job. This experience taught me a valuable lesson about job loss early in my career.
Though panicked, I figured it out. I went to a headhunter and was hired on the spot to become a headhunter myself. I worked in that role for a year.
After that, I moved into asset management at ING, which is now Voya. For several years, I focused on product development, launching funds, doing syndicates, and introducing new products.
Later, I joined Janus Henderson, where I led product development for several years. I was involved in their global product strategy, which encompassed the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Then, I was recruited by Charles Schwab to lead their asset management strategy. I spent about eight years there, working on various initiatives including retirement income.
I also led corporate strategy for a period and served as Chief of Staff to the CEO of the asset management division. I gained significant experience in that role.
About a year ago, I decided to start my own consulting business. I now focus on leadership development, coaching, and team engagement.