My background in accounting and finance provided me with a solid understanding of financial processes and strategic management, enabling me to integrate technology seamlessly into client engagements at Accenture.
This holistic perspective has also been instrumental in giving me the tools to innovate and deliver tangible results for my clients. I have since been given the opportunity to spearhead transformative initiatives like the Data Transformation Program. Through this program, I lead advanced data analyses to derive actionable insights for my clients through establishing a solid data baseline that ensures data quality and integration. I educate clients on how to leverage these insights for strategic value. Some of these insights are highly valuable to the bottom line. It allows them to make informed decisions on whether to continue spending on repairs versus replacements, and whether to fund internally or borrow from the bank.

3. What are some significant challenges you've faced in your career, and how have these experiences impacted your career and growth?

One of the challenges I faced in my career was transitioning from accounting to consulting. In accounting, the focus was often on specific tasks and routine processes such as month-end closing and reporting. Consulting, however, demanded a broader skillset focusing on problem-solving and strategic thinking. Adapting to this new way of working and mindset took time and effort.
However, this experience has also significantly impacted my growth in several ways. With more than 20 years in consulting, I've learned to approach problems from different angles and effectively communicate those solutions to the relevant parties. It can be challenging to navigate client dynamics, as different departments within the same client organization can have vastly different working styles and needs.
For someone who is often client-facing, it is crucial to develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Building trust and rapport with clients requires the ability to adapt to their communication preferences and working styles. This skill set is something that I needed to hone over time, sometimes through trial and error.
I have been privileged to be able to work with a few key clients for the long term. And when you have spent a long enough time working together, you become embedded as part of the team – not just an external consultant, but a trusted partner. I learned that we were able to foster a sense of mutual support, allowing both myself and my clients to grow within our respective organizations.
Another challenge, and a constant source of learning, has been the variety of industries I've worked across in consulting. Moving from Telecommunications to Agriculture and ultimately specializing in Oil and Gas presented unique learning curves. While my background gave me the core fundamentals in finance and accounting, I had to learn industry-specific regulations and business models for each new industry. This meant I was constantly learning and adapting to remain relevant and continue to make an impact for my clients.

4. How has your leadership style evolved over the course of your career and what are the key principles that guide your approach to innovation?