Bill Briggs’ Post

4️⃣ Four years ago, I stood at the crossroads of uncertainty, a clueless undergrad with a hunger for something more but no roadmap to follow. The corporate dream? A distant echo. The idea of joining the ranks of industry giants like the #Big4 or #MAANG? A mere whisper in the wind. Fast forward to today, and the whispers have turned into a resounding call to action! 🌪️ 💪 Armed with five years of immersive corporate experience and a master's degree that's as much a testament to perseverance as it is to knowledge, I stand on the precipice of possibility, fueled by determination and driven by purpose. 🗺 My journey from uncertainty to clarity has been nothing short of exhilarating. I've danced with doubt, wrestled with challenges, and emerged not just unscathed but fortified. In the halls of corporate powerhouses, I've had the privilege of collaborating with visionaries, unraveling complexities, and embracing the art of continuous learning. 👀 Now, as I set my sights on the zenith of career success, I am not merely chasing a dream; I am sculpting a destiny. The Big 4 and FAANG? They're not just names; they're beacons of innovation, beckoning me to leave my mark on the world stage. With every step forward, I am emboldened by the belief that the best is yet to come. 🚀 So here's to the journey—the triumphs, the tribulations, and everything in between. I invite you to join me as I embrace the challenge, seize the opportunity, and plunge into the dance of change, for therein lies the path to growth and fulfillment. 💫 Remember to keep your eyes peeled; I'm on a mission to weave my way into the fabric of these fantastic companies: Deloitte, PwC Canada, EY Technology Solutions, KPMG Canada, and Google. 🌊🎉 #CareerAdventure #TrailblazingJourney #BigDreams #FAANGGoals #CorporateOdyssey #EmbraceTheChallenge ❔ Ready to embark on this adventure with me? Drop me a message to connect and explore new possibilities! 📩🌟

#leadership #economics #unitedstates #sustainability #nobelprize This individual profiled in this Business Insider article, akin to many at McKinsey & Company, still considered the top rated blue chip management consulting firm in the world, who leave in its constant churn, could perhaps benefit from knowing a few things: 1. McKinsey is, indeed, as he says but to be more precise, bespoke consulting to solve strategy problems corporate leaders face. 2. This, of necessity, implies “thinking” to solve problems strategically to advance the vision and mission of your corporate clients who are leaders of their enterprises. Office 365 is a tool. So is ChatGPT. Technology does not think. You do. 3. What then is thinking? McKinsey might also benefit from what I am about say here. Do I tell my client what they want to hear or do I tell my client on occasion what they do not want to hear unless as McKinsey I am generating revenue because I am engaged to be their external echo from their Harvard Business School class to perpetuate the status quo in the face of internal corporate dissent which may be speaking the truth? Exorbitant services pricing by branding that is disconnected from the outcomes a corporation must produce in its social context to advance self-dealing and vested interests is neither problem solving nor strategy and most certainly not thinking. An iPhone, for example, delivers the desired outcome to a user in superior experience. But how much is that experience worth? $1800 every year in September to drive up the stock price of Apple every 3 months, geopolitical tensions over trade with China and minerals for batteries, and suppression of Spotify on its platform to favor Apple Music? What is the benefit-cost analysis McKinsey ought to be able to do to answer the above case for $4-8 million over a 12 week engagement of about 6 consultants with MBAs, PhDs, MDs, and Law degrees from the top branded universities of the world? McKinsey is a consulting firm whose business model is to write up a case taught in a business school similar to the case study approach in law schools and solve them as the MBA graduate was taught in class. The firm turned it into a profession for MBAs with a backgroud in microeconomics and later began hiring graduates from other disciplines. The only strategy question McKinsey answers is: how do I raise the stock price of the corporation whose C-Suite engaged me to solve one or more business problems? Objective: All my solutions must converge to elevate the stock price every 3 months. The mystique must be stripped to call the emperor naked to get the economy right. Thinking is the scientific process of truth seeking to solve a problem, letting the chips fall where they may. Not only our kids but McKinsey must learn how to think because the world in which a corporation operates is at an inflection point.

Work at the Big 4, but treat it as a phase, not an endpoint. It's been over a decade since my stint at Deloitte (wow!) and I sometimes wonder how different my life would look like if I hadn't left. Sure, I might have progressed up the ladder, but I would still have to deal with the reality of consulting - a broad cut at lots of companies, but a thin one nevertheless. The experience always lacks more than two dimensions, as the work doesn't allow for deep, extended engagement with a single problem (even 6-month stints aren't enough).  That being said, it is an excellent training ground if one wishes to understand how firms (especially legacy firms) operate, and pick up some operational acumen (this really helped me). The 3 odd years I spent at Deloitte endowed me with a crystal clear understanding of the importance of processes but also opened my eyes to the ways in which they could bog teams down. Having worked with multiple companies from different industries (large-scale retailers and manufacturers to name a few), I also began to see patterns in the root causes of problems that plagued these companies. After leaving consulting, I tried my hand as a specialist in a bunch of different industries (and even got an MBA on the way) before finally settling on education services. Today, I spend all my time on helping successful (and talented) folks from the Indian startup ecosystem transfer their knowledge to the next generation of learners. When you move into a specialist or leadership position, your feedback loops become shorter and tighter. You will get to see results almost immediately, and over time, develop true expertise. You'll feel the satisfaction that comes from longevity - not just variety. Of course, you could take the other route and spend long periods in consulting, but make sure you know what you're signing up for. And most importantly, don't get stuck. That's never nice.

Marc Anthony's wisdom, 'If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life' resonated profoundly as I recently had the privilege of been part of a transformative week at Deloitte, where we hosted approximately one hundred U.C.D. students for an intensive creativity and innovation module. Throughout the week, these bright minds were immersed in real-world challenges, honing a myriad of 21st-century skills crucial for success in today's rapidly evolving job market. From fostering creative collaboration to cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets, from mastering design thinking to embracing agility and problem-solving, each aspect of the program was meticulously designed to equip students with the tools they need to thrive in the modern workplace. One of the most rewarding aspects was witnessing the power of teamwork in action. As these students navigated through complex challenges, they exemplified the importance of collaboration, communication, and collective problem-solving. It was a testament to the value of diverse perspectives coming together to drive innovation forward. But perhaps what struck me the most was the students' agility—their ability to adapt, pivot, and innovate in the face of uncertainty. In today's fast-paced world, agility is not just a desirable trait; it's a necessity. The ability to embrace change, learn quickly, and stay resilient in the face of challenges is what sets individuals apart in the job market. As the week culminated in the creation of a Bayeux-style tapestry, depicting their journey and accomplishments, it became evident that these students were not just acquiring skills—they were embodying a mindset of lifelong learning and adaptability. And as they embark on their career journeys, I have no doubt that they will continue to leverage these invaluable skills to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues at UCD Innovation Academy Martin Feeley , Jacinta Owens , Alan Morgan and the entire team at Deloitte especially Dylan Maguire and Emer Sherlock for their unwavering support and collaboration in making this program a success. And to the University College Dublin students—thank you for wholeheartedly embracing every challenge and demonstrating the limitless potential of the next generation of innovators. #teachingandlearning #designsprint #innovation #designthinking #21stcenturyskills #teamwork #agility #employabilityskills

🙅♂️10 years ago, a McKinsey & Company Partner told me it was ‘too divisive’ for me to come back to McKinsey after grad school. The few Partners who I worked with were keen for me to return, but the others wondered why they should let back in someone not offered a McK scholarship. 🔀 The plot twist - 6 years later, I had lunch with Ali Potia (a champion of #diversity), and a chat with Diaan-Yi Lin (a steady yet progressive leader), who assured me that things had changed, McKinsey now valued the diversity of experiences alumni had to offer, and showed that both through the composition of people at the firm, and the increased diversity of pathways to #leadership. 🙋🏽♂️They encouraged me to reapply, and I had fantastic conversations with Arne Gast, Gaurava Sahi, Liesje Meijknecht, Joydeep Sengupta, James Cox, Tejas Parikh getting me super excited about rejoining and turbocharging my professional development in #peopleandculture. 🕵🏽♂️ But I faced a dilemma. Right before signing my offer, I got a call from Open Government Products asking if I wanted to be the Founding Head of People and Culture for a new GovTech Singapore unit modeling what government could be like if we ran like a startup. I had to ask myself 3 questions to make the most difficult career decision of my life: 1. Role: consultant👨🏽💼or in the game👨🏽💻? Did I want to be advising large companies what to do, or be the one making the plays? 2. Timing 🕣: Did I want to be doing something evergreen at a firm that would be relevant at anytime in the near future, or be part of a founding startup team? 3. Focus 🧘🏽♂️: did I want to work on a variety of problems across orgs and geography, or focus on making Singapore’s 🇸🇬 government more agile and developmental? In 2019, the answer was clear for me - I wanted to play as a founding startup member focused on solving a critical challenge for the 🇸🇬 Govt. In my new role and beyond, I hope to continue working with my McKinsey friends, like Tracy Lee and others. What’s your #careercrossroads story, and how did you make your decision? #merrychristmas

Do you know that "Technology Consulting" is currently one of the most exciting niches within strategy consulting? And there are some consulting firms that stand out from others when it comes to helping clients with digital transformation, leveraging AI, and solving the most pressing business problems using tech. In the guide below, we have collated the list of leading tech consulting firms for all consulting aspirants. Read on! Follow us (Career Edge) for more such content on consulting careers and business school preparation, if you found this helpful! And to get into Consulting through live mentorship & placement assistance by mentors from McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Dalberg, and Accenture, you can become a part of our Consulting Fellowship (Application link is in the comments). #careers #consulting #technology

Do you know that "Technology Consulting" is currently one of the most exciting niches within strategy consulting? And there are some consulting firms that stand out from others when it comes to helping clients with digital transformation, leveraging AI, and solving the most pressing business problems using tech. In the guide below, we have collated the list of leading tech consulting firms for all consulting aspirants. Read on! Follow us (Career Edge) for more such content on consulting careers and business school preparation, if you found this helpful! And to get into Consulting through live mentorship & placement assistance by mentors from McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Dalberg, and Accenture, you can become a part of our Consulting Fellowship (Application link is in the comments). #careers #consulting #technology

🌟 Exploring the World of Consulting: A Pathway to Professional Growth 🌟 Are you considering a career in consulting or curious about what it entails? 🤔 As someone who has had the privilege of working in the consulting industry in collaboration with McKinsey & Company, PwC Acceleration Centers (Strategy&) and ZS for several years, I wanted to share some insights into this rewarding and dynamic profession. 🔍 1. Problem Solving at Its Core: Consulting is all about solving complex problems. Whether it's in management, strategy, IT, or any other field, consultants are the go-to experts who help organizations overcome challenges and achieve their goals. It's a career that thrives on innovation and creativity. 📚 2. Lifelong Learning: One of the most exciting aspects of consulting is the continuous learning journey. You're exposed to various industries, clients, and situations, which means you're always expanding your knowledge and skillset. It's a career that keeps you on your toes! 🤝 3. Diverse Clientele: Consulting offers the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and government agencies. This diversity not only broadens your professional network but also exposes you to different corporate cultures and working styles. 🤝 4. Building Relationships: Building strong client relationships is crucial in consulting. You become a trusted advisor, and your ability to connect and communicate effectively is paramount. It's a fantastic skill set to develop, both professionally and personally. 🧰 5. Problem-Solving Toolkit: Consulting equips you with a versatile toolkit for tackling challenges in any industry. This toolkit includes data analysis, strategic thinking, project management, and much more – skills that are transferable and valuable throughout your career. 💼 6. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Many consultants have an entrepreneurial spirit, often branching out to start their own consulting firms or businesses. It's a career path that encourages innovation and independent thinking. If you're someone who loves tackling complex problems, enjoys learning continuously, and thrives in a dynamic and collaborative environment, consulting might be the perfect fit for you. 💼 I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with consulting! Whether you're a seasoned consultant or considering it as a career option, let's connect and share our insights. Together, we can keep the conversation going and help others explore the world of consulting. 🚀 #Consulting #CareerDevelopment #ProblemSolving #ProfessionalGrowth #ConsultingLife #LearnAndGrow #BusinessConsulting #ConsultingCareer #Entrepreneurship

After an incredible 2.5 years at McKinsey & Company, I am embarking on a new chapter of growth and innovation. My journey began as an intern on the infrastructure team, collaborating remotely with a brilliant international crew remotely. Through the support, we expanded our impact, establishing a team in India that worked together as one team to drive remarkable impact. I have also had the opportunity of driving product development at a large scale across industries, pushing the boundaries of innovation. During a single cycle, I had the privilege of receiving two designations – a testament to the unique opportunities that define McKinsey's dynamic environment. My journey is indebted to phenomenal mentors (you know who you are) who have now become cherished friends. Their guidance fuels my pursuit of giving back and helping those navigating similar paths. Along the way, I've picked up some valuable lessons (from mentors, experiences, and friends) that I believe we can all benefit from: 1. Asking the Right Questions: Be unafraid to ask bold questions that steer toward the desired outcome. Your voice matters – if you spot an issue, address it. Your insights will be appreciated. 2. Thinking End-to-End: Embrace the bigger picture. Solving the whole puzzle trumps isolated viewpoints. It is often easy to fall into the trap of thinking in silos, take a step back and focus on the whole story.  3. Getting Things Done: Dive in, regardless of task complexity. Especially in your early years, understanding the ground level working leads to holistic comprehension. True growth comes from stepping out of comfort zones. Don't shy away from tasks outside your scope. 4. Optimise Operational Processes: Invest time in Streamlining operations, especially in cross domain teams. The impact of well defined roles, expectations, responsibilities coupled with robust SOPs/documentation leads to higher impact.  5. Enjoy the Ride (together): Soak in every moment – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Support others and build lasting connections. Throughout, I have had a network of mentors who have made my journey meaningful. While luck does play a role, I strongly believe that hard work prepares us for fortunate opportunities. As I embark on fresh adventures, I extend an open invitation: whether you need advice, seek reviews, or simply want to connect, I'm here. Paying forward the mentorship I received is my privilege and commitment. Thank you to each one of you for your unwavering support, and to McKinsey & Company for being the launchpad for this incredible expedition. Let's continue pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and creating impact that resonates!

A recent Career Mode learning has been changing my perception of consulting: it's gone from "no more, thank you" to "wow, this is pretty great." I spent ~4 years at Bain SF before-and-after business school loving the culture, colleagues, and fast-paced learning environment, but growing disenchanted with the consulting element. I assumed it was because I wanted to operate vs advise, but I've come to realize that it was also because of 1) the client types, and 2) my seniority level on the team: 1) CLIENT TYPES: Companies who can a) afford Bain, and b) need Bain's help are typically going to be much larger and more mature companies than the types of hypergrowth tech companies that most appeal to me (and that drew me to leave Bain to join LinkedIn in 2010). 2) MY ROLE SENIORITY: I was a junior consultant or one level about that, which meant that I was doing lots of analysis and the primary client relationships were owned by Managers and Partners on the team. Over the past few months I've begun to advise and consult with several high-growth startups and it's been a blast. I'm getting to know inspiring founders and to learn about the issues facing companies at various growth stages, all while translating the best of Bain, LinkedIn, and first principles, business "common sense" to each specific situation. It's especially fun because of the variety: - With some companies I'm mainly working on GTM - especially pricing and messaging - and with others it's more about R&D and what the "11-star product experience" could look like or roadmap prioritization processes. - Some companies are EARLY (think 15-20 employees); others are just early (think 250-300 employees). All are growing fast. - Some are B2C; some are B2B; several are B2C2B (https://shorturl.at/opzFT). I'll return to full-time operating in due course, but I'm enjoying helping out and reframing my interest in consulting.