"Setbacks are the ingredients for great success stories, and I believe that behind every impediment or misfortune comes an opportunity."

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From Teacher to Consultant: Reimagining a Career at BCG

I never quite imagined I would become a consultant. My background is non-traditional for consulting; I spent the first several years after graduating university with Teach For America (TFA), working as a US History teacher at an all-boys public school in the Bronx, New York City. I spent several more years on TFA's staff, serving as a director and overseeing teacher recruitment across New York state.

Around 2015, I began exploring ways I could put my client service and change management skills to work in another field. Throughout my experience as a candidate (before joining BCG), I was often misunderstood because of my background in nonprofit education. Interviewers asked me questions that assumed I didn't have experience with analysis or technical problem solving —confirming stereotypes people have about the nonprofit space. Whether it was my own self-doubt or unsaid societal forces convincing me. I wasn't sure I would find a job in consulting.

That all changed when I interviewed with BCG. Everyone I met had a unique, different, and interesting background and wanted to hear more about mine. That was one of the first moments I realized BCG was different —not only do we welcome people with unconventional backgrounds but we value, celebrate, and cheer them on. I still remember my elation when the BCG recruitment director called me with my offer. I literally said aloud, "This is going to change my life."

A New Home That Just Felt Right

BCG and its culture felt like home from the moment I arrived. It's a place where I increasingly feel like I can bring my whole self to work. BCGers are curious about one another. Industry, practice areas, thought leadership —everyone is constantly having conversations around these fascinating topics. My peers come to work each day ready to drive impact for their clients, but also have fun and care for each other along the way. It's an enriching special environment.

I first joined as a consultant, working primarily in our Health Care and Education practices. In 2019, I was promoted to project leader, where I now oversee teams, cases, and applied projects, helping our clients address some of their most pressing challenges. Times are really unique right now, and it's been amazing to support and help navigate organizational pivots. It's a testament to the culture BCG has built that I've been able to grow so quickly in such a short period of time.

A Surprising Challenge

In 2018, I developed a serious chronic health condition, seemingly out of the blue after contracting a bad virus. I was only with BCG for about a year at the time, and I really questioned if I'd be able to continue in this career that I had worked so hard to build. It was a really tough time for me because the diagnostic process was murky and at times I felt foreign in my own body.

Fortunately, I had a manager and mentor in my office in whom I could confide, transparently, and without fear of being judged. I didn't feel at any point that I needed to hide anything about this really tough personal experience I was going through. The support from my colleagues was remarkable too, from covering my responsibilities during my leave to checking in to show their concern and care. In fact, I discovered other colleagues of mine had gone through similar health experiences.

A Comeback Spurs Imagination

I'm fortunate that I have access to phenomenal health care, and so over the next year or so I was able to figure out ways to navigate my own new normal, becoming healthier and stronger in spite of my diagnosis. Setbacks are ingredients for great success stories, and I believe that behind every impediment or misfortune comes an opportunity.

It was with that mindset that I set out to reimagine the Accessibility Network — AccessAbility@BCG. During my health crisis, I met many other BCG associates and consultants who were navigating health issues and disabilities —their empathy in opening up to me about their own stories was so valuable at the time. Many of them felt unsure whether these were things they could talk about with their managers and teammates. I began having conversations with experienced BCGers and our D&I team about what it would mean to create a space that could provide more structure and support for people in this community.

In January 2019, we rebooted AccessAbility@BCG with a reenergized vision of a network focused on supporting BCGers with disabilities. Our attention is on issues like chronic illnesses, neurodiversity, and mental health, with the goal of connecting colleagues and fostering community among those with a common experience. We want to ensure that all those who come to BCG —regardless of their personal circumstances, backgrounds, disability—can get what they need to thrive, succeed, and make an impact.

Rewarding On Many Levels

My leadership and involvement in relaunching the Network has been rewarding on so many levels. Growing the initiative has been so gratifying, but I personally have connected with mentors and mentees with whom I have something in common. Because of our commonalities in identity, I feel I can be really open and honest with them, which has helped me reflect and grow both personally and in my career.

The network has also led me to discover new passions outside of work. I'm a lifelong fitness enthusiast and have always loved skiing and cycling. More recently, I've picked up some adaptive fitness passions as well that better accommodate my disability. I began wheelchair racing when I realized I likely wouldn't be running anytime soon, but really wanted to complete a triathlon. Fitness and competition outside of work is super important to me, and these pursuits fulfill a need and help me stay active.

Reflections on My Journey at BCG

I remember attending a diversity recruiting event before joining the company that was led by a woman from BCG; she's now a managing director and partner and is totally phenomenal. Her presentation on leading meetings effectively and how to take into consideration the dynamics and perspectives of a diverse group. She shared how, as a leader, you can make people comfortable and open about what's truly on their mind to help diverse groups navigate challenged and solve problems together. As I think about my experience here, I realize this dynamic and culture is very much a part of BCG's DNA. People care about diverse teams and really strive to create inclusive environments for everyone.

Many organizations in the private sector continue to grapple with issues of diversity, representation, and inclusion. What's different about BCG is that there are so many people, through different lenses and channels, working to make this place where you can feel welcomed, included, and valued —regardless of your race, your sexuality, or your disability status. The elements of our identity that make us diverse or different are such assets for the work we do at BCG. It's been both empowering and humbling to be a part of this organization's journey, and I can't wait to find out what's in store next.

Watch this video to learn more about my journey at BCG:

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