Sheng Xu is a Project Leader based in our Milan office. We connected with him to learn more about his journey at BCG and how he strives to create and maintain work-life harmony.

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Why did you choose the strategic consultancy industry, and why BCG?

After gaining a decade of experience across different industries in Italy and China, I realized how much the strategic consultancy sector values personal and professional development, growth, and commitment. Even more than the corporate sector, it provides a platform for unparalleled growth and recognition. It also gives the opportunity to collaborate with brilliant colleagues, work across diverse industries, and serve inspiring clients.

When I decided it was time for a change in my career, I immediately looked at BCG. I sensed a solid cultural alignment with what I wanted - and let me tell you, my initial perception was spot on. BCG lives and breathes its organizational pillars, and it's visible in the fabric of everyday life. As a Project Leader, I'm particularly passionate about transmitting the ‘grow by growing others’ pillar of our values to my younger teammates, as it allows me to help them and learn from their efforts and growth.

What is the most challenging project you have worked on since you joined BCG?

Earlier this year, I embarked on a remarkable and rewarding project in Georgia. BCG's mission was to shape the future of a significant local company, unlocking growth opportunities in its core business and identifying areas of differentiation in new segments to explore additional growth drivers. It was a project that profoundly impacted the client's short- and long-term development, and I had the privilege of playing a primary role in this strategic endeavor.

It was an exciting experience, but it also had its challenges. The client's leadership sponsored the strategy renewal entirely, which meant high expectations for the final deliverables. Furthermore, being far away from home meant that my family and I had to navigate a new balance to manage the distance during the time I was away.

But all the challenges were worth it, thanks to the exhilarating work and, of course, the fantastic local experiences. I will always mention the excellent local Qvevri wine and Khachapuri, a local cuisine specialty. They added a delightful flavor to my time in Georgia!

What is your recipe for work-life harmony, and how do you maintain it?

Finding the right balance between personal and professional commitments can be challenging. Each of us has a unique recipe that suits our needs. In my case, I've adopted a specific approach. I love what I do, and my profession is an integral part of my life. I embrace the flexibility that my job offers and I always make it a point to protect my free time for my family, especially my two-year-old son. For me, spending quality time with him is a top priority. He is a big fan of cars and moterbikes, and one of our favorite activities is playing with toy cars and balance bikes together. It's incredible to see his passion for motors at such a young age, and he even enjoys watching MotoGP with me. I've realized that choosing a profession I'm genuinely passionate about means making it a part of my life, while also finding space and time for my other priorities.

Tell us something about you we wouldn't expect.

Beyond work and family, I'm very passionate about writing. A few years ago, I started a blog online. To my surprise, it gained quite a following, especially in China. The blog began as a personal outlet for journaling my life experiences. Just before joining BCG, I shifted its focus to my work in strategic consulting and my previous working experiences. I shared my findings, insights, and perspectives on the industry.

To be honest, it has been quite a commitment to consistently publish a new blog post every week. However, my readers' engagement and support have motivated me to continue sharing my thoughts and experiences. To my amazement, the blog resonated with a broad audience, not only those interested in the industry but also individuals curious about the personal side of my professional journey.

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