Strategy Simplified S17E8: Breaking into PE Consulting Mid-Career: The Stax Advantage with Darren Buskirk
Apr 4, 2025
Darren Buskirk, Managing Director at Stax, shares invaluable insights from his journey transitioning from big firms like McKinsey and Deloitte to boutique private equity consulting. He highlights how Stax fosters a collaborative culture and offers rich career growth for mid-career professionals. Listeners will learn about optimizing their resumes, mastering the hiring process, and the unique dynamics of work-life balance at Stax. Darren also discusses the qualities essential for success in this fast-paced sector, making it a must-listen for career changers.
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Darren's Stax Career Leap
- Darren chose Stax to have a bigger individual impact and a culture fit after large firms.
- He connected with leadership and was drawn to their vision for the healthcare vertical and office leadership role.
Stax's Flat, Collaborative Culture
- Stax differentiates with a flat organization where junior staff contribute ideas, not just tasks.
- Office culture emphasizes in-person collaboration and minimal travel for better development and camaraderie.
Fast-Paced Private Equity Projects
- PE consulting projects at Stax are fast-paced, usually about three weeks long with tight bid deadlines.
- Variety keeps work energizing, with consultants engaging different industries frequently.