Rich Lesser, Global Chair of BCG: How I Became CEO of a Top Management Consulting Firm
Jun 19, 2024
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Rich Lesser, Global Chair of BCG, shares his journey from engineering to CEO, offering career advice and skills for success. Topics include breaking barriers, leveling up in your career, and the importance of continuous learning and taking risks. He also discusses building effective communication and gravitas with decision-makers.
Rich Lesser shifted to management consulting for broader strategic problem-solving opportunities.
Management consulting now focuses on building organizational capabilities and leveraging technology for adaptability and change.
Deep dives
Rich Lesser's Journey into Management Consulting
Rich Lesser's shift into management consulting was sparked by his realization that his work in chemical engineering at Procter & Gamble was too narrow. His interest was piqued by the concept of competing on time, a paradigm that resonated with his experiences where the best products were often delayed. This led him to pursue a career that offered a broader scope and a focus on strategic problem-solving, which later evolved to not only solving problems but also driving effective and sustainable change.
Evolution of Enablement in Management Consulting
The landscape of management consulting has evolved significantly over the years. Initially focused on strategic questions, consultants then shifted towards driving complex change efforts. Post the financial crisis, the emphasis expanded to building organizational capabilities for continuous learning and adaptation. Presently, enablement encompasses not only human aspects but also technological components, emphasizing the importance of fostering adaptability and leveraging advanced tools and data infrastructure.
Dispelling Myths about Management Consultants
Rich Lesser debunks common myths about management consultants, particularly the misconception that they merely provide recommendations without implementation. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, listening, and bringing fresh perspectives. Contrary to the stereotype of consultants knowing all the answers, Rich highlights the mutual learning process that occurs, where consultants and clients embark on a journey of discovery and solution-finding together.
Nurturing Passion and Taking Career Risks
Drawing from his personal experiences, Rich Lesser advocates for aligning one's career with personal passion and values. He encourages individuals to explore different paths, even if it involves taking risks or transitioning to entirely new roles or industries. By prioritizing genuine interest and commitment over immediate financial gain or societal expectations, individuals can find fulfillment and drive impact in their professional endeavors.
Rich didn't start his career in management consulting. We explore how he decided to give up his plum engineering job at Procter & Gamble to join Boston Consulting Group as a consultant. He shares how he rose through the ranks at BCG over 35 years before ending up as CEO and a trusted advisor to CEOs, politicians, and other global influence-makers.
We also get Rich to share his best secrets for leveling up your career and the skills he learned as a management consultant that everyone can learn and use to succeed professionally. (Hint: They involve breaking some barriers!)
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