In this blog post, I want to share with you all the personal and professional journey I’ve been on, leading to my decision to leave the consulting world and return to being an individual contributor with an asset owner/operator. I’ll dive deep into my reasons behind this shift, and I want to apologize upfront for any strong language that might slip through. This topic is close to my heart, and I’m passionate about the values and principles it touches upon.

The Inescapable Presence of Egos

The world of consulting is renowned for its dynamic environment, providing a platform to work with diverse clients and complex challenges. However, one aspect that’s hard to shake off is the prevalent ego-driven culture, despite the common rhetoric of ‘no egos here.’ Time and again, I’ve witnessed a stark contrast between public pronouncements of collegiality and the private disparagement of competitors. This duplicity is not just disappointing but goes against the grain of authenticity and respect I hold dear. It’s disheartening to be part of an ecosystem where professional integrity is often compromised in favor of one-upmanship and where the value of genuine collaboration is overshadowed by the need to “outdo” each other.

Inconsistency in Service Delivery

Another critical factor that propelled me towards this decision is the inconsistency in service delivery I’ve observed and, at times, been a part of. Delivering top-notch service to a client, earning their trust and accolades, only to see that trust eroded when another team fails to maintain the same standards, is incredibly frustrating. This inconsistency isn’t just a reflection of individual or team capabilities but points to a systemic issue within the consulting model. The lack of accountability and urgency in addressing these inconsistencies speaks volumes about the underlying value system, or the lack thereof. It’s mentally exhausting to continually strive for excellence when the same commitment isn’t mirrored across the board, leading to a tarnished reputation and diminished client relationships.

Unpredictability in Compensation

The unpredictable nature of compensation in consulting has been another significant concern. The anxiety of not knowing whether I’ll receive a consistent paycheck due to the feast-or-famine nature of project engagements is a stressor I no longer wish to contend with. This financial instability is a stark reminder of the precarious balance consultants must maintain between being fully engaged on projects and the downtime in between. It’s a challenge that extends beyond personal financial planning to reflect a broader issue within the consulting industry’s employment model, which I find increasingly untenable.

Misguided Sales Practices

Perhaps the most disheartening aspect of consulting, prompting my move, is the prevalent practice of selling clients services or products they don’t genuinely need. Witnessing the push for unnecessary solutions that complicate clients’ operations without delivering real value goes against my principle of fostering genuine partnerships. The consulting ethos, as it seems, is often skewed more towards achieving sales targets rather than understanding and addressing the unique challenges clients face. This misalignment between what’s sold and what’s truly needed by clients highlights a fundamental flaw in the consulting approach, emphasizing short-term gains over long-term, sustainable relationships and solutions.

A Focus on Reporting Over Remediation

The tendency of firms to deliver a report on issues like vulnerabilities without offering practical support for remediation is a glaring gap in service. Returning to a client to find the same unresolved issues is frustrating and reflects a broader industry problem where the emphasis is more on identifying the problems rather than solving them. The lack of affordable and quality remediation services further exacerbates this issue, reducing the value of the consulting engagement.

In closing, my decision to return to an asset owner/operator role stems from a deep-seated desire for authenticity, consistency, and a value-driven approach to work. It’s about being part of an organization where actions align with words, where the focus is on genuinely addressing challenges and fostering sustainable growth. I yearn for the stability, integrity, and sense of purpose that comes from being directly involved in the operations and success of an organization, contributing to its growth and navigating its challenges firsthand. This move is not just a career shift but a step towards aligning my professional endeavors with my core values and principles.