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In honor of Women's History Month, Stax has taken several initiatives to recognize the many contributions women make every day. To further promote a dialogue around women's rights, we asked female colleagues to share their perspective and experience: what does it mean to be a woman in consulting, what women have inspired them, as well as how Stax has enabled their own career development and progression.
1) What does Women's History Month mean to you?
Carole Boletti, Senior Manager, London: Women's History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions that women have made throughout history in various fields and industries. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the resilience, strength, and accomplishments of women who have challenged gender barriers and fought for equality and representation.
Nikki Shah, Senior Consultant, Boston: It serves as a reminder to all the great progress that has been made for gender equality, but also as a necessary push for all the progress that still needs to be made— especially for trans women and women of color.
Tara O’Sullivan, Human Resources Manager, Boston: It’s an opportunity to stop and reflect on the sacrifices of those who have gone before and to think about what we should and need to do for the next generation. Obviously, we don’t all have the same experiences, so I think we could all continue to do a better job of listening to other women about their experiences.
2) Who is the most inspirational woman in your life and how have they impacted your own life?
Geneviève Collette, Senior Associate, Chicago: There are so many. I am a big fan of Brene Brown for her research on emotions and how that plays out in the work environment. I listen and read everything she publishes. With data, she truly makes me think critically about my own actions and makes me understand the impact our words and actions have on others.
As a public figure, I admire Reese Witherspoon for building a media and production company that tells stories from women’s perspectives, puts women characters who are nuanced and complex at the center of stories, in an industry where stories (including women’s) were predominantly told from a man’s narrative.
In my personal life, I am lucky to have grown up and be surrounded by strong and inspiring women in my mother, sisters, grandmother, and amazing friends. They have all built and are building lives they are proud of and that resemble them. They show courage in the way they spend their day by staying true to what they believe. I like the quote by Annie Dillard “How we spend your days is of course how we spend our lives” – the women in my life remind me of that every day by their actions.
“How we spend your days is of course how we spend our lives”
- Annie Dillard
American author
Bhagya Welikala, Consultant, Colombo: Throughout my life, I have looked up to many accomplished women for inspiration, but the one who has truly touched my heart and serves as my greatest role model is my mom. What I admire most is her unwavering ability to show love, care, and support to those around her. No matter the circumstance, she always puts others before herself and will go the extra mile to attend to their needs. It is through her selfless actions that I have learned the true meaning of compassion and empathy.
Like many other admirable women, my mom has shown me that being kind and empathetic is not a weakness. It’s a secret weapon that empowers leaders to thrive.
“One of the criticisms I’ve faced over the years is that I’m not aggressive enough or assertive enough or maybe somehow because I’m empathetic, it means I’m weak. I totally rebel against that. I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong.”
- Jacinda Ardern
Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
3) How has Stax helped with your career development and progression? What unique opportunities has Stax provided?
Tara: Stax is really a place that allows people — not just women — to blossom professionally. For me, during my tenure at Stax I’ve had a dynamic role on our People Team where it’s given me a chance to learn a business top to bottom; work with some phenomenally talented, intelligent, and caring people; and develop my own skills across a range of disciplines. In my view, the culture here is very healthy and productive in a way that supports both our bottom line and each of us as individuals/employees. Not everyone or every workplace has that, so I think we’re very fortunate.
Carole: In my opinion, Stax fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion, where women are valued and respected, and have opportunities to contribute and succeed. This involves the recent establishment of the Employee Resource Group to ensure that the company’s policies and practices support diversity and inclusion. Thanks to those initiatives and more, I feel like Stax supports me as I develop my career.
Nikki: I’ve been so lucky to be exposed to so many parts of consulting starting so early in my career here. I’ve never felt held back because of my age, tenure, or title, and have had the opportunity to be client-facing so early in my career. Separately, I’ve loved being able to take part in non-project initiatives, and Stax has really allowed me to take the reins on leading things I am passionate about (like the women’s group)!
4) What advice can you share with other women looking to enter consulting?
Carole: Entering consulting can be a rewarding and challenging career choice for women. By developing your skills, building your network, and staying open to learning and growth, you can succeed in this dynamic and exciting field.
Geneviève: Show integrity and be yourself. I am motivated and inspired by other women who lead by example and stay true to their beliefs. That’s how progress is made, in my opinion.
Tara: I think the best advice I can give is to be open to new experiences and means of education. Consulting can be fast paced, it can be very in-depth, and it can be both at the same time. Someone who’s willing to learn and ask questions — about an industry, a company, even simply about a colleague’s style of working — will always have an upper hand.
Bhagya: A career in consulting is definitely fast-paced and demanding—requiring you to constantly learn new skills and effectively manage individuals to solve tough client problems. However, it can be very rewarding. The key is to always believe in yourself, surround yourself with individuals that challenge you and demand the best from you, and finally, reflect on the conversations and experiences you have had.
It is also important to balance work and life effectively as one has a direct impact on the other. Ensure you take enough breaks, spend more time with your loved ones, go on that vacation you have been pushing back, and enjoy your time making new experiences.
“Don’t confuse having a career with having a life.”
– Hillary Clinton
Former U.S. Secretary of State
Nikki: Traditionally feminine traits have a valuable place in consulting, and don’t let being surrounded by men make you feel like you must change who you are!
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