Navigating a Career in Growth After Consulting

Countless career options are open to you after consulting but Growth and Business Development positions are often the first step out of in-house strategy for consulting-trained professionals. We often get asked what are the skills needed to succeed outside of consulting, particularly in these sorts of functions.

Movemeon recently hosted an event with our partners at Trainline where we asked Matthias Mahr (VP International, ex-BCG) and Sakshi Anand (VP Growth, ex-Goldman) in the landscape of professional growth, what qualities set individuals on a trajectory for success. 

The journey to the top is one for those with a knack for problem-solving, an appetite for continuous learning, and a genuine thrill derived from impacting both the top and bottom lines.

Tips for Moving into a Growth Role

Expand Your Network:

Getting to know people within your company is not just networking; it's building relationships that foster growth. Curiosity becomes a catalyst for learning from others' experiences and perspectives. Getting to know and making an impression on leaders in an adjacent function like business development is often the best first step leading to an internal move e.g. from in-house strategy / transformation.

Choose Wisely:

Joining a company with a track record of moving individuals functionally provides a clear path for progression. Seek environments that value and support your professional development. Choosing a business with a strong growth trajectory will also likely offer more internal opportunities in the future.

Act Beyond Your Role:

Stepping into a role's seniority before being officially promoted is a mindset shift that accelerates growth. Embrace the responsibilities and challenges that come with the position you aspire to be in.

Believe in the Mission:

Aligning personal values with the organization's purpose creates a powerful synergy that propels both you and the company forward.

Leverage Your Strengths:

Identifying and playing to your strengths is your best bet when it comes to professional growth. Recognize what sets you apart and use those attributes to drive success.

Embracing Growth Mindset

Problem Solvers' Paradise:

For problem solvers, growth is a playground for innovation. Constant challenges become opportunities to showcase analytical prowess, resilience, and the ability to navigate uncharted territories.

Learning Enthusiasts:

Marketing strategies evolve rapidly. A passion for perpetual learning is not just an asset; it's a necessity. Thriving in a growth-oriented environment requires a commitment to staying ahead of the curve and understanding that what works today may become obsolete tomorrow.

Buzz from Impact:

A career in growth brings the thrill of witnessing tangible impacts on revenue and profit fuels the journey. Individuals driven by the desire to make a meaningful contribution to the top and bottom lines find their sweet spot in environments where growth is not just a goal but a measurable outcome.

Overcoming Fear:

Taking on overall responsibility and accountability, especially with the intimidating prospect of P&L ownership, becomes a challenge that growth enthusiasts willingly embrace. It's about turning fear into fuel for personal and professional development.

Skills at the Summit

Coaching and Development:

At senior levels, the focus shifts from individual achievements to fostering a culture of growth within the team. Loving the art of coaching and developing others becomes not just a skill but a cornerstone of leadership.

Conclusion

In reality, being in a P&L leadership role doesn’t require a hugely different skillset (than the one you develop from in-house strategy). The biggest change is managing a larger and far more multi-disciplinary team. It far more becomes about coaching and developing others.

About the event

Our largest community event to date, it was so brilliant to see so many Movemeon members in attendance. A big thank you to our hiring partners, Trainline, who hosted the event where these great insights were shared. As well as to our guest speakers: Sakshi, Matthias, Joe and Giampiero.

If you’d like more information about how Movemeon partners with organisations looking to grow their teams, get in touch by filling out the form below!

Interested in content related to growth functions?

• How to become a Chief Growth Officer (Video)
• At what point is it best to leave consulting?
• Life as Senior Business Development Manager