Have you ever wondered about the enigmatic world of consultancy and whether it might be the right fit for you? If the title 'consultant' has ever piqued your curiosity, then this book is your passport into that realm.
Drawing from firsthand experience, the author takes us on a journey from initial skepticism to eventual admiration for consultants. With a memorable encounter as the pivot, she recalls an old colleague's dismissive description of consultants: "They ask you for your watch and then tell you the time." Yet, her personal experience was vastly different. She met a consultant who was insightful, engaged, and who connected the dots in a way that seemed effortlessly brilliant.
In this enlightening book, you'll not only gain an understanding of what it truly means to be a consultant, but you'll also be equipped to decide if the thrilling world of consultancy is your calling. Dive in and explore the multifaceted realm that beckons those with a passion for problem-solving, innovation, and strategic partnership, and a true and deep connection with clients.
“Whether you’re an aspiring consultant or are several years into your career, there’s no one better than Mary Cianni to hold your hand through everything from embracing opportunity, dealing with imposter syndrome, and managing challenging clients and projects… Mary provides the perfect tutorial for refining the hard and soft skills needed to reach the consultant’s ultimate goal of becoming a trusted strategic advisor and partner to their clients.”
Martine Ferland
President and CEO, Mercer
“The Consultant’s Compass is a must read for anyone thinking of making the move from a corporate career to consulting. It is a difficult transition and Mary’s wise, balanced, and pragmatic advice will help people be informed and avoid the many potential potholes. Mary herself embodies the very best of what it takes to be a great consultant—the ability to simplify the complex, inspire confidence through deep credibility, and a genuine care for her clients.”
Jo McConnell
Senior People and Transformation Executive
“Mary is one of these inspirational people you meet one day and who influence your life for a long time to come. Not only has she been instrumental as a consultant in a transformation project I was leading, but her experience and impact made me think about my future at the time, and then made me move a few years later from corporate leadership to strategic consulting. Mary’s book is a real guide and compass for those who have the boldness to make the change to consulting. I can identify many of the experiences Mary describes—especially the courage to relearn and the fact it’s not about selling and telling but listening and asking the right questions—and I wish I had been able to read The Consultant’s Compass when I made the journey myself.”
Jean-Christophe Font
Consultant, Kinetic Consulting; Former Chief Talent Officer, Nestlé
“Whatever technical skills we have, all consultants learn by doing; it is our experiences, our successes (and our failures), and how we engage with clients, prospects, and colleagues that allow us to grow. Mary shares insights from people who have been there and done it, telling relatable real-world stories that help us understand what ‘consulting’ means in practical jargon-free language. Aspiring and seasoned consultants, whether at big consulting organizations, sole practitioners, or internal consultants in large corporations can all learn from this. After all, learning from experiences (your own and others) and applying these to the next unexpected problem is what consultancy is about.”
Steve Allan
Experienced Global M&A Consultant