Consulting Behind the Scenes: Where Strategy Meets People and Adaptability
Reading Time: 5 Minutes
When most people picture a career in management consulting, they imagine sharp suits and high-stakes meetings. But behind the polished presentations lies a world of creativity, problem-solving, and people-focused work. Consulting is not just about frameworks—it is about navigating complexity, building trust, and adapting to change at lightning speed.
For this consultant, the role is as varied as it is challenging. One day might involve executive coaching, another developing a target operating model or producing a new business plan, and the next facilitating a high-performing teams’ session. Each requires a different approach and a unique set of skills. The pace is relentless, the projects diverse—and that is exactly what makes the job exciting.
Victoria’s journey into consulting was not a straight line. Shaped by economic shifts and opportunities to work across sectors, she learned early on that resilience and curiosity are the keys to thriving in a fast-changing business landscape. And the unexpected moments? They are part of the appeal. “No two days are ever the same,” she says. “That’s what keeps it interesting.”
What advice would she give to anyone considering this path?
“Embrace flexibility, value your worth, and never stop learning.” In an industry where technology evolves overnight and client needs shift constantly; adaptability is not optional—it is essential.
Victoria Russell
Role: Management Consultant
Sector: Consulting
Degree: BA (Hons) Business Information Technology & MSc Hospitality Management
From strategic thinking and collaboration to emotional intelligence and calm under pressure, consulting demands more than technical know-how. It is a career built on relationships, insight, and the ability to see the bigger picture. Clients can range from start-ups to global pharmaceuticals and can be online, in an industrial estate in South Wales, or in a rooftop conference room in Sydney or at a fabulous campus on the University of Stirling!
Ready to discover what a day in consulting really looks like—and the skills that make it work? Read on for Victoria’s insights, advice, and a glimpse behind the scenes of this dynamic profession.
Inside the Role
First Things First: What’s the very first thing you do when you start your workday, and why is it important?
If I am working from home, I always try to do some form of movement, whether a quick stroll around the neighbourhood or yoga. If I am working away, I tend to get straight into work mode – emails, reports, etc. And always an espresso to start the day!
The Unexpected Moments: What’s something that happens in your day that most people wouldn’t expect?
Genuinely, no two days are the same. Particularly in management consulting, there are always changes happening quickly with clients, so how you think your day is going to look tends to always end up differently. That’s the interesting part, but also sometimes frustrating!
One day might be executive coaching, the other is developing a target operating model or producing a new business plan, and the next is facilitating a high-performing teams’ session. All require different approaches and skills. And a different mindset! And if working in another country such as in Asia, then jet lag can be a consideration.
Your Work Rhythm: Do you have any routines or habits that help you stay productive throughout the day?
I use my academic tools for productivity, such as Pomodoro. Or I tend to have a small circle of people I work with on a particular project, and we do quick check-ins to keep us accountable and motivated.
The Human Side: How much of your day involves collaboration versus independent work? What does that balance look like?
There is a lot of independent thinking and working, but that can only be achieved through true collaboration. Understanding how other people work and what they need to support or do their roles is key to positive and successful collaboration.
Everyone has their own ways of working and preferences for sharing information and hosting meetings, so it is important to be flexible with how others prefer to work.
British Association of Woman Entrepreneurs
Pharmaceutical company leadership facilitation week in Shanghai
Skills, Growth & Turning Points
The Hidden Strength: What’s a skill you didn’t realize would be so valuable until you started this role?
I love talking to people and am incredibly curious about people and what they do, so that really helps when trying to digest a lot of information and figuring out who does what. You can feel like a detective, unpacking details and figuring out nuances.
A Career Turning Point: Was there a moment or decision that significantly shaped your career path?
The downturn in the economy after the financial crash made me apply my skills to new sectors, as I had been working with a lot of work with luxury brands and the service sector. That’s been fascinating.
I have also focused on larger projects which need a different mindset and routine, and you tend to be part of a larger team of consultants that need to work together closely. Both have been really important to the development of my career.
Mapping session in Northern Ireland
Learning Curve: What was the steepest learning curve when you first started, and how did you overcome it?
Each project or initiative has a steep learning curve!
Each time, it is about the details and understanding people and culture as quickly as possible, so we can deliver on time and on budget, and achieve successful outcomes. So, putting the time in quickly is essential.
Advice for Growth: What’s one habit or mindset that has helped you grow professionally?
Always value your worth!
It is very easy to forget your skillset and experience, but if your colleagues can be your advocates, so can you!
Investment pitching
Winner – innovation award for Trichology business I am an active investor in
Beyond the Job
Industry Insight: What’s a trend or innovation in your industry that excites you right now?
At the moment, we have to understand, embrace, and effectively use AI so it can help you be more efficient without taking away the decision-making and other nuances needed for strategic planning across industries.
Your Go-To Resource: Is there a book, podcast, or online resource you recommend to anyone interested in your field?
One of the best books I have recommended to executives I have coached over the years is ‘What Got You Here Won’t Get You There’ by Marshall Goldsmith. I’m also a certified Marshall Goldsmith coach, so I have seen how his approach and tools effectively support leaders. Simple, effective changes of habit really do work.
The Future Skill: If you were hiring for your role in five years, what skill would be non-negotiable?
Skyline view Sydney Australia
Transparency. Don’t try to do politics; it is time-consuming, ineffective, and lazy. Be upfront and open, with good intentions. It will support you well.
Personal Touch: What’s one thing outside of work that helps you succeed in your job (a hobby, interest, or routine)?
Being a qualified yoga teacher helps me overcome the occasional excessive travel, sedentary work, and generally manic work patterns! Also, having good friends to download with over a glass of wine.
What Skills are you Developing
Victoria’s experience highlights the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and curiosity in building a successful career—especially in fast-paced environments like consulting.
These aren’t skills limited to consulting—you’re likely developing them already through your studies, work, or wider experiences.
Reflect on your Experience
- When have you adapted to change or handled an unexpected challenge?
- How have you worked with others to solve a problem or achieve a shared goal?
- When have you needed to understand different perspectives or ways of working?
- What experiences (e.g. projects, placements, part-time roles) have helped you build confidence in these skills?
- Which of these skills do you feel most confident in—and which would you like to develop further?