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In this episode, I had the privilege of hearing from Zia Paton, the Digital Services Leader at PwC in the Caribbean. Zia oversees a broad range of consulting services, from strategy and transformation to digital implementation and cybersecurity. Her deep expertise in management consulting, especially within the Caribbean market, offers invaluable knowledge that every aspiring consultant needs to know. Here’s what she shared:
The power of technology and ecosystems: Zia revealed that the consulting world has moved beyond just going digital. Now, it's all about making strategic technology investments that drive real value. Understanding how technology fits into broader business strategies and ecosystems is non-negotiable for anyone aiming to excel in consulting.
Adapt or get left behind: In a field as dynamic as consulting, adaptability isn't just a trait—it's a requirement. Zia emphasized that successful consultants at PwC are those who think strategically across multiple domains. If you're serious about climbing the ranks, you need to develop a wide-ranging knowledge base and the ability to think several steps ahead.
Collaboration isn't optional—it’s essential: Zia was crystal clear: effective collaboration is the backbone of consulting. At PwC, teamwork isn't just encouraged; it's essential for career progression. If you can't work well with others, consulting might not be the right path for you.
Career growth on your terms: Zia highlighted that while PwC offers a clear career progression path, your effort and initiative can fast-track your rise. The firm also provides the flexibility to move across different areas, as Zia herself did, making it an exciting place for those who crave dynamic career opportunities.
Trust: the cornerstone of success: Trust isn't just a buzzword at PwC—it's the foundation of both client relationships and internal career growth. Zia’s advice? Trust in yourself, your leaders, and the process. This mindset is key to not just surviving but thriving in the high-stakes world of consulting.
Zia’s insights provide a no-nonsense guide to what it takes to succeed at PwC and beyond, especially in navigating the complex landscape of digital transformation.
If you're aiming for the top in consulting, this is the kind of information you can't afford to miss. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
Where to find Zia Paton:
➤ LinkedIn: Zia Paton
In this episode, we cover
Consultants as "company doctors"
Career progression at PwC
Individual talent and career advancement
Learning to think strategically
The importance of networking in recruitment
Implementing AI and its impact
The importance of adaptability in careers
Skills in highest demand in Trinidad and Tobago, including ACCA
Need for digital leaders in Caribbean businesses
Key to achieving success as a digital services leader
Frameworks and hacks in consulting
Valuable lessons learned from consulting
And much more.
Some takeaways
Adaptability is non-negotiable: In a world where business and technology are rapidly evolving, being adaptable is absolutely essential. Both companies and individuals must continuously learn and adjust to stay relevant and add value.
Collaboration is the backbone of consulting: Effective consulting thrives on deep collaboration, not only within consulting teams but also with clients. Success at PwC often hinges on the ability to work closely and creatively with others to solve complex problems.
Lead with strategy, not technology: Digital transformation is essential, but it must be driven by a clear business strategy. Zia emphasized that technology should support business goals, not the other way around.
Dynamic career growth at PwC: Career progression at PwC is flexible and driven by individual effort. Zia highlighted the opportunities to move across different areas within the firm, allowing ambitious individuals to shape their own career paths.
Work-life balance is personal: In the demanding field of consulting, finding a personalized work-life balance is essential. Zia encouraged consultants to choose a pace that aligns with their personal circumstances and energizes them.
🎧 Go deeper
00:00 Challenges Caribbean clients face with technology adoption
03:04 Consultants as "company doctors"
04:13 Key focus areas at PwC
05:10 PwC’s role as both strategist and implementer
06:21 Career progression at PwC
07:40 Individual talent and career advancement
08:06 The interview process at PwC
09:23 Learning to think strategically
10:02 The importance of networking in recruitment
11:12 Work-life balance for consultants
13:09 How PwC supported employees during the pandemic
14:05 Traits that make someone unfit for consulting
15:10 Changes in consulting over the years
17:03 The impact of digital transformation at PwC
18:56 PwC’s technology-agnostic approach
20:09 Skills and team composition in consulting
21:19 Implementing AI and its impact
22:57 AI conversations in different sectors
25:27 The importance of adaptability in careers
26:27 Reskilling the local workforce
29:01 Skills in highest demand in Trinidad and Tobago, including ACCA
30:18 Impact of policy decisions on reskilling
32:53 Consulting for those with a background in the arts
33:49 Need for digital leaders in Caribbean businesses
35:51 Role of CEOs in digital change
37:42 Perspective on remote work
39:39 Winning over clients in consulting
41:10 Examples of successful projects
43:29 Earning and keeping trust in consulting
44:39 Key to achieving success as a digital services leader
45:28 Frameworks and hacks in consulting
46:09 What makes PwC’s culture special
46:21 Mentors and influences in Zia’s career
47:48 Valuable lesson learned from consulting
Referenced:
"The Management Myth" by Matthew Stewart - Discusses critiques of management consulting.
Peter Drucker – Renowned for contributions to modern business management theory.
Michael Porter – Known for Porter's Five Forces framework, widely used in strategic business planning.
Tom Peters – Management guru behind influential business theories like "In Search of Excellence."
Top reads w/ Kerry
Looking to uncover the irony in consulting? | Check out this intriguing read on why consultants struggle to fix their own businesses. →
Curious about the consulting world's latest shake-up? | Dive into how top firms are navigating recruits and layoffs. →
Teens need real jobs, not elite internships | This WSJ piece highlights why hands-on job experience may offer more value for teens than elite internships, challenging conventional wisdom about early career building. →
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Best,
Kerry 👋
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