Reflecting on my journey in the forensic and valuation industry, I’m amazed by the different experiences, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped my career and, in turn, who I am as a person.
As most of you know, I’ve been in the sector for more than 20 years, helping all kinds of clients with their advisory needs, from complex commercial disputes to business divorces. I’ve pretty much seen it all.
After years of working for top consulting firms and now as the CEO of Snowbridge Global Advisory, I’m keen to share some invaluable lessons I’ve learned over the past decades.
Starting with these:
Pivot:
Reflecting on my recent pivot from a big firm to a small firm, I think it’s crucial not to let the box you’re in define what you could be. Listen to the things drawing you in a different direction.
Mentorship:
When looking for a mentor, find someone genuinely interested in helping you advance your career and
whom you want to emulate in some aspects.
There’s never a perfect mentor who matches everything you want to be in your future, so bear that in mind.
But I’d also say, in this day and age, you need an advisory board, not just a single mentor, aim for a handful of trusted advisors.
Within your organization, having a mentor who can remove barriers, open doors, and support you makes
a huge difference in your career trajectory.
This was certainly true for me; I had a wonderful mentor for the first 15 years of my career who did a lot of barrier blocking for me, which opened many opportunities.
Achieving Balance:
Balance, I think we’ve all agreed, isn’t even the right word. If you want to build a sustainable career and also be present at home – you need to do this intentionally.
I set up some rules for myself once I had children that maybe I should have set up even before that. I set rules regarding the amount of work I chose to do and assessed its impact on my family.
For instance, I limited how many nights a week I would be out so I could be home with my children when they were small. This gave me boundaries that enabled me to put my pencil down at work and be present at home during those crucial evening hours when the family comes together, whether it’s eating a meal, getting ready for bed, or other activities.
It’s Okay to Start Small:
You’ll be surpised that small firms can offer more opportunities than large ones. But you have to look at the benefits and the drawbacks.
Smaller firms often have a more manageable cost structure, giving employees more flexibility in terms of their bottom-line contributions.
I’ve seen people in smaller firms rise more quickly than they might at larger firms. However, it’s important to choose well. You need to find one that is committed to advancement, training, and supporting your career because not all of them are.
