iMahal Interview Series:
Karen Snow
March 12, 2001

iMahal:  Okay, our readers appreciate candor about the real world of work. We often hear that management consulting is a demanding life and lifestyle. What has been your personal experience? Karen: 

		... It is challenging to balance client demands with the demands of building a practice ...

While it really depends on your client (e.g., the nature of the client engagement and how close to home they are), typically the hours are long and travel is part of the equation. It is challenging to balance client demands with the demands of building a practice (evaluations, recruiting, meetings, training, mentoring, etc.). I enjoyed this for many years, yet ultimately decided that I didn't want to travel anymore, and wanted more control of my own destiny.
iMahal:  So how is your lifestyle different, now that you are an independent consultant? Karen:  Well, first of all, I don't travel very much. Secondly, I work out of my house, so I am home much more. I enjoy this immensely after being on the road for so many years. Some of my friends say that being home alone would drive them crazy, so it's certainly not for everyone. I have more control of my work in some respects, for example, in accepting or not accepting work - or pursuing or not pursuing an opportunity. However, I still work very hard, and now have the added pressure of always looking for my next client assignment. It's difficult to break away. I have a tough boss!
iMahal:  Please forgive us if our next question is not exactly politically correct, but many of our female readers do value viewpoints about gender in the workplace. In your opinion, what are the special challenges, if any, for being a woman in this environment, given professional and personal needs? Is management consulting any closer to being a level playing field for women versus men since you became a consultant with Accenture? Karen: 

		... the "glass ceiling" phenomenon has been reduced, yet I wouldn't say that it has gone away ...

I think the workplace has changed dramatically since I started working in the mid-80's. I find that the "glass ceiling" phenomenon has been reduced, yet I wouldn't say that it has gone away. There are quite a few reputable studies that indicate that women are still under-compensated based on their male peers, so there is still room for improvement. What I think is the most difficult, though, is the choices women have to make when they have children. Many women leave jobs like consulting when they have children because the jobs are simply too demanding. Some women balance it all quite well, though, and I admire them for being able to do it somehow.
iMahal:  In keeping with our readers' interest in candor about success in the working world, we try to give them advice that they can use to decide if the career being discussed is right for them. So let's be candid about success in management consulting. What kind of individuals do you feel can succeed in management consulting? What advice would you give to those who are considering consulting as a profession? Karen: 

		... Evaluate the opportunity with a clear view of your strengths, ...

I think some of the common threads in the successful consultants are that they are smart, ambitious, flexible, collaborative, and driven. They make sacrifices. They are client-driven. The advice I would give isn't any different from that I'd give to anyone exploring career options: Evaluate the opportunity with a clear view of your strengths, your "areas for development," and lifestyle preferences. What is important to you? Fit is everything. If it's not a fit for you, not only will you not do well, you will be miserable in the process. Life is too short!
iMahal:  Okay, now let's talk about the independent consultant. What kind of individuals do you think succeed as independent consultants? What advice would you give to those who want to become an independent consultant? Karen:  You need to have an entrepreneurial, self-starter spirit, since it's all up to you. You also need to be client-service oriented, and be able to balance client development with delivery. Most importantly, you need to like autonomy! I'd think the previous advice also is relevant here.