From Exchange to Insights: A Consultant’s Journey to Mastery [Lessons on Balance, Risk, and Growth]

It started as a simple message exchange on a quiet Sunday morning. Camille had just finished his LinkedIn learning path, and as a trainer myself, I was seeking insights. What began as a casual chat quickly transformed into a profound conversation—one that revealed the philosophies driving us both.

Camille Vaucelle, a seasoned software development consultant, and I, an information security trainer, found common ground in values that transcend industries: a passion for service, an unrelenting pursuit of excellence, and a commitment to continuous learning. If you feel like eavesdropping on the life of a consultant, stay with me!

Sleepless Nights and Unwavering Dedication

“Do you ever sleep?” I asked Camille after he replied to an early message. “Haha, the term insomnia is a bit strong,” he quipped. “I’ve always preferred the calm of the night for delivering my best work.”

But he’s learned to balance this habit. “When I was younger, I burned myself out for companies that didn’t care. Now, if someone imposes an 8-to-6 schedule, working late is a no-go for me. My work matters, but so does my sleep.”

This struck a chord. As consultants, we know how vital this balance is. It’s not just about personal well-being but about sustaining the level of service we’re committed to providing. You can’t deliver when you’re stressed; you can’t deliver when you’re sleepless. Without balance, even the most skilled professional falters. Mastering this balance isn’t just personal—it’s a key to professional excellence. How often do we pause to reflect on whether we’ve achieved that harmony between drive and self-care?

The Courage to Play

“La vie est meilleure en jeu,” I shared with Camille, paraphrasing the famous song “En chantant”—Life is better when approached as a game. Camille agreed wholeheartedly. “Allowing yourself to take small risks and fail occasionally creates room for play—and ultimately, winning more often,” he said. “Who takes no risks loses by default.”

Camille mentioned Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice during our conversation, explaining how it connects to the idea of risk-taking. “Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus, capital, and field align perfectly with this idea,” Camille shared. “When you embrace risk, you tap into your habitus, and by doing so, you accumulate economic, social, cultural, or symbolic capital. This is what sets risk-takers apart in competitive fields.”

His perspective resonated deeply. “Exactly!” I replied. “Risk-takers often find opportunities others avoid, turning challenges into their edge. It’s a clear advantage in dynamic industries like ours.”

Camille’s explanation wasn’t just inspiring; it validated what I’ve observed in my own field: success often belongs to those willing to step outside their comfort zones.

In information security, as in software development, the landscape is ever-changing. Incremental improvements are the lifeblood of progress, and embracing the playful spirit of learning keeps us sharp and motivated. Camille’s approach mirrored my own: refine, grow, and embrace your risk appetite.

Fast Decisions, Lasting Impacts

In today’s fast-paced business world, decision-making often feels like a high-wire act. Especially for those in managerial or executive roles, the pressure to act quickly while balancing risks is constant.

“The Gartner Magic Quadrant,” Camille noted insightfully, “often delays the adoption of innovative solutions by a decade.” This framework, designed to support educated guesses, can sometimes replace agility with rigidity. “The quadrant is supposed to guide decisions, but it can also encourage safe choices over bold ones,” I added.

For those unfamiliar, the Gartner Magic Quadrant is a framework that evaluates companies based on their vision and ability to execute. While useful, it can sometimes prioritize established players over emerging innovators, delaying the adoption of cutting-edge solutions.

Camille and I agreed: while tools, communities, and expert advice can guide you, they never guarantee success. Effective decision-making requires speed and discernment—avoiding failure isn’t the goal. Instead, focus on calculated moves that align with your vision. Choose frameworks that suit your objectives, whether it’s Agile for development or ISO 27001 for information security.

The Pursuit of Mastery

When Camille mentioned about recently completing his LinkedIn course, I was curious about its value. “It was fun,” he shared. “Not enough to make a career leap, but good enough for a bite-sized introduction to a new subject.”

“I’m always hungry for knowledge,” Camille shared. “But it’s not just about learning; it’s about playing with what you’ve learned.” Camille’s insatiable curiosity drives his growth. “When I master a subject enough, I move on to the next to complete the big picture,” he said. This mindset aligns with the philosophy of T-shaped skills: deep expertise in one area combined with broader knowledge across related fields.

This has become my new motto for trainees: Start small, stay curious, and expand your expertise! The way you do one thing is the way you do everything.

Camille’s approach is bold yet challenging. “It’s the worst poison for my business,” he admitted. “Constantly justifying innovative approaches means missing traditional opportunities.” But his resilience—and his belief in experimentation—make his work stand out.

As professionals, we should embrace this mindset: constantly learn, experiment, and refine. Mastery isn’t a destination; it’s a journey of continuous improvement.

A Meeting of Minds

What began as a casual exchange became a powerful reminder of the values that define us as consultants. Balance, courage, informed decision-making, and the pursuit of mastery aren’t just principles; they’re the foundation of superior business results.

Our exchange reinforced the idea that consulting is about more than just expertise; it’s about fostering growth—for ourselves and the people we serve.

At Make Sense, these principles of balance, progress, and persistence are the foundation of not just superior results but also enduring relationships and a willingness to take educated risks.

Discover how Make Sense can support your journey at www.makesensegrc.com or follow us - Tania Postil and Camille Vaucelle - on LinkedIn for more insights and inspiration.