“A Whole New World”

No, this is not a review of the latest adaptation of Disney’s Aladdin; though I have a few choice words about that. I’m in “A Whole New World” because I recently started a new job at a consulting company; not as a consultant, but as their head marketing and event person. As some of you may know, I have worked in the non-profit sector for the past few years prior to this new role. I forgot how the private sector operates and thinks, working for a non-profit you become entangled in a world that is like no other. You’re working for a cause, to make a change in the world; not climbing the corporate later or closing the biggest deal. 

Before I worked for a non-profit, I was in the private sector, but I had always been in the private sector previously and didn’t know any other way. It was a dog-eat-dog world out there and I was close to burning out. That is when I decided to take a job not based on the salary or benefits package but rather based on the team in which I’d join and the work I would be executing. It was one of the best decisions I made. I was quickly integrated into the team and immediately got to work on projects that weren’t about selling the newest, greatest product, but rather, what can we do to improve the lives of coffee farmers. These families, farmers, are some of the most underpaid producers in the world. I knew nothing about coffee, I didn’t even drink coffee, yet I didn’t let that stop me, I did everything in my power to make a lasting impact. 

I suppose I was naive though to think that as a “marketing” professional I could stay at this non-profit forever. After all, nothing is forever, and non-profits operate uniquely compared to a private company. That being said, when I found my new home at Ginkgo Management Consulting I did so not because of the salary or the benefits, it was the team and work I’d be doing. Before the ink was dry on my contract or sit at my new desk, I was already boarding a plane and joining their entire team as they traveled to Tel Aviv for their annual offsite strategy workshop. That’s when I knew this was “a whole new world” that I was about to go join. 

I wondered why I was being invited to this workshop since I had literally just started but it allowed me to meet and talk to the entire team one-on-one. What I discovered besides the diverse background of my colleagues, was that not one person, not one, had anything negative to say about Ginkgo. This was strange but at the same time reassurance that I made the right decision. 

Back in Hamburg and now in the office, I was showered with welcome wishes, flowers, champagne and everything I needed to get my work advancing. I soon learned about all the other benefits I had access to such as discounts, Christmas gifts, holidays, bonus opportunities, fitness studio, credit card, company car, and much more. The list seemed like it went on and on, it was truly overwhelming. I felt guilty and fought with my inner self to justify accepting it. After deep reflection and conversation with that one best friend everyone has, I realized that I deserved everything I have in life.

I worked hard to get where I am in my professional life and this is the first time I felt like I was being appreciated. Not because of the salary or benefits but because my boss trusts me. I don’t need to “sell” my decisions to him. I do what I believe is required and achieve the goals on my own terms. Being able to do your job without a micro-manager looking over your shoulder every minute of every day is something to appreciate. It also helped that at Ginkgo we have a great Corporate Responsibility model that allows us to give back to non-profits in a way that makes lasting impacts.

At Ginkgo, what I found in the team is that they are loyal and motivated. They develop their own career and work hard to achieve some ambitious goals. Being new in the consultant field, I learned that it’s a male-dominated industry; not because men are holding women back but because it’s an industry that requires a lot of travel and long working hours. Women have been typically been the ones who prefer to find a job that is fixed where they can raise a family, etc. However, today more women are entering the consultancy field bringing with them an extensive knowledge of complex issues, a laser-focused determination, and an enthusiasm to travel just as much as their male counterparts. I personally see women as a strong pillar in any company and though we have a group of powerful females at Ginkgo, I will do everything I can to ensure we grow that group to become a commanding force in the industry, not just at Ginkgo. 

I know that being a man gives me no right to speak about what a woman wants in a career. However, a career is something personal for every single person. Personal in the sense that only you can forge your future. Outside obstacles exist and many are there to stop you in your tracks. It’s how you get over those barriers that make you a better person and a better professional. Opinions are just that, opinions and shouldn’t be used as a justification for your decisions. Only you can decide what works for you, what makes you happy, and what you want for your future. I just started my journey at Ginkgo Management Consulting, it continues to evolve and I am forging my own path forward. How long this journey will last no one knows but for the first time in my professional life I feel like I am in control.

If you want to take charge of your career and want to join a team rather than a corporate rat race; than Ginkgo Management Consulting is your opportunity. Check out our open positions and if you have questions or just want to chat about this piece then reach out to me directly!