Collaborative Consulting – The Most Meaningful Career I Never Planned For
By Vinesh Mehta, Collabry Consultant
I doubt the inventors of cottage cheese had a plan. I try to imagine them, lab coats stained from years of unsuccessful taste tests, suddenly tossing their clipboards in the air and shouting, "We finally got it right!" When I do, I’m reminded that sometimes the best things aren’t designed—they’re discovered.
If you’re Type A like me, that’s an easy truth to lose sight of, particularly when it comes to career planning. I’d spent most of my career in the tech world and was resolute in wanting to continue that path. But a 15-minute networking call with Rachel Formaro at Collabry changed that for me. And, over the last four years, I’ve discovered consulting to be the most meaningful career I never planned for.
I’m most at home when I can help set a direction and see it through to fruition. Because I’ve often imagined consulting as a series of short-term projects that end before you can see how the recommendation plays out, becoming a consultant was never part of my plan.
But, like the tagline says, “Collabry consultants bring ease and expertise to financial services firms that seek an extension of their own teams.” I’d get to be part of both strategy and execution, work on engagements of six months or longer, and enjoy the work-life balance that remote employment offers. I’ve changed industries before and I knew there would be a learning curve, but…
“Over the last four years, I’ve discovered consulting to be the most meaningful career I never planned for.”
I discovered the skills I’m most passionate about are transferrable and appreciated
Transitioning from the tech world into financial services wasn’t seamless, but the skills and experiences I brought from prior roles has made a big difference for my clients. So far I’ve been able to:
Develop and implement long-term technology and data strategies
Evaluate and pilot new technologies to help firms offer clients new capabilities
Design new asset-management offers and provider management strategies
Establish regulatory monitoring procedures for domestic and global operations
I’ve often heard that specialization outweighs versatility—that it’s better to be a specialized tool than a Swiss army knife. But I spent a career honing these various skills, and it’s a joy to be able to use them. Coming from startup life where there are no titles, my pride and passion are derived from the work I do and the difference I make. Being a consultant with Collabry allows me to focus on projects with that in mind.
“I’ve often heard that specialization outweighs versatility—that it’s better to be a specialized tool than a Swiss army knife. But I spent a career honing these various skills, and it’s a joy to be able to use them. ”
I discovered the ability to reach new heights without climbing the corporate ladder
I often thought of success in consulting as a race to reach partner level. At Collabry, we get to define what the ladder means to us. For me, it means leading large-scale projects. For others, it might mean an entry point into financial services, a way to build and grow one’s own practice, or just an opportunity for more flexibility between projects. In many ways, we get to be our own bosses and work for ourselves. But that doesn’t mean we work alone …
I discovered the joy in learning through collaboration and mentorship
I’ve been the sole consultant on a project and I’ve been on a team of consultants. In either case, we’re constantly collaborating in a fun and rewarding way, both with our client teams and with each other. For us, it’s about getting the job done right and making clients happy.
More importantly, though, Collabry consultants encourage each other to develop and succeed - whether it’s being able to tap into a network of consultants for expertise, accessing mentorship and coaching programs to build our own practice, or even making time to update our colleagues on emerging trends. It’s a place to do well and do good—together.
Collabry consultants bring ease and expertise to financial services firms that seek an extension of their own teams.
Continuing the conversation
Thanks for letting me share a bit about my unplanned journey and the delightful discoveries I’ve made along the way. Feel free to browse The Lab for more from our consultants and leadership. While we all have different interests and skill sets, everyone thrives on being of service. Whether you’re interested in exploring a career or getting a project off the ground at your own firm, we’re here to help!