CONSULTANTS WHO LOVE CONSULTING – KATE THRASHER, FCMC, APR
Q1 In brief, describe how you entered the profession of management consulting, or when did you decide that management consulting was a profession that you wanted to enter?
I grew up in an entrepreneurial family and in the late 80’s, after working at major corporations in Toronto and as the director of public affairs for an international energy company in Calgary, I decided to launch my own consulting practice, with the Calgary Stampede as my first client.
Q2 What do you love most about consulting?
I love transferring my knowledge from one industry sector to another to help clients/people solve problems and, in the process, engage stakeholders, achieve a return on investment, boost team collaboration and build legacy; the freedom to consult and/or get in the trenches with the team; and, the learning opportunities.
Q3 What do you like the least?
I have an entrepreneurial mindset and am a micro macro ‘no boundaries’ thinker, so limiting the possibilities for achieving the greatest success for the organization overall with an initial ‘one problem at a time’ approach, can be a challenge for me.
Q4 What has been your most satisfying engagement and why?
As Project Lead for the Province of Alberta at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games I was able to leverage my diverse industry knowledge to translate vision into a workable business case, heighten Alberta’s profile and brand, capture economic benefit post Games and create legacy. It was a project that required cross-functional skills as its scope ranged from managing three high profile hosting venues and two operational hubs; to showcasing Alberta artists at two Cultural Olympiads; as well as coordinating logistics to support hundreds of government employees, volunteers, and guests. ($26M project).
This was a great opportunity to employ C-suite skills, build relationships, engage stakeholders, and connect community, on a world stage.
Q5 What personality trait has helped you the most in your career?
My intuitive intellect and my curiosity.
Q6 Finally, if you were stranded on a desert island - What is one book and one luxury item you would take with you?
Book: Start With Why by Simon Sinek. Luxury Item: A signal mirror.
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Visit Kate's LinkedIn Page to learn more.
