Bhavya
Q: You joined Strategy& in 2019 as an associate. What were you hoping to find at that stage in your career?
A: I had wanted to go into consulting for a long time, partly because my older brother had inspired me while I was in school. So, when it finally happened, there was that quiet moment of thinking, “Okay, let’s see if this lives up to everything I imagined.”
Once I joined, that energy went straight into learning. I was curious, I asked a lot of questions, and I was lucky to work with teams that genuinely encouraged that.
I had built this moment up for years and I didn’t want to take it for granted. For me, it was about learning as much as possible, from the people around me and from the work itself and building a foundation where I could grow over time.
Q: What did those first months at Strategy& feel like, and what helped you find your footing early on?
A: The first months were intense in the best way. Consulting moves fast, and early on, every day felt full because there was always something new to solve or learn. That pace energized me. It pushed me to think differently and to stretch quickly.
What stood out most was how invested people were in my development. The teams I worked with created an environment where questions were welcomed, and learning was encouraged. There was real coaching, not just delivery.
I also enjoyed the work itself. The problem solving, the exposure to different topics, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully early on made the experience incredibly rewarding. From the start, it felt like I was building something, not just ticking boxes.
That sense of trust and support shaped how I approached my work then, and it’s something I still try to bring into my teams today.
Q: You’ve spent most of your time working in the Government and Public Sector. What makes that work distinctive for you?
A: Government work is complex in a very real way. Clients are often leading major changes themselves, which means the work moves quickly and has a tangible impact. What makes it especially rewarding is seeing that change unfold over time. Conversations resurface, policies you contributed to are released, and initiatives appear in the news. I’ve seen meaningful change unfold over just a few years, and that sense of continuity makes the work deeply fulfilling.
Success in this space depends on perspective. Deep local understanding, cultural context, and close collaboration with subject matter experts are essential to getting it right. The work is about building solutions from the ground up, shaped by the context rather than imposed on it.
Q: How has your definition of success evolved over time?
A: Someone once pointed out to me that the women I used to look up to are now my peers, and that really made me pause. I hadn’t fully realized it on my own. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and equally proud to now work alongside people I admire, many of whom are women I once saw as role models.
What matters most to me is that we’ve reached a place where there are many ways to succeed. Early in my career, I sometimes felt there was a mold you had to fit to progress. Over time, I’ve realized that’s neither true nor necessary.
If there’s one thing I care deeply about, it’s making space for different styles and personalities. You don’t have to become someone else to grow. You define your own path in your own way.
For me, that’s shown up in the choices I’ve made. I’ve always been drawn to both digital and tech, as well as government and the social sector, which isn’t the most common combination. Today, I’m working at the intersection of social development and AI, and that reinforces my belief that you don’t have to fit a single profile to thrive.
Q: What would you say to someone considering Strategy& today?
A: I’d say don’t overthink it. If you’re curious, try it. Consulting, and Strategy& in particular, is one of those places where you learn a lot about the work and about yourself very quickly.
You don’t need to have everything figured out on day one. If it feels interesting, that’s usually reason enough to give it a shot. Most of the time, you already know the answer. You just need to trust it.
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