Janet Hoffman doesn't quite sound like a consultant. That may have something to do with the frequency and ease with which she laughs. After a decade in the profession and two years leading Accenture's retail practice, Hoffman insists she hasn't stopped having fun. That's not to say consultants as a lot aren't fun-loving folks; it's just that Hoffman's heartfelt interest in retail – from grocery stores to mass-market retailers to apparel to quick-serve restaurants and many other of the industry's sectors – resonates in happy bursts. She credits the variety or her work and the people she collaborates with for making her current role so satisfying.
"You never encounter the same challenge two days in a row," she says. "Whether it's a new client solving a new problem for a familiar client, or reaching out to bring two clients together to form a unique alliance, you can have absolutely the most diverse career possible without ever leaving the firm. The capabilities, intellect and the genuine excitement our people bring to work every day are very rewarding to me, and their qualities and personalities keep me on my toes."
Hoffman takes the human components of her job quite seriously. Shortly after assuming leadership of the firm's North American retail practice, she put one of her top-earning partners in charge of "people matters."
The partner ensures that consultants have a sounding board, support and recognition related to a wide variety of personal and professional issues – from employee-satisfaction matters to maternity leave to informal career development to anniversary celebrations. The move, say those who work for Hoffman, sent a clear signal that the personal development and challenges of her consulting force are a top priority.
Hoffman also believes in mining the firm's larger collection of experts for useful consulting insights. She regularly hunkers down with other practices leaders to glean ideas, processes and innovations that might benefit their respective client populations. That collaboration, along with the varied client work and oversight of her consultants' development, energize Hoffman. "Putting all of those pieces together to change the retail landscape," she adds, "is just tons of fun."
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