Client Service Award
Claudia Saran
KPMG
Claudia Saran says she became a consultant because of the flexibility it would allow her to work in highly varied environments and diverse engagements she could pursue. "I was intrigued that the profession seemed to be far less rigid than the job opportunities I was encountering in other fields," she says.
"At 21 years of age, I interpreted the consultant job description as one that would perhaps allow me to exercise some of my own discretion in the direction my career took and the skills and experiences I would be able to develop."
That discretion has paid off for Saran and KPMG. Two decades later, she's a Principal with KPMG's Advisory practice where she has led client engagements in the areas of organizational and cultural transformation, change management, organization design, HR function optimization and leadership/talent management. That's a diverse roster of disciplines.
"From geographies to industries to varied client cultures—I am never bored," Saran says. "Consulting is a profession that allows me to continually learn and develop while helping client organizations achieve their business objectives—all of which continues to be extremely intriguing to me."
Despite all her client successes, Saran says her greatest achievement has both personal and professional aspects. Saran is the U.S. National Service Line Leader for People & Change and serves on KPMG's Women's Advisory Board. "I am extremely proud that I have had a hand in the development and advancement of many individuals whom I have had the pleasure of working with over the years," she says. " Seeing others really blossom and find their niche, and hearing that our time together and my experience and perspective have helped them succeed is the ultimate reward."
Saran says women can, and should, take advantage of the relentless opportunity consulting provides to learn and develop—both professionally and personally. "The consulting profession allows us so many avenues to pursue roles we can take on in our respective organizations," she says. "However, I believe those same opportunities can represent a challenge. Professionally, women need to envision themselves taking on more leadership roles and responsibilities—before those roles and responsibilities can become a reality."
—Joe Kornik
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