Joe Raudabaugh
President, Procurement and Analytic Solutions
A.T. Kearney
Excellence in Leadership
Joe Raudabaugh serves as President of Procurement and Analytic Solutions for A.T. Kearney, a practice he founded in 2002 and has grown it into one of the firm's strongest
performing units with nearly 300 procurement experts.
For Procurement Solutions practice, Raudabaugh says: "Every year the story gets better in terms of team growth, value-capture provided to clients, and new innovations and capabilities we've mastered," he says. "This year we were proud to mark our eighth consecutive year of double-digit growth."
But the outcome Raudabaugh is most proud of, he says, is the realization that his leadership team has blossomed and that the practice has successfully worked through succession with the team.
"I have been so privileged to lead, nurture and work with wonderful people and it is a proud moment to realize that they have arrived," he says. "They are doing great things, they have learned to work together in teams and they aspire for even more success together in the future."
And Raudabaugh's skill set extends beyond procurement. In his 28 years at the firm, he has led various service practices and geographic units, including an expatriate role as Managing Director of A.T. Kearney Japan from 1991 to 1995. Raudabaugh also served as the Chairman of the Firm's governance committee in 2002 to 2003.
"A.T. Kearney gave me great opportunities to lead and explore, and along with opportunity has been purpose," he says. "Being able to find a clear sense of purpose in each of these opportunities made success possible."
Raudabaugh calls himself a "Type A person like most consultants" and credits his parents for setting high standards and demonstrating commitment in everything they did. "What I enjoy most about consulting is the journey—the fusion of applying analytics, finding that answer that works, and then gaining alignment and positive energy from otherwise skeptical clients," he says.
" I think where I have contributed most along the way is in enabling others to master the craft, demonstrate client success, build consulting teams and then pass the skills and passion for the profession along."
He says he had exceptional mentors early in his consulting career and has tried to pass on their lessons, guidance and excitement. "I believe a primary reason for this Top 25 recognition is that I did this along the way," he says.
Q&A: What does winning the Top 25 award mean to you?
"Receiving this prestigious award and recognition was a complete surprise to me. Learning about how many of my colleagues and clients joined together to nominate me was even more surprising. When you are nearing 30 years in consulting it's no longer about advancement, bookings, engagement outcomes, reviews, compensation, etc. You're still there because you care and are still able to add value. When your firm and clients appreciate you enough to make this happen it's a special career experience. For clients to nominate a consultant for leadership happens because you brought them great staff and helped them be successful with their organizations. That makes it even more special."
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