2) Fitzgerald Analytics
For the third consecutive year, Fitzgerald Analytics finds itself a Best Small Firms to Work For. However, this year the firm has made significant improvements and lands at the No. 2 spot, up from No. 6 last year and No. 15 in 2010.
"Like any innovative consulting firm, we have taken a risk by doing things differently. Being named a Best Small Firm encourages us to keep pursuing our vision of 'Making the Invisible Visible' for our clients in today's data-saturated economy," says Jaime Fitzgerald, Founder & Managing Partner of Fitzgerald Analytics.
"This recognition reinforces our motivation to keep building a different kind of consulting firm: a firm that retains the best elements and standards of the traditional consulting model, while addressing the impact of trends such as big data, predictive analytics, technology innovation and social media," he says.
But data has some hidden powers, such as the ability to level the playing field for non-profits and other organizations that need to get the most out of every dollar they spend, Fitzgerald says.
One such example, he says, is the recently launched "Analytics Democratized," initiative. Its goal is to help a broader range of firms, non-profits, and individuals to benefit from analytics best practices. That initiative led to conference presentations on "Turning Data into Social Good" at the U.S. State Department and the United Nations, among others.
And Fitzgerald is writing a book to share the firm's trademarked "Data to Dollars" methodology with a wider audience. "My primary motivation in writing the book is to 'open source' the methods we use to help our clients, allowing a broader range of people to benefit, he says.
And Fitzgerald says the firm has a lasting commitment to the cause to helping the social sector and believes passionately in its "Data to Dollars" specialization as a value proposition at the firm.
One other thing that really sets the firm apart from its competitors, Fitzgerald says, is that "we believe clients have the right to know exactly how we reach our conclusions and recommendations, and to reuse our methodologies themselves," he says.
"We avoid 'black box analysis,' and offer a transparent, 'clear box' approach instead."
Fitzgerald also says that "unlike many consultancies, we place great emphasis on humility and 'listening posture' with clients," he says. "Despite the technical nature of our work, we don't hire staff unless they display excellent listening skills. And we reinforce these attributes in our training, mentoring, staff evaluation, and compensation incentives."
Q&A: How would you describe the morale at Fitzgerald Analytics?
Jaime Fitzgerald, Founder & Managing Partner, says: "Despite the inevitable challenges and stressors, the team shares a level of enthusiasm, pro-activity, and motivation that is unusual in this economy. Several initiatives have been especially motivational, including a several new projects for innovative social entrepreneurs, an updated training and development program, and a new performance-based bonus program."
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