Top 25 Consultants, 2013: Johan Aurik

During his tenure, Laudicina was very focused on returning A.T. Kearney to it roots, the very principles of honesty, integrity and the "essential rightness" that was embraced by the firm's founder, Tom Kearney.

"I will 100 percent continue in those same footsteps," Aurik says. In fact, when Laudicina took over in 2006, Aurik was the head of the strategy committee so the two developed that strategy together. "It was already crystal clear to us both at that time that we needed to return to our roots and the differentiators that have always separated A.T. Kearney from our competition," he says. "I think it's absolutely essential that we stay on that same path. It's what's returned confidence to the firm."

Aurik, who has been a partner with A.T. Kearney since 1997, says the firm is as healthy right now as it's been in quite some time. "We're healthy in the sense that we are debt free completely, and that is really important right now," he says. "Some of our competitors, especially some of the smaller and mid-sized ones, have suffered from too much debt. We're not in that position at all."

In fact Aurik says it's time to "step it up" and use A.T. Kearney's regained confidence and sound financial footing to accelerate its growth. "That was exactly the platform on which I ran and was elected to lead last summer," he says.

Aurik has said A.T. Kearney will double its revenue —to $2 billion annually—by the end of the decade. In order to do that, the firm would need to average double-digit growth for the next six years. To achieve that goal, Aurik says A.T. Kearney will redouble its efforts in North America, initially. "A North America rebound is coming," he says. "It is, hands down, the No. 1 consulting market in the world and we think there will be significant growth in the sector, particularly in Financial Services, Banking and Energy."

The emerging markets, of course, will also be key, Aurik says. China, India, Latin America and "don't underestimate Africa," he says. Another reason Aurik is so bullish is because the firm's regained confidence gives A.T. Kearney a leg up in the ever-present talent war. "We've rebuilt our employee satisfaction levels, and it's as high as it's ever been," he says. Quite a change from where it was in 2006, he says.

Aurik says he is a firm believer that consultancies—particularly at the high end of strategy—compete on culture. "Everyone has smart people and everyone has a global network," he says. "Ultimately, it comes down to how you can use your culture to attract and keep the best people and achieve high-impact result for clients. Culture is a key strategic driver for us."

Aurik says he hears that all the time from clients. "We are so collaborative and clients love that about us," he says. "They always tell us we're different because we work with them, not for them."