The 2017 Global Leaders in Consulting: Adriana Cecere

There are many paths to becoming one of Consulting's Global Leaders in Consulting, and for Adriana Cecere, that journey started on a farm. She credits her "humble beginnings," being raised by her wonderful Italian parents, grandparents and brother on a farm, to her career success. Also, she is a very curious person, by nature. This combination found her owning her first business at just 17 years old.

"I developed this enterprise into a multi-award business franchise over 19 years. This was my real life MBA," she says. "While setting up other businesses before Consulting Australia, the biggest factor to my success would be my hunger to continually improve—clients' experience, my business, my self and the greater community."

Today, Cecere runs Consulting Australia, an Alignment and Growth consultancy for leaders, based in Sydney. The methodology has been proven, developed by modeling strategies she used whilst starting, developing, and selling more than ten companies over the past two decades. Cecere is also the author of an Amazon best-selling book, Game Changers: Entrepreneurs Leading Change.

She works with Business and Industry Leaders on their development and Business Transformation. As President and Chair to the Board of AusCam Freedom Project, she also strengthens the work of charities to empower adolescent girls from impoverished communities gain an education.

As to what she's most proud of in her career and she'll say developing a new, innovative online business program to help business leaders and professionals abroad, and in remote regions to gain clarity, skills and learnings at an affordable price point. She also launched, grew and sold more than ten self-owned, award-winning businesses over the past two decades. She is also about to publish her second book.

Cecere says an injury in 2008 changed her career path and business direction overnight, but the challenging experience turned out to be a highlight. "Through the experience my new found empathy and learning shaped me into a better business women and leader," she says. "Business Leaders, Boards and organizations then started to approach me." Out of that, Consulting Australia was born.

"I thrive on seeing businesses and people flourish. Consulting is rewarding as it allows us to nurture business leaders and help their business align, transform, develop and grow," Cecere says. "Watching the full cycle can be challenging yet very rewarding."

To be named a Global Leader is an "absolute honor," she says. "This recognition is the reflection of all the years of hard work put into every client project. The team is super proud. This is also the result of trust that my clients have put into Consulting Australia, allowing me to advise and mentor them and obtaining positive outcomes."

Q&A: What motivates you to excel? 

Cecere: "I am purpose driven. My husband, family and team motivate me to excel. Especially my children aged 4 years and 2 years, as a mother I want them to be grounded and educate them to value perseverance and commitment."