The 2018 Rising Stars of the Profession: Peter Manoogian

Returning to ZS after earning his MBA from The Kellogg School of Management, Peter Manoogian set a goal to help the firm expand its footprint outside of the healthcare industry. Being able to contribute to ZS's continued evolution over the past decade is something he's extremely proud of, he says.

"I'm also proud of what we've achieved with a Fortune 200 insurer who is one of ZS's longest standing clients outside of healthcare," he says. "It was my first client when I returned from business school, and they've been a client ever since."

More recently, he supported the rollout and adoption of a new technology platform for the company's field and sales employees. Today, more than 90 percent of new agents use the technology—creating efficiencies in the field and generating millions in incremental premium for the organization. Last year, the work earned his team a "Partner of the Year" award for client service. "Knowing the work we do is making a difference is very satisfying," he says.

Beyond client work, Manoogian is grateful for the opportunity to coach other ZSers and help them develop. "The fact that I've had an impact on dozens of people has been very rewarding," he says. "I love seeing junior team members come in with new enthusiasm and do things even better than I would have."

As a consultant, Manoogian says he has the flexibility to break free from the status quo to transform how clients engage with the market and their customers. ZS works under the assumption that there's always a better way, he says. "We ask the right questions to uncover insights that lead to better decisions," he says. "The best part is, we don't just deliver great ideas—we stick around until they're creating value in the real world."

He says the award is acknowledgement of his passion for client service, ZS team and his family—particularly his wife—who has been so supportive of him following his passion.