The 2018 Women Leaders in Consulting: Amanda Halabi

"Going into my Master's program I was certain of three things: First, I would work in a profession that allowed me to pay back my student loans within five years. Second, I would work in a profession with limitless potential for growth," she says. "And third, I would work in a profession that allowed me to alter the course of people's lives. Luckily I got all three!"

Halabi, Manager, Organizational Change at Cognizant, specializes in global business process and digital technology transformation, Amanda enables organizations' bottom line while ensuring no one is left behind. 

"I must say that I never forget when a client tells my team that we have made a difference for them and their company," Halabi says. "My team tells me I am awful at accepting praise, but that does not detract in any way from the amount of pride and wonder I feel when a client takes time out of their schedule to let us know we are making a difference." 

Speaking of teams, Halabi says she loves watching teams realize how strong and capable they truly are. "Many times I join a project and learn that the team is running into roadblocks much larger than originally forecast, and it is in these moments I feel the most passionate about my work," she says. "I do not believe in a consultant/client relationship—if I am working with you, your culture is my culture, your business problems are my business problems, and your vision for a bright future is my vision for the future."

It's probably no surprise then that she says empowering others to achieve is her greatest personal achievement. "Through my stand for others I have watched as friends fearlessly pursued their passions, family grew into their own skin, and businesses empowered their employees to powerfully overcome adversity," she says. "There is no achievement of which I could be more proud."

What advice would she give a female consultant just beginning her career? "Wake up every single day excited knowing that your thoughts and your words are your most prized possession, and that being in action is your only option," she says.  "No matter how complex a situation may seem, you have control of these three variables at all times, and this is all you need to reshape the world and author any new possibility for yourself and others."

Q&A: What does winning the Women Leaders in Consulting award mean to you?

Halabi: "This award means that I cannot stop pushing for the future I dream of for myself, my clients, and most importantly, for the world. My vision is for a world filled with excitement for every new day, and I am humbled and invigorated knowing that Cognizant and those around me believe that I am capable of achieving anything to which I put my heart."