The 2018 Women Leaders in Consulting: Neeti Bhardwaj

"My only opportunity to experience corporate America was during my summer internship at school. So, when I got a summer internship offer from A.T. Kearney I leaped as it provided an avenue to experience two industries at the same time," Bhardwaj says. "Little did I know, that the summer was just a start." By the end of the summer, A.T. Kearney had made her an offer to join back once she completed her studies. 

Today, Bhardwaj is a Principal with A.T. Kearney, leads the firm's Women's Network and serves as a member of the prestigious Executives' Club of Chicago. She is an expert in organizational restructuring and change management and has extensive experience advising clients on merger integration, managing change during complex transformation, as well as improving SG&A functions. 

"The opportunity to positively impact the clients and teams that I work with is what I enjoy most about consulting," she says. "I work on issues that are top of mind for CEOs and industry leaders as they move their organization forward. I have had the opportunity to lead some of the most iconic brands through complex transformations and be an integral part of their success. I am consistently fascinated by the diversity and intellect that my teams and colleagues bring. I am lucky to be in an environment where I can not only help and mentor some very bright young consultants, but also learn every day." 

Bhardwaj says her greatest achievement is being selected for A.T. Kearney's Global Manager Exchange—a leadership program where 20 high potential managers are selected from across the world. What follows is a set of two weeks that the group lives and breathes together, visits multiple global offices, and engages senior A.T. Kearney leaders. 

"The program is as old as our firm and boasts of many successful partners and leaders," she says. "It was an extremely proud moment and an experience that has resulted in deeper bonds with my fellow participants."

Bhardwaj says she is extremely thankful to Consulting magazine for this great recognition for her and team A.T. Kearney. "I am extremely proud to be part of my firm. The award is not just a reflection of my accomplishments, but also the environment that A.T. Kearney has created to develop Women Leaders in Consulting."

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

Bhardwaj: "It is a tremendous honor for me, as well as a celebration of the opportunities that my firm A.T. Kearney has created. The award reinforces my commitment to help my clients and my teams be successful. It acknowledges my mentors and sponsors—who created space and access for me to shine—without them this moment would not be possible. This award enables me to do the same for other young women and encourage them to pave their own path."