The 2018 Women Leaders in Consulting: Sandy Torchia

But make no mistake about it, Torchia puts plenty of time and effort into both. Today she is a Partner in KPMG's Advisory practice with over 20 years of experience providing information technology consulting and assurance services to clients across a variety of industries. She is KPMG's U.S. Risk Assurance Service Line Leader and has led various US and Global businesses within the firm's Information Technology Audit and Assurance practice during her career. 

She says she loves the diversity of experiences that come with consulting. "No two days are alike, and I have the opportunity to experience different industries, cultures, organization sizes, leadership styles and technologies," she says. "Having exposure to so many different facets of the business world is exhilarating."  

Torchia also leads KPMG's Global IRM in the External Audit business. KPMG's U.S. Risk Assurance practice specializes in helping clients in all industries balance the risk and reward equation across operational, financial and technology risk domains.  

She is an accountant by education but once she began her career, she learned that bringing together her knowledge of accounting with her love of technology and her desire to help people solve problems was a great combination. "Fortunately, the marketplace needed that skill," she says. 

Torchia says she was embarking on a new role a few years ago and was a little stressed out about the additional workload that came with it. "One of my mentors, who also happens to be the Chair and CEO of my firm, told me that I couldn't possibly work any harder, so I needed to work smarter," Torchia says. "I think about that advice often as I work with others who are taking on additional roles and responsibilities."

As far as what advice she'd give a female consultant just beginning her career; Torchia would point to two things. One, show up; two, be yourself.  "Too many times we pass up on opportunities because we don't believe we're ready or the time isn't right, I encourage all young women to put themselves out there, even if the fit isn't perfect," she says. "Also, do it in a way that allows you to stay true to your core values."

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

Torchia: "It's very humbling to be nominated by my firm and recognized by Consulting magazine as a Woman Leader in Consulting.  I'm excited to attend the awards gala with my awesome husband and step daughters as well as several of the women that I've learned so much from while at KPMG. And, I very much look forward to meeting the other successful and accomplished women that have been recognized by the magazine."