The Global Leaders in Consulting: Aris Karcanias

He says "without a doubt" working with one of the world's largest energy consumers to change the way they source their energy is one of the proudest accomplishments of his career. "I helped to create the need for change, design a solution to decarbonize their energy use to a cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable solution. They now near a 100 percent carbon-free solution."  

Karcanias has a strong technical engineering background with extensive experience in renewable energy technologies, strategy, regulation, project economics and financial structures, and M&A due diligence. His project experience includes advising on corporate strategy formulation, renewable energy technology, strategic market entry & exit, mergers & acquisitions, dispute resolution, due diligence reviews, and energy policy development and impact assessments. 

A more recent challenge, he had to testify in a large complex litigation of high stakes. "As someone who spends most of his time tackling issues of strategic growth, disruptive business models, and M&A, this was a test that taught me to find another gear," he says. "I had to dig deep into my experiences, a great level of trust in my team, and in all honesty trusting myself under the scrutiny of a deposition. I have no doubt being deposed is one of the most testing experiences a consultant can face."

It's no wonder then that he considers "being fearless" as one of the biggest factors to his success. "My hunger for knowledge and keen sense of adventure has taken me to new areas of uncharted territory," Karcanias says. "I've never been afraid to venture into the unknown and rely on my ability to assemble teams and guide solutions for even the most complex issues. I'm not afraid to fail but it's far from enjoyable, albeit it is character forming. Come on…who likes to fail? This confidence is borne through a systems way of thinking and an exceptional group of experts who surround me."

Those experts include mentors, he says. "I've been incredibly fortunate to have had great mentors and sponsors both within and outside the firm who have helped shape who I am."

Karcanias says he likes the variety, exposure and the ability to learn and influence outcomes that consulting provides. "It's rare in life you have the privilege to work with some of the world's most current companies to define new market propositions."

Q&A:  What does being recognized as a Global Leader in Consulting mean to you? Your firm? Your clients?

Karcanias: For me, it's simple—it's a recognition that our hard work is paying off. For the firm, it's a testament to the years they backed me as a young professional. For my clients, I suspect they would just appreciate the fact they were a critical part of offering some incredible problems to solve.