The 2019 Rising Stars of the Profession: Amy Kao

Age 28

Deloitte's Amy Kao says her proudest moments are when she can apply the consulting skillset she's developed at Deloitte to make a positive impact on the initiatives and causes she's passionate about. "I have been able to use what I've learned in consulting to lead and grow a nonprofit organization that I started 10 years ago to drive music education programs for inner city youth, Kao says. "Therefore, my greatest accomplishments have always manifested themselves in moments where I am able to impact other lives in meaningful ways."

She does both personally and professionally. When she's not leading non-profit organizations, Kao is a Senior Consultant at Deloitte, a job that inspires her. Management consulting is more than just providing advice, "we are always thinking of ways to better the future and focusing on bold plays to evolve while helping our clients solve their biggest business challenges," Kao says. "With so many moving parts and new challenges to tackle every day, I am always intellectually curious and learning something new—and because there is always momentum, I have constantly been excited about the client impact being delivered."

And what's been the biggest factor to her success so far? "Hands down, the people around me," she says. "I have been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by the most inspiring, talented, and hardworking teammates throughout my consulting career."

Her clients challenge her to reflect upon the most pressing of critical business challenges, and her colleagues push her to think outside the box, creating innovative solutions to complex problems. "Together, the people around me have fostered an environment to enable me to be the best version of myself every day."

As far as being a Rising Star? "While I feel fortunate to receive this award, I am also extremely cognizant that my success is the product of not just my own hard work, but also of the people around me," she says.