The 2019 Rising Stars of the Profession: Maggie Ross

Age: 30

Although Maggie Ross sees common business problems across all industries, she says no two clients are the same. "I am not only focused on learning new ways to solve technical issues, but also constantly learning about effective management styles from C-Suite executives," she says. One of those clients in the automotive industry shifted their focus away from their traditional business model and invested heavily in Autonomous Vehicle technology.

Ross was trusted with the arduous task of creating the end-to-end supply chain processes and establishing global partnerships with vendors producing highly constrained and critical autonomous components.

By ensuring and sustaining delivery of these critical components, the client experienced overwhelmingly positive reviews at the Consumer Electronics Show. "Reading the news articles and knowing I had a direct impact on their public success was a very proud moment for me," she says. "I know to be an effective consultant my client has to know that I am working with them to achieve their desired outcomes."

And what does she enjoy most about the consulting profession?

"I am constantly learning," Ross says. "Learning is key to keeping me engaged in my work and consulting is the only career that allows me to learn about several businesses and industries in a fast-paced environment."

Like most consultants, Ross says she has a pretty Type-A personality and can be a bit of perfectionist. While this attention to detail is key for delivering quality work to clients, it can lead to over-thinking, additional stress, and longer work hours. A colleague once advised her to "fail fast and not to let the perfect become the enemy of the good."

As far as the recognition, Ross says she is "humbled and incredibly proud to be named a Rising Star, but it is really a collective award for my colleagues and family."