The 2019 Rising Stars of the Profession: Rachel Zepernick

Age: 31

Professional golfer Jordan Spieth uses the word "we" when talking about his successes, but says "I" when talking about his failures, even though golf is an individual sport. L.E.K. Consulting's Rachel Zepernick says Spieth obviously didn't give her that advice personally, but she takes it to heart.

"My bosses, direct reports, family and friends all prepare and enable me to be successful and deserve that credit, even for the little things or where it might seem like it was just my own personal success," Zepernick says. "At the same time, it's not helpful to blame others for problems I face—I strive to hold myself accountable for my team's roadblocks and work toward a solution together instead of blaming others for hiccups along the way."

Zepernick says she's most proud of two accomplishments. "The positive client feedback I've received on my work to-date. It's a fantastic feeling to exceed client expectations and have all the hard work pay off," she says. "And the opportunities I've had to support and influence the Associates and Consultants I manage so they can get more out of a case, succeed at L.E.K. and/or reach their personal or professional goals."

Meanwhile, being confident but humble, and successfully balancing the appropriate level of involvement (driving project direction, hypotheses and answers), while also remaining the right level of hands-off to allow the team's skills to shine have been the secrets to her success," Zepernick says. "I look at our Senior Partners in my sector whose in-depth knowledge blows me away, and I'm excited to continue to build my own expertise to become that person who is so critical to a project."

As far as being a Rising Star, she says she is surrounded by intelligent, hardworking and driven people, "so I am humbled and honored to receive the award."