The 2019 Top 25 Consultants: John Norkus

Today Norkus is a Managing Director with North Highland and brings deep experience in delivering business value, developing high performing teams and a strong track record of leading companies from vision through execution. In his role as Managing Director, Norkus is responsible for the firm's overall client strategy and growth.

"There is great joy in being a student of my profession. The pace of change—and the variety of changes—in our industry and the clients we serve means that there is a kaleidoscope of subjects to choose from," Norkus says. "Even with thirty years of client work and five million air miles, new discoveries are made every day. There are plenty more great stories to uncover, help create, and tell. It's a creative process where intellectual curiosity thrives."

Norkus says just before he first set foot onto this unknown consulting-scape—the first time—his father gave some rather direct advice about first seeking to understand your audience and their ability to consume information. Stated in simple terms, he said: "The mind will absorb what the ass will endure." 

Norkus says that advice rings true in both a firm leadership role and the firm's work with clients. "In application, this means taking the time to listen and understand those across the conference room table before ever opening your mouth; then know when to shut it, while being willing to adapt, without preconceived notions," he says. 

Ask Norkus about the keys to his success, and he'll share some of his own advice: You are the company you keep.  

"There have been some great mentors who gave of themselves and invested their time to direct and accelerate my career trajectory," Norkus says. "Success in consulting requires a pay-it-forward mentality, and the returns are multiples of the investments. Because of that, consulting continues to pay back great, personally satisfying dividends."

As far as being recognized as one of the Top 25 Consultants, Norkus says consulting is a team sport, so while it may be his name on the award it's really a reflection of the hundreds of people that he's proud to have called—at one time or another—his teammates, partners, colleagues, and friends. "As a nod towards a spectacular journey that includes breakthrough moments and even spectacular failures, this award recognizes the importance of learning, the collection of experiences, and individuals who have provided help and support along the way," Norkus says.

What has motivated you to excel over the course of your career?

Norkus: "Faith is my greatest motivation and biggest obstacle crusher. "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men" (that's Colossians 3:23).  That, as well as the support of a great partner in Robin, my wife."