The 2019 Global Leaders in Consulting: Michael Garstka

One of his first clients was in the then nascent competitive telecommunications industry in the UK, immediately post privatization. "Over the 25 years that followed, it was my privilege to work with bold and ambitious executive teams—from London to Tokyo, from Sydney to Seattle, from Manila to Mumbai—who redefined their industry, drove wireless penetration from single digits to more than 100 percent and, in the process, put communications and the internet in the palm of their customers' hands."

Early in his partner career, Garstka led the Bain effort to support the executive team of an Asian telco on the brink of bankruptcy in a turnaround and then growth acceleration.  

"In addition to a client success story, this apprenticeship crucible also helped groom the next generation of Bain partners," he says. "Those individuals, who were Associate Consultants and Consultants at the time, have since gone on to drive great client outcomes and take on servant leadership responsibilities."

He has increasingly realized that apprenticing people is not enough, but that leaders also have the responsibility to create an environment of true inclusivity, where their team members of all backgrounds can bring their whole selves to work, succeed and thrive.  

"What I am most proud of over the last year—and what I hope will be one of the most consequential actions of my time as UK Managing Partner—was the decision to fully equalize parental leave: up to 52 weeks, the first 26 fully paid, for Bain UK employees," he says.  

While there are multiple levers to impact gender parity, Garstka notes that "providing equal access to flexible working options, proactive leadership support of flex, and active use by men will be the most important driver of creating a broader set of successful workplace role models and career paths."

Meanwhile, he also brings his leadership experience to social impact: He serves as chairman of the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), a city-wide network of nurseries and preschools mostly in areas of economic disadvantage. Under his stewardship, LEYF has grown from 19 nurseries to 39, making it the UK's largest childcare charity.  

"The evidence is clear: high quality nursery provision provides a material impact on the cognitive and behavioral capabilities of children, which can have a profound impact on their lives for decades to come," he says. 

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

"It means that I am deeply appreciative all those who mentored, supported, challenged and encouraged me and my development over the last 25 years.  Being so recognized is also a reminder as a leader, it is not about you or your grand visions, but rather about listening and empathy, and giving voice to and mobilizing the power of an extraordinary team that is passionate about our mission and our people."