The 2020 Rising Stars of the Profession: Justin Craigwell-Graham

Justin Craigwell-Graham says "your career is not a straight line—never let anyone determine your personal worth." That's advice that someone once passed on to him and he now makes sure to pay it forward and pass it on as well, as it has served him well professionally, but also personally over the course of his consulting career. 

Today, Craigwell-Graham is a Senior Manager in L.E.K. Consulting's Retail and Consumer Products practice where he is focused on the food and beverage sector, advising Fortune 500 companies and leading financial buyers across the food and beverage value chain, including CPG, grocery, food service, distributor and agricultural players. 

"I'm proud to help clients solve key critical issues they don't have the expertise, time or internal resources to accomplish," he says. "I am also proud of being a part of a changing culture at a fast-growing company that makes the consulting lifestyle more manageable and attainable for all instead of a few."

Ask him about the biggest factors to his success thus far and he'll say that he attributes it to great mentors who have truly cared about his career and personal wellbeing, smart colleagues and subordinates who make him look good and a high level of empathy.

"I'm also driven by the insightful, high-level and high-visibility work that is always changing from month to month," Craigwell-Graham says. 

Internally, he is also active as Craigwell-Graham is founder of the firm's diversity group, Mosaic, and an active member of L.E.K. Consulting's social and community service committees.

Although he clearly doesn't seek out the recognition, he is honored by the distinction of being named one of Consulting's Rising Stars of the Profession. 

"Winning the Rising Stars of the Profession award—and being recognized for Excellence in Client Service—is validation for all the hard days and long nights, especially when you look around and you sometimes see others taking the easy path out," Craigwell-Graham says. "When you put your head down, persevere and do good work, good things will happen to you."

Q&A:  How did you end up in consulting? 

Craigwell-Graham: "I received an advanced degree in finance, but quickly realized that most finance work was only surface deep and did not actually pertain to understanding and running a business. As a result, I decided to pursue a career in strategy consulting specifically."