The 2020 Rising Stars of the Profession: Tricia Anklan

Tricia Anklan, a Senior Manager, Energy & Utilities for West Monroe Partners, ended up in consulting by chance—she studied economics in college and was unsure what she wanted to do with her degree. She learned about West Monroe at a career fair and the variety of clients, projects, and industries appealed to her, she says. Anklan started in 2012 as a campus hire in the firm's Operations Excellence practice and a couple of years into her career had the fortune of being staffed on a project at a water utility. 

"With that, I found my calling and moved to the Energy & Utilities practice and have since played a major role building out our water utility practice," she says. "I was able to identify an opportunity—in this case, the chance to build out a water team at West Monroe—and run with it. I was motivated to do so because I had a passion for the industry, saw a need, and knew West Monroe had the multidisciplinary expertise to create an impact. I am also fortunate in that West Monroe encourages all of us as employee-owners to be 'intrapreneurs'—that is, look for opportunities to create higher value for the firm—so I had a lot of support along the way."  

Speaking of support, she says "a very strong network, both with clients and internally" are keys to her success. 

"I really enjoy the variety and pace of work. I've always been someone who likes fixing problems, which is an asset in consulting," Anklan says. "I also enjoy the challenge of working in an industry where there is plenty of opportunity for innovation and change." 

Anklan says she's proud of building a brand for West Monroe within the water industry at a pivotal time. "Historically we've underinvested in our water systems, and too often we take for granted the privilege of having clean and safe water with the turn of a faucet," she says. "Water scarcity, contamination incidents, and increasing costs have put our water systems in the spotlight—and I am passionate about helping water utilities modernize and address these challenges. This is an exciting time for water utilities, and it is fulfilling to be part of such a critical industry that directly impacts our lives every day." 

As far as being named a Rising Star of the Profession, Anklan says the award is significant for a number of reasons. "First, I'm honored to be nominated by West Monroe and my clients because it affirms that I am making an impact in the water industry," she says, "Second, I strive to be a mentor and advocate for those women coming up behind me in consulting, particularly in my role as the co-lead of West Monroe's Women's Leadership Network. I hope this award inspires other "rising stars" to take chances and look for opportunities to grow something and make an impact."

Q&A: What's the best advice—personal or professional—you've ever received? 

Anklan: "The best advice I've ever received is to conduct myself with integrity."