The 2020 Rising Stars of the Profession: Lauren Teegarden

Lauren Teegarden studied Latin American literature in college—not exactly a natural path to consulting. She was exposed to consulting through her business minor. 

"I was immediately drawn to the dynamic nature of the field, as well as the challenge of solving thorny problems that may have existed in an organization for years without a ready solution," Teegarden says. "The ability to manage—and even enjoy—the ambiguity that is inherent to consulting, considering how quickly the industry, company needs, and even the individual clients themselves evolve, has been one thing I've focused on over the years. 

The other, she says, has been always surrounding herself with people who she respects and knows she can continue to learn from.

Teegarden is part of Deloitte Consulting's Customer & Marketing practice, with experience spanning customer experience, innovation, and marketing & sales. In that role, she advises leading consumer-facing companies on how to elevate the human experience across their customers, workforce, and partners, focusing on the auto, transportation, and hospitality industries. 

Recently, Teegarden has guided clients in customer experience strategy to drive growth and market share, personalized digital marketing to increase topline revenue, and product and services innovation to enhance customer and employee experience. 

"I work with consumer businesses, and I'm excited by the pace of change that is being driven by the evolving consumer," she says. "There is a sense of both responsibility and awe as we help our clients, some of the world's largest and most influential companies, shape the future of everything from food to mobility."

The most rewarding feeling, she says, is when a client comes to her for advice or perspective on something they are wrestling with at a particular time. "It can be anything from business strategy, to developing talent on their team, or what they need to do to take things to the next level professionally—and then acts on the plan we discuss," she says. 

Teegarden earned her MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Latin American Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Teegarden says she received some pretty sage advice once: Always assume the best about others—personally, as well as with clients and colleagues. "The world is a complicated place, and you never know what else someone may be juggling," she says. "And, if you aren't uncomfortable on a regular basis, then you aren't challenging yourself sufficiently."

Q&A: What does winning a Rising Stars of the Profession award mean to you?

Teegarden: "It is an honor to be selected—I am very appreciative of Deloitte's apprenticeship culture and all of the managers, leaders, and mentors who have invested in me over the years. It's a reminder to do the same by paying it forward."