The 2020 Women Leaders in Technology: Michelle Repko

"Part of our value proposition was, and continues to be, our ability to leverage technology-based solutions to manage large amounts of structured and unstructured data to address the requirements of the Chapter 11 process and support operational improvements," she says. "I would say that the depth and breadth of my interest in technology has grown organically over my 15 years at APS."

As a Director with the firm, Repko has gained significant experience in the areas of finance, accounting, and data analytics, through which she supports clients' complex litigations, corporate turnarounds, and strategic business improvement initiatives. She is an accomplished professional in performing financial analysis and in transforming large quantities of data into powerful information. Throughout her career, her clients in a variety of industries have benefited from her guidance during their complex business issues and crisis situations by her application of analytical and technical solutions.

"I've always enjoyed corporate consulting because it offers variety, opportunities to be creative and I get to interact with talented colleagues and clients," she says. "One aspect of the technology focus I particularly enjoy is the opportunity to present innovative solutions to a challenge that would otherwise be extremely time consuming or difficult to execute." 

When her clients have a 'how are we going to do this?' moment, "I am excited and proud to offer creative and strategic solutions that leverage smart and innovative technology." 

There has been an incredible amount of disruption in the markets in recent weeks and months.  With this kind of disruption, there tend to be completely new and unique challenges that arise, she says. "I love addressing challenges and solving problems, so I am looking forward to being at the forefront of identifying and addressing those challenges."

In consulting, and restructuring in particular, Repko says she is generally operating in a male dominated environment. "I think it can be challenging, especially earlier in your career, to find your voice when you're interacting in group settings such as meetings and presentations," she says. "But, truthfully, it didn't take long to realize that working hard and being prepared is as important to finding your voice in a professional setting as it is to delivering in a professional setting."

As far as being recognized as a Women Leader in Technology, Repko says winning this award is an honor and a wonderful recognition for years of hard work. "More importantly, it's an opportunity to lead by example and inspire my fellow female colleagues to push and challenge themselves and each other." 

What is your greatest personal or professional achievement?

Repko: "It's difficult to narrow down years of interesting and exciting successes with clients and colleagues to a single professional achievement. I am extremely proud of the work I've done for my clients and even more proud of the work I've done in mentoring junior colleagues in their consulting careers. On a personal level, there's no doubt that raising my two boys with my husband is a daily source of pride."