Charles Beard
Guidehouse
Excellence in Leadership
Charles Beard is a Partner and the Chief Operating Officer of Guidehouse and oversees the day-to-day performance of the company's business operations. He drives business performance by operationalizing the company's go-to-market vision and aligning corporate services to meet the needs of Guidehouse clients and employees.
He completed an MBA while serving as an Air Force officer, where he witnessed firsthand the interconnectedness of economic security to national security and the role technology was playing in this transformation, he says. When the Berlin Wall fell, he left the government and pursued consulting to work on this transformation in both the public and private sectors.
"That decision has taken me all over the world (many times over) and I have had the opportunity to work with true titans in government and industry on endeavors that have been at the intersection of these three interests," he says.
"The opportunity to translate my space operations technology experience into the commercial adoption of the internet and the change it made in global commerce was a key accomplishment for me professionally. After 9/11, I was able to refocus my efforts on the application of technology to support the global war on terror and later to use those skills to investigate and prosecute computer-based crimes as the internet became a platform for illicit activities."
Beard has also been involved in community health for the better part of the last decade focused on patient quality and safety. With professional roots grounded in working in high-risk environments, he wanted to engage in the healthcare delivery transformation that was becoming more technology enabled.
"I have always believed the role of a consultant and corporate officer is a combination of a futurist, subject matter expert, and team player. That ability to see over the horizon, solicit ideas from a variety of sources, and continuing to stay skilled in your expertise requires sustained commitment," he says.
As far as winning Consulting's Top 25 Award, Beard says he is truly honored to be recognized. "Consulting Magazine recognized me in the 2004 list when I was fourteen years into my consulting career," he says. "To be recognized a second time, sixteen years later and in this corporate consulting role is a wonderful tribute and reflective of the opportunities and teams I have had the opportunity to work with and the richness of the opportunities this career provides."
Q&A: What's been the biggest factor to your success?
Beard: The team. I have been blessed to work with some of the smartest, passionate, creative, tenacious, and innovative teams throughout the years. We have been supported by some of the best client sponsors and mentors that have challenged and motivated us with their passion for success and commitment to their clients and constituents.
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