The 2021 Global Leaders in Consulting: Liz Forsyth

It's something she's carried over to her consulting career. As Global Head of Infrastructure, Government, and Healthcare at KPMG International, Forsyth manages a $5 billion business and more than 40,000 partners and staff. Recently in response to the pandemic, her team assisted governments with the development of care packages, field hospitals, and economic stimulus strategies.

She's also Global Lead, Human Services, establishing human and social services practices in countries around the world, helping governments address the needs of vulnerable citizens. She's presented on this and other topics at United Nations forums.

When asked what the recognition of being named a Global Leader in Consulting means to her and her firm, Forsyth called it "a privilege and an honor."

"This award is recognition of the great work that KPMG and the Global Government team have been doing to serve our clients by tackling some of the most complicated and difficult challenges that face our communities across the globe. I am confident this award sends a strong message about the importance and value of industry expertise in the provision of consulting advice and service. It also reinforces the value of diversity, different ways of thinking and purpose in shaping one's career," she says.

Forsyth has much to be proud of in her career, but she identifies supporting governments across the globe address some of their most complex challenges as chief among them.

"From support for people with disabilities to action plans for women and children experiencing family violence to working with at-risk youth and families, it is a privilege to help people realise their full potential. From a leadership perspective, it is rewarding to help like-minded people find a sense of purpose and opportunities in professional services."

Q&A: What has been the biggest key to your success so far?

"The biggest key to my success is my willingness to lean into new opportunities and say 'yes' – even when I doubted myself. I could always rely on the talented team around me to provide answers when I didn't have them, letting them shine. And when a day's challenges feel insurmountable—while juggling various roles and raising four children— it's important to step back and reflect, trust that by letting things settle overnight, a new perspective will emerge that will make tomorrow a more manageable day."