Rising Stars of the Profession 2021: Rania Svoronou

Rania Svoronou began her career more than 10 years ago in a print design shop in Athens, Greece. Following stints in various start-ups, design studios and Ad agencies that took her from Athens to London, she arrived in New York City in Spring 2019 taking on a role in the IBM iX Studio. She adapted to life in New York and her role as Design Director, where her unique perspective, life experiences, passion for technology and the quality of her craft combine to deliver thoughtful, innovative solutions to IBM clients' biggest challenges. Rania applied this approach to projects during her time with IBM iX, the business design arm of IBM Global Business Services.

She's consulted, designed and delivered technology projects with IBM clients around the world, including designing a unique fan engagement experience for the GRAMMY'S and establishing and scaling a design-led engagement with a major American multinational oil & gas company.

Rania is an advocate and supporter of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In response to last year's protests, she led a Black Lives Matter workshop for her team to explore their biases and set key actions for addressing them. Beyond her efforts in the IBM iX Studio, Rania empowers young female creatives across the globe through her involvement in the world's largest mentorship community, "the adplist." Her design leadership has been widely recognized by design leaders and organizations globally, including the Drum's UK 50 under 30 which recognizes the country's highest achieving women in creative and digital, Top100 Women in Tech UK powered by J.P. Morgan and Future Creative Leaders 'Ones to Watch' by Campaign & Creative Equals.

When asked what she enjoys most about her career in the consulting industry Rania said, "The people. Consulting is about people. Being surrounded by such diverse and talented individuals is what makes me happy. Having a passion for design, people and the business is what brings everything together for me in the consulting industry. I aim to help bridge the gap between design and business and empower more women into the world of design and technology."

"Grit and Resilience," is what she says has been the biggest factor in her success so far. "Talent and hard work have definitely taken me a long way but being resilient has had the biggest impact on my career journey. This has been demonstrated by my ability to serve as a trusted source that brings innovative ideas that help our clients achieve real outcomes. Recently, I expanded a client account that had zero design presence to $6M revenue in less than 2 years. I continue to grow the team and the impact on this global client's business by bringing in new ideas, like approaching projects with human-centered design, and new ways of working. This enabled me to earn the client's trust."

What is Rania's proudest achievement to date? Becoming the person she is today. "This took a lot of hard work. I am a firm believer of having a growth mindset. Growth and comfort do not coexist. Two years ago I moved to the U.S., landing in New York City to begin the next chapter of my career. Nine months later, the pandemic hit and I had to quickly pivot to a new way of working with my clients and team. This was a transformative time but I thrived, which is probably my proudest achievement."

"There is a quote by Tony Robbins that states 'People are rewarded in public for what they practice for years in private,' and that could not be more true for any award and recognition out there,"  Rania notes this honor will confirm that I'm going in the right direction and to work harder and focus even more. Externally, I would want it to be the symbol that no matter where you are coming from, hard work with resilience and passion are a powerful combination. Spread the word on the importance of being resilient and embracing change, which is one of the hardest things to do. I want to make a positive difference and to inspire more women, more consultants and more people to follow their talents and passions. It was hard for me to find my voice and confidence, especially in foreign countries, but all the experiences and recognition I've gained along the way have shaped me into who I am. I've built a strong voice not to shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard and represented."

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "Be tough on tasks but soft on people. Everyone carries a story we are not aware of, so kindness and empathy especially in the consulting world should be the way to lead."