The 2021 Women Leaders In Consulting: Anne-Marie Rowland

Anne-Marie joined Capco in 2010 as a consultant and the UK practice had less than 100 people. Now, as a Partner, Global Lead of Capco's Consulting Practice, and Global Leadership Team Member – she has helped grow the UK workforce to 1600 people. From 2015 to 2021, she's generated over $200 million USD global revenue.

Anne-Marie is a big part of Capco's global success. Her knowledge of the banking business is unparalleled. She provides excellent client service, builds meaningful relationships, and delivers results. She strives to set the standard for Capco's client relationship-based sales and delivery model. She is 100% client-centric in terms of intimately understanding people – both clients and employees – and their priorities.

Ane-Marie is charismatic with the Irish gift of storytelling, and also embodies the Capco culture – friendly, open, non-hierarchical. She cares deeply about the people, designing and executing training in data consulting, engineering, and next-generation technologies to develop future leaders. She is also a sponsor for our women @capco affinity group.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

"My biggest personal accomplishments of becoming a mom to two fabulous kids has gone hand in hand with my two biggest professional consulting accomplishments. I was awarded Partner level whilst on maternity leave with my first baby girl in 2014 — having kicked off the process whilst I was pregnant. Then at the end of 2020 — whilst finishing my second maternity leave with my baby boy — I was invited onto Capco's Global Leadership Team as Global Lead of Capco's Consulting Practice, with a focus on client service. I didn't feel like I had to rush back to work to ensure I was promoted – but instead, it was encouraging to know I could still be awarded career promotions, regardless of my personal situation."

"I'm often asked if it is possible to become a senior female in consulting and have a family, and so I just feel with the right support and focus on a plan that you're comfortable personally working to, it is possible to accomplish and enjoy."

What's the best advice—consulting or otherwise—you've ever received?

"At times, consulting can be a competitive industry. It can become easy to get distracted by other people's career routes and speed of progression. The best advice I ever received to stay super focused and happy – was to simply put my head down and just zone in on doing the best job I could do. Work hard, persevere and don't waste emotional headspace worrying about what other people are doing or not doing. If you do that, the rewards will come and you'll enjoy those successes a lot more along the way."

What advice would you give to a female consultant just beginning her career?

"I think it's a fantastic time to be a female in consulting. I genuinely believe the opportunities to progress and be equally successful on your terms are there for the taking. Surround yourself with people who will take the time to mentor you, invest in yourself continually to learn new skills, and take care of yourself, and stay laser-focused on your own personal and professional goals."

What does being honored as a Woman Leader in Consulting mean to you?

"Being recognized as one of Consulting Magazine's Women Leaders in Consulting for 2021 means a tremendous amount to me – and indeed to my 6-year-old daughter, who was even more excited about my nomination than I was! Her reaction alone is recognition at its best."

"I don't often stop to reflect on the journey I've had as a new grad-level consultant back in 2010, to now being Global Lead of Capco's Consulting Practice, partnering with some of the largest global financial institutions. Receiving this recognition is in part validation that the perseverance and focus has been really worthwhile – not just for me, but also all the amazing team members I've got to work with over the years."