The 2021 Women Leaders In Consulting: Amy Duchene

Amy leads a team of content practitioners to develop compelling, strategic stories in the technology space. Her team partners with numerous high-profile technology and telco businesses, from SMB to enterprise. She develops strategic messaging and positioning documents, dream narratives for video scripts, writes short-form and long-form assets like ebooks and white papers.

She ensures content is always moving forward – with strategic, holistic thinking and attention to the details. And also develops every member of the content team to reach their career goals.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

"I still have a lot I want to achieve, but I will say that I reflect a great deal about how lucky I am to be doing what is both an amalgamation of my passion and my formal education in journalism. Every day here is different, but every day allows me, and the whole Bridge Partner team to use different facets of ourselves. Together, are developing and innovating with our clients."

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

"Some of the best advice I've received is to bring your own skills and self to the table and to lead with authenticity. Strive not to create a "work persona" that you must keep up during Monday-Friday hours and let down after the week is done. If you're yourself, through and through, you'll have an easier time. Our work in consulting is busy enough without trying to retain an authentic persona. Also, acknowledge areas where you need help, have a question, or even have made a mistake. It's amazing how this diffuses a situation – especially when it comes to client satisfaction."

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

"Knock on doors, ask for what you want and need, and generally take up space. Ask for what you need, and what you want—to be successful on a project, to grow as a professional, or even to love your job more than you already do. If you don't ask or speak up, you run the risk that people won't know."

"Also, please don't damper who you are! Don't feel pressure to be what others are. Be yourself. Some are a little laughy and loud and use too many exclamation points (ok, that's me); others are more inward and reserved. All of that is ok. Own your personality and your skillset and yourself. We need you!"

What does this recognition mean to you? "Firstly, I'm honored to even be considered and among this list of stellar nominees from Bridge Partners, let alone the wider competition. I'm thankful for the chance to be me, to be heard, and to bring ideas to a team that makes things better—every day."