The 2021 Women Leaders In Consulting: Elizabeth Kroger Davis

Elizabeth joined Arthur Andersen at the age of 20. Surrounded by talent and endless opportunities, she pursued a career in forensic accounting while simultaneously earning her MBA at night at the University of Chicago and having three kids. At the time she was promoted to partner at Andersen, she was the youngest partner in the US.

That same energy and drive for challenges has kept her at the forefront of the litigation consulting market for almost four decades. Now a managing director at BRG, she is recognized in the consulting industry for her retention on many of the highest-profile financial disputes that have involved Ponzi schemes, market manipulation, governmental takeovers, and antitrust matters, including the $45 billion acquisition of Lehman Brothers Holdings by Barclays Bank during the financial crisis; the constitutional takings case against the US government involving its bailout of AIG during the financial crisis; litigation pertaining to Bernie Madoff; economic damages pertaining to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill; and antitrust cases involving large financial institutions. "I have been blessed to work with some of the greatest minds in Big Law and academia. That has provided me with a lifetime of learning, making me better at my job, year after year."

Elizabeth's career shifted over the decades. Her assignments became increasingly complex, from forensic accounting to damages analysis and ultimately into economic consulting, with an emphasis on big data and teaming with academic experts. She largely has eschewed firm management roles, preferring to focus on bringing leadership and strategic experience to matters that involve interrelated teams of experts to large-scale litigation. "I always want to be on the front line with clients, solving their problems and figuring out how to bring the top talent of my firm to address their challenges. That is the role that I love doing."

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

"On a personal level, watching my three children grow into strong, independent and good people. Professionally, not being afraid to take risks and seek challenges. I do credit my family demands as one element of my success. The support of my family has provided me with the balance I need to manage the pressure and demands of my career."

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

"Be truly open to learning, making mistakes and seeking feedback. Build respect and trust among your colleagues so they will be able to provide you with candid and knowledgeable feedback. Getting smart about your strengths and weaknesses will be invaluable in guiding your future career decisions."

What excites you most about your consulting career?

"Having the opportunity to learn from talented colleagues and clients. I have been blessed with a lifetime of learning that has motivated me to get better at my job every single day."

What's the best advice—personal or professional—you've ever received?

"Do the right thing. Most professional decisions are surprisingly simple when they are principle-based."

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

"I have never been driven by financial rewards.  But recognition for hard work does mean a lot to me, just as I believe it means a lot to the people that I work with.  It would be a tremendous honor to be recognized among my peers after almost four decades of professional consulting." Short Bio: As a Managing Director at Berkeley Research Group (BRG)."