Maria Steingoltz
L.E.K. Consulting
Future Leader
Maria Steingoltz is a Managing Director and Partner in L.E.K. Consulting's Chicago office. She joined L.E.K. in 2003 as an Associate and works in the retail consumer sector with a special focus in food and beverage as well as beauty and personal care. Maria advises clients on a range of critical strategic issues, including growth strategy, consumer segmentation, international expansion, pricing, and mergers and acquisitions.
Maria holds a BA degree in economics and mathematical methods in the social sciences from Northwestern University. She also received an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and returned to L.E.K. as a Consultant in the Chicago office.
Her industry awards include Rising Star of the Consulting Profession from Consulting magazine and Working Mother of the Year from Working Mother magazine.
Maria is active in recruitment and diversity initiatives at L.E.K. She mentors consultants and managers, acts as a Chicago office sponsor of the L.E.K. Women's Network, and is a member of the U.S. Remuneration Committee and the Global Branding Committee. In addition, she has led pro bono projects, including one for New Story Charity in San Francisco and one for the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center, an organization serving child victims of sexual assault. In that project, she helped the organization plan services for adult victims of sexual assault, as well as for victims of domestic violence."
What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?
"My greatest achievement is being able to have a long career in the consulting industry while building my family and being a mom to two small kids (with my husband's help, of course)."
What advice would you give to a female consultant just beginning her career?
"I'd suggest building authentic relationships with your clients and putting yourself in their shoes. You've been hired because they are facing a challenging problem and need help. If you can empathize with them, this will make the work mean a lot more, and it will also be more enjoyable."
What excites you most about your consulting career?
"I'm excited about the ability to mentor the next generation of female leaders in the firm, and the ability to help my clients navigate challenges with their businesses — making an impact."
What's the best advice—personal or professional—you've ever received?
"Have fun with the work. If you enjoy what you do, this can be a long and fulfilling line of work."
What does being honored as a Woman Leader in Consulting mean to you?
"It is an honor to be selected among many deserving professionals and be able to share the impact I make with my family. I am also honored to continue to serve my clients and support my teams."
© Arc, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.