The 2021 Women Leaders In Consulting: Monica DeBellis

Monica has extensive experience in providing high-quality internal audit services to clients primarily focused in the financial services industry. Her clients include medium to large privately and publicly held companies. DeBellis joined Protiviti as a founding member in 2002 and sits on its Executive Team Advisory Council. She is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Internal Auditor, is IIA QAR Certified and holds an MBA in finance and international business from New York University and a bachelor's degree in accounting from Liberty University.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

"My greatest achievement is to be the proud mother of three children (aged 9, 12 and 14) and while on that journey to have reached the level of Managing Director with Protiviti. I couldn't have achieved either of these without a great deal of support from my family, especially my husband, and from a support network of personal and professional relationships that have always been there to help support both me and my family throughout this journey."

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

"My advice is not specific to male or female, but in general, I think women often value the input of others a bit more than their male counterparts. Regardless, don't let your career 'happen to you' or rely on others to take notice or 'do the right thing' assuming your best interests are top of mind. Take an active and informed role in shaping and guiding your career path, build your network, find good mentors, look out for opportunities, and determine for yourself what interests you, how you define success (considering both personal and professional), and figure out where and how far you want to go."

What excites you most about your consulting career?

"The work is varied and challenging, and I'm constantly learning. I learn every day from my colleagues – those fresh off campus, and those who have been working for decades, who each have different experiences and expertise to share. I learn from my clients both in understanding their role in industry positions and constant interaction with regulators and other critical third parties."

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

"Actively develop your network. As soon as you graduate, think about your network and always look for ways to keep in touch. This will benefit you most personally, but also professionally as you move through your career. Also, find ways to connect to new people, and when you do naturally connect with people, just be sure to keep up those relationships as they are so important to maintaining both who you are as a professional and will, at times, help you evolve in your career."

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

"Professional women bring a different aspect to the workforce. We bring different perspectives and cultural differences, which do drive a variety of approaches and solutions to complex situations. I'm honored to be recognized as a female leader who brings change to the corporate environment. I try to bring compassion, understanding and balance to every project I work on while acknowledging that we consultants have a very strong work ethic, driving productivity and our success."