The 2021 Women Leaders In Consulting: Sylvia Doane-Stephenson

Sylvia leads the Business Advisory Services practice within Slalom's East Bay market – a $15 million dollar, 40-person business. She brings new go-to-market strategies and capabilities to the market anchored by an elevation of the standard for outstanding client service – all while inspiring and engaging the entire team. Sylvia drives new business by gaining the trust of new clients and her goal is always to understand the true business need and current customer dynamics.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

"I am most proud of the authenticity I have learned to bring to work every day. I have focused for years on integrating my non-traditional background with my drive to help companies successfully achieve their visions and high-impact business outcomes. I believe my authentic voice is important to support inclusion, diversity, and equity for the employees in our firm and for my clients as well. By leading from this place of genuineness, I create space and possibility for others to bring their full strengths to the table and as a result our organization's culture is deeply human-centered where people love their work and life."

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

"On the topic of feeling I did not have any new things to say that hadn't already been said: You were brought into the world to live your life with your own experience and perspective. That you have a 'you-shaped' hole to fill within the universe that is just yours to occupy. Given this, don't hold back your ideas for fear they are not original because the fact that you are expressing them in your own voice, through the prism of your own life wisdom, and that you have your own network of people that are listening to you express these ideas is the entire point of human creativity and is your meaningful contribution to the world."

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

"We all suffer from 'imposter syndrome', but do not let it hold you back. Instead, leverage this anxiety as a powerful catalyst and energy to propel you forward. You can use this simple technique to build your confidence – in those moments where you feel most nervous, look yourself in the mirror and say 'Don't worry, you've got this because you have had (insert your chronological age, e.g.: 25) years of experience that have prepared you for this moment.' The reason this is so effective is that it is deeply grounding because you are claiming your entire life experience and all your innate wisdom as well as any professional expertise you have at this point. This tactic never stops working because as you age it only becomes more powerful to say."

"Additionally, women commonly feel that they must have more training, more certifications, more experience to make bold moves in their career (as opposed to men who typically will be more inclined to leap into new opportunities with less preparation or formal qualifications). In these situations, I say to women all the time that they have enough NOW to go for the next step, and that the calling they are feeling pulled toward but afraid of jumping at will actually teach them what they need to know to be successful as they play the new part/write the book/go for the promotion, etc."

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

"This award would serve to amplify my voice for women within my firm and the clients I serve by creating more of a platform for me to stand upon to better lift others up. I am passionate about sponsoring our women's leadership network at Slalom, where we focus on our vision to: 'Inspire feminists from all horizons to grow and lead with purpose, passion, and authenticity in a supportive and connected community.'"