2022 Global Leaders in Consulting: J. Schwan

J believes in growing socially responsible businesses through a balanced priority of people, profit and planet.

Currently J is the CEO of Kin + Carta, a 2,000 person digital transformation firm that exists to build a world that works better, for everyone.

Kin + Carta was recently certified as the first B Corp on the London Stock Exchange, and is one of only 17 publicly traded B Corps globally. Kin + Carta helps companies build digital products, services and experiences with inclusivity and sustainability at the core.

Before becoming CEO of Kin + Carta, J founded Solstice, a 400 person socially responsible digital engineering firm. J sold Solstice to Kin + Carta in 2015 and in 2018, became CEO of Kin + Carta. Since 2018 Kin + Carta has won over two dozen employer, diversity and inclusion awards, achieved global B Corp status and tripled its market capitalization; proving that social responsibility is not an inhibitor to business performance, but an accelerant.

J is also on the Foundation Board of Lurie's Children Hospital in Chicago.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

My proudest moment happened just this past December, when myself and 30 of my colleagues rang the bell to open the London Stock Exchange, celebrating Kin + Carta becoming the very first Certified B Corp on the LSE. We also were the first publicly traded consulting firms in the world to garner this designation. Becoming one of the world's first publicly traded triple bottom line businesses was one of our "Big Heroic Audacious Goals" for 2025 — it was the latest and most significant stage in Kin + Carta's journey to create a modern, diverse and sustainable digital transformation business. Over the course of three years, Kin + Carta employees across the world worked together to change how we work and operate. We even asked our shareholders to vote to change our articles of association — giving permanence to Kin + Carta's social responsibility ambitions. This was done while continuing to scale the core business at an over 20% CAGR and tripling the market capitalization.

What advice would you give a professional just beginning a career in consulting?

Embrace servant leadership with your clients and your colleagues. Consulting is not about being great at your job, it's about making those around you, great at theirs. This attitude builds team camaraderie and creates strong and lasting bonds with clients.

What have you loved most about your consulting career?

I started my career as a consultant at a Big 4 firm, then moved on to bootstrap my own consulting firm at the age of 26. I've played the role of subject matter expert, entrepreneur and now global operator. In this journey over the past 21 years, I have had the opportunity to learn and grow and pass on everything I have learned in an attempt to grow others. This cycle continues to this day. I am learning and teaching every day, which is incredibly fulfilling. I can't think of a better career.

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

The late Jim Liataud – "Life is an art form. The canvas is yours to paint. Be purposeful with every brush stroke."

What does being honored as a Global Leader mean to you?

When I started my firm back in 2001, I specifically remember subscribing to Consulting Magazine. Every month I would read the articles about these incredible global businesses and global leaders making a real impact on businesses and providing careers for people all over the world. I remember when my firm (Solstice at the time) was named one of Consulting Magazines, Seven Small Jewels. We were over the moon to get that recognition. This year, when Consulting Magazine recognized Kin + Carta as one of the Best Large Firms' to work for, I was thrilled to see our firm get that recognition amongst such an outstanding peer group. To be recognized individually is really an honor. I don't think I've done anything individually that special, but I'm very proud to represent K+C and my colleagues in our industry's preeminent publication.