2022 Global Leaders in Consulting: Skylar Vanderbilt-Smith

Based in the UK, Skylar is a Managing Consultant at Thought Provoking Consulting (TPC) where she heads up the creation and implementation of some of the company's biggest projects. She began her career in the industry within Merchandise Planning and transitioned into consulting in 2017. Since joining TPC, she has predominantly worked in the Pricing and Inventory Analytics & Optimisation spaces, delivering tangible benefits for her clients both financially and operationally. Skylar is passionate about the retail industry and supporting core retail functions with new and efficient processes underpinned by innovative technology.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

The professional accomplishment I'm most proud of is stepping into a senior leadership role at Thought Provoking Consulting (TPC) during 2020. In the midst of the changes happening around the world and also personally and professionally, I believe I have created a lasting positive impact on the team and our operations through increased communication and flow of quality information throughout the company as well as supporting our consultants virtually through a challenging time.

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

Today, the first piece of advice I give to anyone moving into consulting is to be patient with themselves while learning all there is to know. The job requires a variety of different skillsets and to think on one's feet to problem solve for clients.

What have you loved most about your consulting career?

What I have loved most about my consulting career so far are the people I get to work with, both the clients and the team members within my company. It makes the work that much more satisfying when you're surrounded by others who are equally excited and enthusiastic about transformation and retail.

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

The best advice I've received was from my family and it's the saying "This too shall pass". When times are challenging, be patient and remember these moments are temporary, and when times are good, be grateful for them now as circumstances can always change in the other direction.

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

I am incredibly passionate about the retail industry and the exciting innovation that I support and deliver within it. My clients are at the heart of what I do, and their success is the most rewarding part of my work. As a Global Leader in Consulting, I hope to share that passion and recognition within the consulting community but also amongst my industry partners who I ultimately serve.