Rising Stars of the Profession: Sam Shinner

Sam Shinner is a Principal in L.E.K.'s San Francisco office, dedicated to the firm's TMT practice and focused on growth strategy and M&A. Sam has broad experience across the tech sector, completing engagements spanning a range of software and infrastructure markets. Sam's work covers a broad range of enterprise software, and he has extensive experience in fintech, legal tech, and sales and marketing technology. He is now helping to lead the expansion of L.E.K.'s EdTech practice. Sam excels at making insights digestible and impactful for clients while pioneering innovative approaches to complex problems. For example, he has been responsible for developing new analytical frameworks to assess the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on industries and for formulating strategies to avoid disruption and capitalize on change.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

Within consulting, I would have to say it was the opportunity to work on the development of the U.K.'s new generation of aircraft carriers. Not only did our work directly result in millions of pounds in taxpayer savings, but I personally know service members who have now served on those ships, which provides real emotional satisfaction.

Outside of consulting, my son, Sebastian, is a constant source of pride and joy.

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

Don't try to be the best, try to improve the most. Pretty soon one leads to the other, but the focus on learning and humility will carry you further faster. And always remember that the relationships you're building with people along the way have far more long-term value than any specific piece of work.

What do you enjoy most about your career in the consulting industry?

Coaching is a huge part of what I love about consulting. I enjoy working with young people who are stepping into their first full-time jobs, seeing them learn and grow so fast, and being able to support them as they go through that. I've seen a lot of extraordinary young people come through the firm, and I have enormous pride in their success.

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

One of my earliest managers once told me, "The best way to get something done is to start doing it." Though this sounds silly, I've found it to be an extremely helpful maxim when faced with daunting and highly complex problems. If I feel stuck, I just do something small or simple and see where it leads. I've found that usually gets me a lot further than I expect.

What does being honored as a Rising Star mean to you?

Simply to have been nominated is meaningful to me because I know so many other outstanding people that L.E.K. could have put forward instead. I'm delighted that the award can help to spotlight L.E.K. and all the amazing colleagues I've worked with to help deliver insights and impact to our clients.