Rising Stars of the Profession: Dominique Harris

Dominique Harris is an Associate Partner in Kearney's Leadership, Change, and Organization Practice. Dominique has extensive consulting and cross-functional industry experience with clients in the retail, consumer goods, healthcare, government, and transportation sectors and is a passionate expert on a range of people-focused topics including operating model design, learning and development, DEI, culture, and change management. Dominique has led several complex multi-year business transformations for large operations and supply chain clients, and regularly publishes and speaks on people-related topics of change management, DEI, and learning as a vehicle for change.

Dominique is based in Kearney's Chicago office. She holds a bachelor's degree in Economics and Secondary Education from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

All of my greatest achievements have a common theme of driving positive impact and change for the masses. I have had the opportunity to lead programs where I am exposing younger generations from marginalized communities to the career of consulting and the many possibilities of driving change across industries. I have also led projects that positively improve the jobs of thousands of people through role design or upskilling.

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

My advice would be two-fold, lean into uncomfortable situations and build a network. Consulting is a fast-moving career and there will be many times where you will be stretched to do a new analysis, lead a high priority initiative, or an engage a senior stakeholder. Lean into the new opportunities and take time to reflect on the growth y. Consulting is a people business, start early with building meaningful connections with colleagues and leaders. Identify people who can be informal mentors and eventually begin to pay it forward by mentoring others.

What have you loved most about your consulting career?

I enjoy the impact I have on people and companies. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to support massive transformations that impact thousands of employees. I take pride in the work I do, and how the recommendations I provide can save a company and jobs or set a company on the trajectory for significant growth. I have also had the opportunity to support non-profit organizations, and that has been a true pleasure to drive change in my local community. Lastly, I enjoy the ability to support clients and teammates in personal and career growth. Providing coaching and mentorship is an honor and an opportunity for me to pay forward all the support I have received over the years.

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

The best advice I have been given is to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. So often in this job, I am in situations where I don't know the answer right away, and that can be frustrating and uncomfortable for me. Or I am often given opportunities to do things I never would have imagined having the access to do! Being in a situation where I don't have past experience is uncomfortable, but it also energizes me! I anchor on a quote, "Knowledge is Power" and it gives me motivation to have a high level of curiosity for learning and gaining new experiences. I leverage this curiosity as a superpower during uncomfortable situations and it fuels my confidence to successfully get things done and walk away stronger, personally and professionally.

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

Being honored as a Rising Star is affirmation of my dedication and resiliency over the years. I have worked hard to mold and shape my leadership style and I'm proud to have earned this recognition. Leading in an authentic way and building trusting relationships is at my core. I am grateful to stand on the shoulders of mentors and role models who have come before me and instilled this passion for leadership excellence. I look forward to continuing to make an impact by leading my teams and clients while building my legacy as a values-based leader.