The 2022 Women Leaders In Technology: Sophie Ross

Sophie Ross is the Global Chief Executive Officer of FTI Technology. With more than 20 years of experience in company management and operations in the United States, Europe and Asia, Sophie specializes in helping clients manage their data in the context of compliance and risk, including e-discovery and review through predictable pricing models, applying analytics and by simplifying the multi-layers of discovery management. Prior to Sophie's appointment as Global CEO of the Technology segment, she led the Western Region for the Technology segment, as well as the managed document review business globally. In addition to her leadership role in the Technology segment, Sophie is a member of the firm's Executive Committee and serves on the Global Steering Committee of FTI Consulting's Women's Initiative.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

During the first several years of my role as Global CEO of FTI Technology, I worked with our senior leaders to drive a strategic turnaround for our business. This included a significant effort to deepen the skillsets of our experts, adding critical services for clients and strengthening the team's focus on key areas amid a continually intensifying landscape of data risk. Seeing the impact that new direction has had on our business and our growth year-over-year has been immensely rewarding.

Now, after two years of leading during a prolonged global crisis, I look at that accomplishment in a new light. The resilience, creativity and nimbleness our organization and our people have shown in an environment where everyone has been subject to high anxiety is an achievement in itself. I'm so proud of how we pulled together to manage our people, while supporting clients through a fast-changing and uncertain climate. I admire the team's perseverance, positivity and ability to maintain upward momentum in the face of unprecedented challenges.

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

Approach problems with an entrepreneurial mindset—look at issues with a fresh perspective and don't be afraid to try new ideas or new ways of doing things. I think that's a critical trait in leadership, especially within industries that are constantly evolving.

Future leaders also need to recognize that leadership is different in today's world. And not just from a physical workplace standpoint, but also in terms of the needs and expectations people have. Collaboration and flexibility are key.

Finally, think deeply about your strengths and how you can make an impact, and then have confidence in those skills. Make your voice heard in a positive way and differentiate yourself by letting those strengths and skills really shine.

What have you loved most about your consulting career?

Technology, consulting and innovation are constantly changing and I find that very exciting. As things change, leaders must be willing to adapt to keep growing their business and supporting their people. I enjoy the opportunity to collaborate on strategic initiatives and empower our teams to innovate, implement and adapt along the way. I love this aspect of leadership and seeing the results of our amazing people when they are empowered by a set of shared goals that will drive our business forward. I've also found leading in this new environment especially rewarding in terms of how quickly things are moving. There's a tremendous opportunity for innovation. Our clients are facing completely new challenges, often never seen before. This has placed us on the cutting edge of legal and regulatory issues and advanced analytics technology. It is incredibly exciting to take on these new challenges, especially with such a diverse, dynamic and growing team.

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

I think rather than a single piece of advice, I've been influenced most by the people around me—my teams and my mentors. For example, I have several mentors, including a close female friend who was a long-time executive within the financial world and with whom I discuss business. We offer each other advice on challenges we are facing in our careers and help each other make smart, strategic decisions at work. Ultimately, it's important to have mentors who can offer both an inside and outside perspective.

Overall, I believe positivity and focusing on impact are critical to success. Through experience and the guidance of my colleagues, I've come to realize the power of focusing on what to do next rather than dissecting failures or shortcomings.

What does being honored as a Woman Leader in Technology mean to you

Success doesn't happen alone, it comes from years of working with and learning from others, and taking a team approach to solving problems. At FTI Technology, our attitude toward trying out bold ideas, iterating and pivoting quickly when needed is a significant factor in our success and in the results we help clients achieve. For me, this award represents the tremendous collaboration and the collective dedication of our global teams, and I'm grateful for the recognition.