The 2022 Top Consultants: Nan DasGupta

Nan DasGupta leads Boston Consulting Group's People & Organization practice in Canada, is the People Chair for BCG Canada, and the Leader of the Women@BCG Initiative in North America. She also is a core member of the firm's Financial Institutions practice. Nan has contributed extensively in the Social Impact domain and is one of the leaders of BCG's Centre for Canada's Future. In that role, she helps move Canada forward by providing insights and expertise on the country's most important issues. The centre also aims to convene leaders from the business, government, and nonprofit sectors to work together to achieve impact.

Nan has taken on several firm leadership roles and currently chairs BCG's Career Development Committee in Canada and leads the firm's Women@BCG initiative in North America. Nan also serves on nonprofit boards: Ivey Advisory Board, LEAP | Pecaut Centre for Social Impact, and CivicAction Leadership Foundation.

Nan has worked on strategies in growth, sales force productivity, target operating model and organization. She has worked predominantly in the financial services and consumer retail industries, and is one of the firm's experts in the topics of customer experience and women in business. What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement? Perhaps the one thing that feels most meaningful is when those who I mentor say they see me as a role model. I've always tried to bring my whole, authentic self to work each day. I hope that I've been able to provide a tangible example for others as someone who operates with integrity while bringing fresh perspectives that may diverge from the typical corporate context.

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

Consulting can be very challenging, so it is very important to try to appreciate and soak in the elements that make it exhilarating, unique and worthwhile: the constant learning, the steep personal and professional growth, and the steady opportunities to have such meaningful impact. I am most excited about the uniquely exceptional colleagues and clients I get to work with on a daily basis. My advice would be to make sure you periodically carve out time to step out of the daily grind of the job and truly reflect and take stock of that personal learning, growth and impact.

What have you loved most about your consulting career?

To be honest I have loved almost everything about my consulting career. If I have to pick one thing that fuels and energizes me most, it's that feeling that my work is important – making a difference in people's lives, helping great companies and leaders change for the better, and very often, having an impact on society's biggest challenges. Our purpose at BCG is "Unlocking the potential of those who advance the world," and I feel truly luck to be inspired and motivated to live that purpose in my work every day.

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

The best advice I've received is to think of my career as a marathon, and not a sprint. In my career I've intentionally slowed down the pace or taken detours/time off at times through part-time and flexible work models. Most importantly, I've always held personal time and vacation time sacred. This was what I felt made most sense for my family and what I needed for my life. I've never felt remorse that others might be charging ahead at a faster pace than me – it's not a race after all, and I'm not even sure what the finish line is or where it is. This approach has helped me to sustain my enjoyment in my career over a long time.

What does being honored as a Top Consultant mean to you?

I'm honored to receive this recognition. When I think of some of the previous honorees from BCG it's very humbling. The previous honorees are those I consider exemplary representatives of our firm, and many of them have been deeply important personal role models, mentors and teachers to me. I have to admit I am a bit awestruck to be in that company! I'm very grateful.