The 2022 Best Firms to Work For: SEI

Client Industries Served: Automotive & Transportation, Consumer Products, Leisure & Hospitality, Retail & E-Commerce, Utilities, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Financial Services, Government & Higher Education, Health Cre & Life Sciences

Consulting Service Lines: Concept to Delivery, Data & Analytics, Strategy & Operations, Technology Enablement, Security & Compliance

CMAG: How would you say you've managed to stay among the industry's Best Small Firms to Work For amid these unprecedented times?

We've always placed a strong focus on ensuring our teams feel supported — both in work and in their personal lives. Our employee-ownership model encourages a sense of stewardship and lets our employees know that they are genuinely part of — and integral to — our company.

Communication and collaboration are the keys to a strong team, whether on-site or remotely, and we prioritize offering various avenues for employees to build partnerships and contribute to internal growth. We truly believe we've been able to navigate the challenges of these unprecedented times by maintaining a culture of authenticity and altruism. It's been a pleasure to see our consultants find ways to reach out to one another and their clients and share not only their professional expertise but the unique facets of their character as well.

CMAG: Were there any specific programs or initiatives (internal or external) that contributed to you being a Best Firm to Work For?

Over the past few years, a big emphasis has been placed on organizations globally to rethink their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. We made it a point to be intentional with our DE&I initiatives from the start, and have continued to foster an environment that encourages our employees to explore different perspectives, learn about other cultures, and even suggest ways we can support them better.

Our DEI Council has done a fantastic job developing new programs and inspiring everyone to find ways to promote inclusivity. From DINE events where consultants share a meal and speak on important social topics to spotlighting special holidays such as Juneteenth and Ramadan, SEIers have proudly taken ownership of the DE&I program and shown how committed we are to building a workplace that welcomes all voices.

CMAG: What's unique about your firm? What sets it apart?

By having offices across the nation, we can apply a local approach to client care backed by an incredible network of consultants. Our teams can form meaningful partnerships with their clients and offer insights into their local markets while still having access to the expertise of over 400 consultants nationwide. Pair all that with our employee-ownership model, and you get an ensemble of highly-specialized, natural collaborators that are passionate about what they do.

CMAG: What's the top priority over the next 6 to 12 months?

Our teams' exceptional work is driving demand for more top talent. Over the next year, we're continuing our efforts in talent acquisition. We want to continue building on our strong foundation of talented consultants to tend to our growing client base.

CMAG: When you look at the remainder of this year and 2023, what excites you? What opportunities do you see in your markets?

The way we work is changing; from companies extending remote and hybrid models to global teams navigating cross-cultural differences as they grow, it's a unique time to be a consulting firm. As we move into 2023, we're excited to see how these changes continue to shape the landscape and look forward to having the chance to develop solutions to help our clients — and ourselves — adapt to this new terrain.

CMAG: What impact do you think being a Best Firm to Work For has on the firm? Employees? Clients?

We have had the honor of being recognized by Consulting Magazine more than a few times, and every time, we are humbled and grateful to be recognized for our commitment to quality. Whether that's the quality of the work we do for our clients or the ways in which we support our fellow consultants, earning the accolade of "Best Firm to Work For" from the biggest name in the industry garners a level of respect that simply can't be refuted.

Potential candidates looking to join a company that will honor their values, reward their ingenuity, and further develop their skills look to SEI knowing we've received this distinction. It shows them that we are anything but performative. Our commitment to our work and each other is a fundamental part of who we are, and has been for decades.

SEI celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, and to be receiving industry-wide recognition this far in our journey is a testament to our unwavering dedication to building a firm of great people doing great work.

CMAG: Thank you, and congratulations.