The 2022 Women Leaders in Consulting: Catherine Brown

Helping to raise standards, manage risks and support sustainability. A leader with 20 years of experience in transformation and partner at Oliver Wyman since 2011, Catherine advises some of the world's top organizations at C-suite and Board level. Her focus is on enabling large scale organizational change. She works across financial services and the public sector.

Catherine joined the FICC Market Standards Board in 2017 as Partner Board Member. As Partner Board Member, she advises the FMSB on strategy and setting new standards for market behavior. She further chairs the Conduct Forum, an industry group which brings together leaders from across 50 financial institutions.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, Master of Science in Operational Research, and an MBA Finance. Before Oliver Wyman she held positions in fixed income structured solutions at Lehman Brothers and investment banking at Salomon Smith Barney / Citi.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

Doing consulting work that changes the world for the better.

What advice would you give to a female consultant just beginning her career?

A colleague quipped: "no pressure, no diamond." You will encounter challenges over the course of your career – some by choice and others not. Lean into them, you will be stronger for it.

Work hard and act like an owner.

What do you enjoy most about your consulting career?

The people I work with at Oliver Wyman and the variety of the work. Different work with different teams every year and always stimulating. What's the best advice – personal or professional – you've ever received? Think big and be bold in going after what you want. Don't assume that the answer will be 'no'.

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

Our industry has become more diverse over the years, and I strongly believe this award complements current initiatives by organizations to inspire women to navigate and advance within their firms. A critical element of talent retention is recognition, and this award helps showcase women's contributions to the profession.