The 2022 Women Leaders in Consulting: Jeanne Kwong Bickford

Jeanne Kwong Bickford is a core member of the Financial Institutions and People & Organization practices at Boston Consulting Group. Since joining BCG in 2001, Jeanne has advised clients on a range of issues, concentrating on large scale strategic change and transformation programs, including operating model and organization redesign, complex regulatory remediation and turnarounds.

Jeanne is a member of BCG's Financial Institutions North American management team, with specific expertise in non-financial risk management, including compliance. Jeanne's functional specialty is in change management. She co-founded BCG's Change Enablement Center, focusing on rigorous portfolio and program management for large scale transformation and change efforts, and regularly partners with the Project Management Institute and the Brightline Initiative on the topic of bridging the gap between strategy design and strategy delivery.

Jeanne currently serves as the Managing Partner of New York, one of the largest BCG offices in the world. Before her office leadership role, she founded and led BCG's Asian Diversity Network, whose mission is to support staff of East and South Asian descent to be successful at all levels of the organization, and was a member of BCG's North American Diversity & Inclusion Council.

Before joining the firm, Jeanne was a senior analyst at Cornerstone Research, an economic and financial consulting firm specializing in business litigation. She worked extensively in the financial institutions and antitrust practices. During her time there, she was involved in a precedent-setting court trial concerning the savings and loan industry bailout.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

My greatest achievement was founding BCG's Asian Diversity Network. When I looked at the composition of my fellow partners, I noticed there were not as many Asians—and even fewer East Asians—as compared to more junior ranks. I wanted to create a space where Asians could come together, share knowledge and thrive professionally, including reaching the highest levels of leadership in BCG. This network gave us an official voice and the opportunity to push our DE&I aspirations forward. On an individual level, members can receive personal mentorship, attend advancement panels, and discuss the unique challenges Asian professionals face at different stages of their careers.

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

The most important thing for a new female consultant to understand is who she is and what she needs to thrive—her true north star. To thrive in her work, she must seek joy in her job and understand what conditions are required to pursue that joy. This understanding will change over time, so she needs to keep checking in with herself as she grows throughout her career. When I decided to have a family, I negotiated a flexible work model with BCG to enable me to continue my career while being present at home. At the time this wasn't a common practice, but I did it to follow my north star and, hopefully, to lead by example for others.

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

"Know your worth." It's not uncommon for women to receive feedback that muddles their sense of self—feedback like, "you're too opinionated." During a time in my life where I didn't feel as though I was being heard or respected, a trusted mentor advised me to refocus on my own worth. He reminded me that I was a valued member of our team and brought unique talents to the table. He told me to start vocalizing what I needed from others to be successful. "Know your worth" became not only a mantra for myself, but advice that I regularly share with others.

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

From my day job at BCG to my nonprofit work with the Girl Scouts of the USA, my passion has been making a positive social impact and helping others realize their full potential. I believe in the power of multipliers—that each time we help another person grow, it creates a positive ripple effect for many more individuals. Accepting this award is an affirmation that prioritizing people is a win-win for both the business and the individual, makes a difference in society, and that compassionate leadership is valued.