The 2022 Women Leaders In Consulting: Kristen Rellihan

With more than 15 years of experience collaborating with her clients and project teams, Kristen brings a breadth of experience and know-how to clients and procurement organizations. Throughout her career, she has supported various industries including utilities, government contractors, pharmaceuticals and gaming.

Kristen started her career with Accenture's Supply Chain Strategy practice, then led an energy company's IT Supply Chain department before returning to procurement consulting with ProcureAbility. Kristen's advisory expertise and real-world experience allow her to identify opportunities which deliver sustainable transformations and bottom-line savings to her clients.

Kristen holds a B.S. degree in Business Logistics from Penn State University. She was recognized by Consulting Magazine's Women Leaders in Consulting Awards in the category of Excellence in Leadership. Kristen and her family live in Maryland, but you can find them in Bethany Beach, Delaware throughout the summer and any other free weekend playing golf, spending time at the beach and on the water, and enjoying good meals with family and friends.

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

Differentiate yourself and do so in a way that is true to who you are. You don't have to fit into the box of what the "typical" person in a role is. You need to have those key characteristics, and then use what comes naturally to you to excel. For me, that's finding a connection to everyone I work with. We all have something in common or that we can relate to with each other. When we show our true self and build connections, you can form a stronger team that solutions in a safe space where sharing ideas is encouraged. This type of environment is where the "ah-ha" moments and big breakthroughs happen. It's also a lot more fun to work long hours with people you know on both a professional and personal level.

When I'm interviewing candidates, or meeting a new consultant, my favorite question is, "tell me what you like to do in your spare time." And then, I let them know a little bit about me too.

What do you enjoy most about your consulting career?

There is nothing I enjoy more in my professional life than getting to recognize and celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of my team. Our firm culture is one of celebrating success together, and I'm incredibly proud of how we all acknowledge each other, often on our intranet's "Wow Wall" for a job well done. It's most rewarding to see all of the comments and likes from others chiming in after recognizing someone for their work and creating a strong sense of community and appreciation as a firm. It is so fulfilling to connect with a colleague after they deliver a big presentation or close a sale to be part of their excitement and celebrate their win. That's what keeps me energized and excited to come to work every day – all of the victories, we celebrate together. When we struggle, we work through it together as well. It is the true definition of teamwork – we take the good and the bad, and use our collective experience to continue to learn and grow.

What's the best advice—consulting or otherwise—you've ever received?

"You can do this, and I'm here to support you." After an intentional decision to shift focus to my family and step back from my corporate job for a period of time, a mentor of mine contacted me and asked me to come work for her. The work was hybrid, and with flexible hours, but after a few years of working independently and having the ultimate flexibility, I was unsure of jumping back into a more regimented role. That's when she said to me "you can do this, and I'm here to support you."

Knowing that I had an ally that understood that this decision would be another pivot point in my career. She gave me the confidence and the boost I needed to push myself back into a more structured role, but at the same time, a safe place to reacclimate. The work I did and the people I worked with re-lit the fire in me and I will be forever grateful for her encouragement. She knew, before I did that it was time. And I was ready.

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

I am truly honored to win the Excellence of Leadership award. I believe women need to see different examples of female leaders, their styles and how their careers progressed. Career paths and decisions take many different journeys, all of which are tailored to be the right fit for the individual.

I believe we need to see more diversity on Executive Teams, and not only in "typically female roles" but in every department and business unit. It is our responsibility to mentor and elevate the emerging female leaders in our organizations, encourage them to take risks, be there to provide support, and most importantly, cheer from the sidelines when they succeed.