The 2022 Women Leaders In Consulting: Randi Urkov

Randi Urkov is a senior managing consultant in Marsh Advisory's Claims Consulting Practice. Located in Chicago, Randi advises public and private sector employers in the evaluation, design and implementation of workers' compensation cost management strategies and integrated disability and absence management programs. She also serves as a project manager for large multidisciplinary engagements including operational assessments of workers' compensation and liability (general and professional liability) programs that are self-administered as well as administered by third party administrators.

Randi has performed operational assessments in health care, manufacturing and retail industries. Areas of focus for operational assessments have been identification of process improvements as well as determination of appropriate staffing structure and level. She also works with clients to evaluate their workers' compensation operations, employer post-loss leading practices, nurse case management effectiveness and strategy, and evaluation of employer occupational health programs. Randi also assists clients in developing the business case for implementing return-to-work (RTW) programs and advises on RTW design and implementation.

Before joining Marsh in 1995, Randi was a senior manager at an accounting firm, an associate for William M. Mercer in workers' compensation and occupational health consulting, and a director of occupational therapy and occupational health at a Chicago metropolitan hospital.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

When I look back on my career, I am especially proud of the consultants I have mentored. The benefit of my years in the industry allow me to observe the trajectory of others' growth at Marsh and abroad, as some have moved on. Many of the professionals I have mentored have gone on to higher Officer positions, greater levels within management, or to senior consulting positions. To know that I have had a hand in these amazing individuals' development is my greatest achievement.

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

Looking back from when I started as a consultant until now is overwhelming at times as the evolution of the female consultant in the workplace at times seems so advanced and at other times less so. While we have more work to do for parity in the workplace, my primary advice to female consultants is to never be afraid to ask questions and be prepared. How we present, in the workplace or outside of it, represents our personal brand. What do any of us want it to be? Our presence, advice and written deliverables represent our personal brand. Take care in how you show up, the homework you do before offering advice, how you work with others and lastly, the state of your physical work product -this could be an email, an agenda, a written report or a board-level presentation. Make sure your work product and your personal brand is "camera-ready" – crisp, concise and free of errors.

What do you enjoy most about your consulting career?

I have always found that working in a collaborative environment with talented and engaging colleagues to provide the best solutions and advice to our clients energizes me and compels me to do an outstanding job. I have also appreciated the opportunity to find a "teachable moment" with up and coming colleagues that in turn informs their professional growth or personal brand.

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

As a younger consultant working in a male dominated industry during the time of the "good ole' boys" network, finding my voice was challenging. When I approached a very senior female executive and asked how she thrived in this environment, she told me to speak up and stick to my guns – let my voice be heard and don't be intimidated. That advice has served me well throughout my career. Consulting continues to be challenging, our work environment ever changing, and the complexity of our client's issues growing more so. The constant for me has been to keep these principles at the forefront.

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

I was unaware of Marsh submitting my nomination. I am humbled by the nomination and selection for this honor. To me, the honor serves as recognition of the perceived value and contribution I have made as a Woman Leader in Consulting; for the quality of work with my clients and, very importantly, for supporting and lifting up other women in the field.