2023 Global Leaders in Consulting: Gordon Tucker

Gordon Tucker is a managing director with Protiviti and leader of its global Technology, Media and Telecommunications industry practice. During a career of more than 30 years, Tucker has provided management consulting, internal and external audit services to software, internet, high-tech manufacturing and life science companies ranging in size from emerging, high growth organizations to Global 1000 businesses.

During his 19-year tenure with Protiviti, Tucker has held multiple leadership positions, including most recently overseeing Protiviti's Bay Area operations. Prior to joining Protiviti, he was a managing director at BearingPoint and a partner in Andersen's Business Consulting Practice.

Tucker is a member of the Technology Industry Standards Advisory Group for the Sustainability Advisory Standards Board (part of the IFRS Foundation) and has served as an officer of the San Francisco Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors, as well as a member of the Board of Governors.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

Professionally, having the opportunity to lead the growth of Protiviti's global TMT (technology – media – telecom) industry team, as well as Protiviti's Bay Area market, through several challenging times, especially the 2009 financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic. Keeping our teams connected and maintaining our strong culture was a challenge that I was proud to take on, with the support of many others, to help our teams continue to deliver for our clients.

What advice would you give a professional just beginning a career in consulting?

I would offer two pieces of advice to someone just starting out: say "yes" to lots of various assignments and stay curious. Saying "yes" allows a new consultant to learn about different industries, business processes and leadership styles. Staying curious means asking lots of questions and seeking to truly understand the client environment and business problems.

What have you loved most about your consulting career?

In addition to all the great professionals I've had the good fortune to work with over the years, I've especially loved the variety of projects and clients with whom I've worked. Having served clients in a variety of technology industry sectors, of varying sizes and stages of development, in projects ranging from IPO readiness to risk assessments for multinational firms to improving global business processes has provided me with continuing opportunities to learn and grow.

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

A decision you make on your own is your decision, a decision we make together is our decision. I'm a big proponent of collaboration and working together to solve a problem or reach a common goal. Protiviti has been the perfect place for me to witness collaboration in action daily.

What does being honored as a Global Leader mean to you?

This recognition by Consulting is a recognition of the hard work the global industry team I lead has delivered. Creating strong, cohesive teams focused on, and working towards, common goals has provided the opportunity for success. I'm honored to have been entrusted with the opportunity to lead this excellent team.