2023 Global Leaders in Consulting: Erica Vinish

Ms. Vinish has more than 15 years of experience in professional services, providing operational, marketing and strategic support to meet objectives, drive growth and generate value for global organizations. At FTI Consulting, Ms. Vinish is the Global Chief of Operations for the Cybersecurity practice, overseeing marketing, revenue, operations and business planning. She has been instrumental in building a global practice by serving on the leadership team to provide guidance on recruitment, process development, branding and positioning, business development, budgeting and pricing, partnerships and growth opportunities. In addition to supporting the global practice, she plays an integral role in building multidisciplinary offerings that holistically serve client needs. Prior to joining the Cybersecurity practice, Ms. Vinish served as the marketing lead for FTI Consulting's Economic Consulting segment in North America, where she oversaw the marketing function and worked in lockstep with leadership to identify opportunities to expand and scale the business with new clients and in key markets. Prior to FTI Consulting, Ms. Vinish served in operations manager roles for the global law firm Dewey & LeBeouf and for Lehman Brothers in their Retail and Investment Banking division. Ms. Vinish graduated from Duke University with a degree in Economics and Marketing.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

Instead of highlighting a singular achievement, I would attribute my accomplishments to a mindset of saying "yes" to new opportunities, working hard and seeking out challenges. This attitude has afforded incredible chances to grow personally and professionally and is the driving force behind my ability to go from an office manager role to my current position as a Managing Director and the Chief Operations Officer of a global Cybersecurity practice. Despite this achievement, I have no intention of slowing down or changing the mindset that got me this far.

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

I would encourage them to think bigger and beyond their title; you don't need a senior title to be a leader and make an impact. Also, don't be shy to speak up and ask questions.

What have you loved most about your consulting career?

My career in consulting has not followed a traditional path. I've transitioned across several roles, including marketing, operations and business management, and am now starting to dip my toes into a client-facing role. With that said, I have loved the opportunity to challenge myself, expand my knowledge and skillset and work in a fast-paced environment. It's simultaneously challenging and rewarding.

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

"To be a leader, you must teach others how to lead." This is something that I think about regularly and use in my role as a coach and mentor. Leading is not just delegating and overseeing a team – it is actively teaching and empowering others so that they too develop leadership qualities and abilities for when they are in leadership roles.

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

This honor makes me thankful for those who have helped me along the way and to those who I am now leading. I've had the privilege of working for some outstanding people who trusted me to help with new ventures and who also shaped my work ethic and mindset. But a good leader is also a reflection of their team, and my success is a tribute to them.