2023 Global Leaders in Consulting: Paul Eastwood

Paul established Pollen Consulting Group in 2016 with a vision for a different management consultancy that focuses on values, rather than process; with this in mind he formed a bright, energetic, hardworking and honest team. Paul's down to earth approach is refreshing and fun; he is a straight talker who works collaboratively with businesses to find the best possible solutions to the greatest challenges. Paul has a wealth of industry knowledge through 15 years' experience of delivering great results for a vast range of global and local FMCG businesses. He has a passion for simplifying supply chains and operations and can usually be found on the factory floor with our team and clients.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

Establishing Pollen Consulting group in 2016 and growing the business to a leading player in the Australian market in under five years stands out. It was the projects we delivered and the enjoyment of working with some of Australia's great companies that I valued the most.

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

Apply your own personality to consulting, be genuine and yourself every day. Don't rush to progress too quickly, there is so much to learn and so much fun to be had when you do it at your pace. There will be no doubt you will catch up to the early rockets that fizzle out.

What have you loved most about your consulting career?

It used to be the thrill of a new challenge and still sometimes is, but more and more seeing people develop around me, the success of clients and the growth of consultants into the incredible leaders they are today.

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

Don't the perfect get in the way of great! Success of businesses is often defined as momentum (in the right direction), getting moving with the right ideas is much better than waiting for the perfect plan. What does being honored as a Global Leader mean to you? It's a chance to stand back and reflect, and appreciate how lucky I am to work with such incredible colleagues and clients. It's a refreshing reminder of what you can achieve when you are yourself every day. It a strange way it spurs you on to the next challenge ahead.