The 2023 Rising Stars of the Profession: Bryce Wagner

Bryce Wagner is a Managing Director in KPMG's Customer & Operations, Financial Services practice. He is a recognized industry leader in data analysis and governance, advising some of the world's largest financial services firms. Applying KPMG industry-leading data-management solutions, Bryce has led multiple enterprise-wide data programs, addressing emerging technologies and data challenges, such as ESG reporting and disclosures.

What would you say has been the biggest factor in your success so far?

Speaking from experience is a tremendous asset in consulting and I've been fortunate to have leaders and mentors around me that have given me opportunities to stretch my comfort zone through new challenges, interactions with clients and technology to learn and develop from those experiences.

What do you enjoy most about your career in the consulting industry?

I've found that Consulting keeps me engaged and energized in my career because of the diversity of experiences and diversity of people I get to work with and learn from every day. It allows me to be a life-long learner, with endless opportunities to challenge my thinking and build innovative solutions to meet new challenges. With the market's focus on ESG, I've also been able to weave my passion for the outdoors and creating a sustainable future into a higher purpose behind my daily ambitions. It's been inspiring to see how many other professionals share a similar passion, not only at KPMG but at our clients and out in the community too. I feel fortunate that the work I do every day could have a significant impact on building a more sustainable future.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

As I've grown through my career, I've found that my greatest source of pride now comes from seeing the people I've mentored and worked with grow in their own careers. Being able to deliver promotion news to many of the people I helped bring into the firm is one of the most rewarding experiences I have each year. As I've worked with firm leadership to build our ESG practice, it's also been rewarding to see several of the individuals I've mentored and coached grow into subject matter experts who are now leaders for our firm and delivering market-leading ESG solutions for our clients.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Always strive to be honest – The conversations where I felt my leaders and my teams have been honest and transparent have always been the best advice moments. Good or bad when you can tell someone is being honest and transparent it typically leads to a better outcome.

What does this recognition mean to you?

KPMG's key differentiator in the market is our people, and being recognized as one of rising stars in the industry is a tremendous honor. Even more than the personal recognition though is the acknowledgment of the coaching and investment from so many of my mentors, colleagues, family members, and friends who have helped me get here. I've been fortunate to be surrounded by a network of people who have continuously pushed me to be the best version of myself through the firm's values and my own personal ones. I'm also hopeful this will show our next generation of leaders the rewards of building a consulting career at KPMG.