The 2023 Rising Stars of the Profession: Kyle Wetzold

Kyle Wetzold is a Senior Director in FTI Consulting's Data & Analytics (D&A) practice and is based in New York. Kyle helps lead D&A's AI and Machine Learning capabilities in the Americas, and is the founder and co-lead of D&A's AI Lab.

Kyle partners with some of the world's leading companies and law firms at the intersection of finance and technology. He specializes in advanced and predictive analytics, applied data science, digital and operational transformation, product management and quantitative modeling, and he has extensive analytics, strategy and operational expertise in financial services and technology/digitalization.

Kyle brings a wealth of experience across many technical topics and techniques – from risk modeling and anomaly detection to quantitative optimization and econometrics. Through his academic and professional pursuits, he has become an expert in developing innovative technical solutions that meet and surpass client needs. Kyle has extensive experience managing large financial service engagements involving risk, economic and financial modeling, advanced analytics and product development.

Prior to FTI Consulting, he was an Analyst for a boutique private equity fund in Miami, specializing in distressed investing.

Kyle holds an M.B.A from Columbia Business School, and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Chicago.

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

The biggest factor in my success has been having the opportunity to study and work in environments that challenged me, while fostering inquisitiveness, collaboration and a drive to solve complex problems. For the past several years, I've had the chance to help lead our artificial intelligence and machine learning efforts, tackling some incredibly complex operational and technical problems for various clients with a brilliant global team of data scientists and consultants. Whether at the University of Chicago, Columbia Business School or FTI Consulting, it's been an immense privilege to be surrounded by a brilliant and diverse group of mentors and colleagues whose generosity and intelligence pushed and inspired me.

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

I have loved working in consulting, and that ultimately comes down to the projects and diverse types of clients that I've had the chance to work on and the people that I've gotten to work alongside. From large-scale, headline-making litigation and regulatory investigation and compliance engagements as well as pro bono projects to cutting-edge work developing and deploying AI solutions, I'm constantly able to tackle new and exciting challenges. As any consultant knows, no two days in consulting are alike, and I love the opportunity to work in a dynamic, high-pressure environment across an incredibly wide range of engagements. In addition to the nature of the job, it's been an absolute pleasure to work with some of the smartest, kindest and most industrious people I know. Consulting is a team sport, and it would be much less rewarding if not for an amazing group of colleagues and clients. There are far too many people to shout out and thank, but the camaraderie and support I've found across FTI Consulting is unparalleled, and it's allowed me to thrive and push myself to learn and grow.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

One of the things I'm most proud of is completing a Half-Ironman in 2017 and qualifying for Nationals. A Half-Ironman comprises a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1- mile run. As a lifelong athlete and runner, it was a dream of mine to compete in some of the more challenging endurance events. Having completed several half-marathons, marathons and triathlons, I set a personal goal to train for a Half-Ironman – no easy feat given the demands of consulting. I enjoy the structure and discipline needed to compete in events like this and love the chance to compete against others and push myself to new limits. Waking up at dawn to swim, bike or run may not always be fun, but being able to achieve something that you didn't previously think was possible makes all of the early mornings and late nights worth it. Now that I've done it, I hope to do a full Ironman in the future.

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

I've been fortunate to receive a lot of wonderful advice from family, friends, mentors and colleagues, but one of the things my parents always emphasized was putting your best effort forward no matter what you were doing or who was (or wasn't) watching. In everything I do – regardless of how minor or pedestrian – I think back to my parents and sincerely try to give it my all. From something as simple as going for a run to as challenging as managing a complex client engagement, I always work to make sure my actions are representative of who I am and strive to be.

What does this recognition mean to you?

Simply being nominated by my colleagues at FTI Consulting as someone potentially worthy of this honor is what means the most to me about this recognition. Across a wide range of initiatives and project work, I've really dedicated myself to making an impact both inside and outside the firm. For that effort to be recognized in any capacity is a true honor, and an indication that I've been making a positive impact for both my clients and colleagues.