2023 Women Leaders in Technology: Beth Perlman

"For 20+ years, I have led teams and significant initiatives for some of the world's most recognizable companies by blending technology into the business to enter new markets faster, improve performance and transform the business.

As Managing Director, Chief Information Officer Advisor at Think, a national management consulting firm that helps medium and large mid-market companies with organizational solutions and strategic hiring, I bring fresh and varied perspectives to clients to improve their businesses. Together, we leverage the power of technology to drive how products and services are delivered.

Before joining Think, I was a vice president and program director at Gartner, a global technology research and management consulting firm, where I worked with Fortune 200 C-level executives examining how business models evolved as technology is woven ever more deeply into products and services. Earlier in my career, I worked at major Wall Street firms, including JP Morgan, Kidder Peabody and Lehman Brothers.

Leading large teams across various industries has allowed me to be creative, push aside the status quo and encourage everyone to move their area of the business forward with confidence. I step back, listen, understand, collaborate and execute boldly."

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

The biggest factor in my success is having a knack for helping others reach their full potential. Whether leading a team or consulting with company executives, I am able to put myself in their shoes to understand broad objectives and help them see things from a different perspective that opens up new solutions. I recognize that there is no such thing as perfect, so I help clients and team members be the best they can be.

Although I'm tough, I help identify what companies and individuals do well and give them a platform to do more of that. I emphasize their successes and help them find support in areas where they don't excel.

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

I really savor the creativity and camaraderie of leading a team with a shared goal and helping them reach the best possible outcome. I enjoy solving problems and puzzles. I look at everything as a puzzle and I help the client see their persistent issues in a new way where new solutions are possible. Opening the eyes of both the client and those on the consulting team is incredibly gratifying.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

I am most proud of all the careers I've helped launch. Many of the people that used to work for me are now industry leaders in prominent positions. I'm also proud of how I've been able to help Think meet clients where they are to collaborate on solutions. Often, consultants can see a clear solution, but the client isn't ready to consider it. I help the consulting team step into the clients' shoes, so they understand why the client is stuck and unable to see the bigger picture. After those issues are addressed and the client is freed up to consider new perspectives, the consulting team can begin to explain possible solutions and get leadership buy in. You can't just come in with a solution (no matter how good it is) and expect the client to be able to see it from the same perspective as you.

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

Don't take things personally. You need to develop thick skin. Don't be afraid to ask questions. This helps you empathize with people rather than becoming defensive. Empathy is critical to understanding the clients' needs and goals. It is also critical to fostering leadership buy in.

For women, don't sacrifice your femininity to get ahead. There is strength in femininity, and it doesn't have to be hidden to get ahead in business. Finally, learn to play golf. Conversations happen on the golf course that don't in the board room.

What does this recognition mean to you?

This award provides recognition that my approach is delivering results that my experience and skills are a valuable asset to my team and clients. It is recognition that I've been able to help others be their best.