2023 Women Leaders in Technology: Kathleen Purtill

Kathleen leads Deloitte's Civil Government Sector, overseeing the $1.06B portfolio made up of 19 client accounts. She is a former U.S. Navy officer with more than 20 years of experience in government consulting focused on delivering enterprise transformation enabled by innovation and technology. In just over two years, Kathleen increased revenue by 25% and established strategic growth areas to drive impact focused on climate and sustainability, digital transformation, trust in government and cybersecurity.

As the former U.S. Navy Account Leader, Kathleen managed a portfolio of high-profile projects, including helping the Navy stand up its first-ever Chief Digital Transformation Office to deliver enterprisewide digital transformation across the Navy.

Kathleen taught Leadership and Ethics at Villanova University, her alma mater, while she earned her Master's in Business Administration. Kathleen is passionate about mentoring veterans transitioning out of the military, including a 7-year commitment with American Corporate Partners – something close to her heart as a veteran herself, serves the Athletes for Hope Board and Girl Scouts NCR Women's Advisory Board. Kathleen enjoys spending time with her husband and three children and being active. She is also an avid runner and enjoys anything and everything to do with the outdoors.

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

How could the answer not be People? And to be clear, I am actually not talking about the sponsors and mentors that I have had, which are critically important as well, but the people I am so fortunate to get to work with every day. Deloitte is filled with so many talented and inspiring people. It is these people who deliver the most amazing impact to our clients, the people who share the best of themselves with me every day, and the people who inspire me to want to constantly give my best in service to them. I 100% could not be where I am without the amazing and talented people that I am honored to work with every day.

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

True story…when I transitioned from the military into Consulting, I really had no idea what "consulting" was. So, I went to Barnes and Noble and bought the book, "Consulting for Dummies." The idea of working across industries and across projects where I continually get to help people solve hard problems and learn new skills had me hooked. Always being able to stay in front of the next set of market trends, become fluent in new capabilities and work collaboratively in teams to help deliver mission impact – that is what I enjoy the most.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

Deloitte is unique in that its still a true Partnership model. While it might seem obvious for the answer to be 'when I made Partner', but the real answer is when I made new Partners. The most rewarding part of my business is calling new Partners each year and welcoming them into the partnership. I can remember the first time I went to bat for someone to get them promoted and truly cherish each time I personally mentor leaders in our business through the partnership process.

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

"Will it matter in five years?"…there are lots of variations to this question. The advice is centered around making trade-off decisions and asking yourself what will matter in five hours vs five months vs five years… We can so often get caught up in the most immediate consequence without allowing the perspective of what might really matter factor into the decision. Often, when you step back and apply the benefit of time, the trade-off decision can be quite different. I think perspective matters and always try to apply a bigger picture to the decisions I make for myself, my team and my clients.

What does this recognition mean to you?

Being recognized in Leadership Excellence in the profession that I have committed to for over 20 years now is very rewarding. As a Consultant, the focus is all about the clients' success, as it should be. We are often privileged to share in the wins along the way, but the job is designed to make others better. This award validates that what I am doing is noticed and making a difference. Also, the category of Leadership Excellence is also quite special to me. Since college I have been a student, teacher and life-long disciple of leadership. It will remain a journey of continuous improvement.