2023 Top Consultants: Alix Weikhard

Alix Weikhard is a managing director with global consulting firm Protiviti and co-leader of its operations in Germany. She has more than 18 years of consulting experience in assisting national and global organizations and multidisciplinary teams to deliver a broad range of client offerings related to transformation and change management, adapting governance structures, compliance, risk management and internal control systems optimization, as well as digitalization,

As a founding member of Protiviti Germany, Weikhard set up the Business Performance Improvement practice before assuming the co-leadership country market lead role in 2019. In that role, she is responsible for Protiviti's German operations, including five regional offices and four nearshore service centers. Since 2019, Protiviti Germany's revenues have quadrupled, with a commensurate increase in headcount. Weikhard has built a high-performing workplace culture, including setting up a new target operating model and incentive plan, creating new employee roles and expanding existing roles, and building career structures to foster innovation and drive growth.

Weikhard is adept at addressing fundamental transformation and changes, driving necessary structural and organizational adjustments, strategically installing change management, and engaging all stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions and significant efficiencies to her clients.

Committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in Protiviti Germany, she launched the Women in Business employee network group, bringing together women from Protiviti offices across different legal entities and countries. She also plays a leadership role in the firm's internal sponsorship program, designed to develop the careers of diverse employees.

Based in Frankfurt, Germany, Weikhard is a certified systemic coach and holds a master's degree in financial management and e-Commerce from the University of Augsburg, Germany, and a diploma in international business from the Munich Business School.

What has motivated you to excel over the course of your career?

My passion for problem-solving and my interest in getting to know different clients and their industries have both been significant motivators for me. I've always enjoyed the challenge of finding solutions to complex problems and working with a diverse range of people. I believe in the importance of lifelong learning and have always sought out opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge.

I'm motivated by working in the consulting profession's dynamic and ever-changing environment. I enjoy the excitement of working in a fast-paced and constantly evolving industry. Being exposed to new technologies, strategies, and trends has helped me develop a growth mindset and kept me curious and engaged in my work. I'm also deeply interested in people and enjoy working in a people-oriented company and industry where I regularly connect with and learn from diverse leaders and teams.

In addition to my personal motivations, the support of Protiviti's leadership and its culture have also been instrumental in my success. Protiviti has provided ample opportunities for me to take on responsibility and its supportive and collaborative culture has fostered an environment of learning and growth that has enabled me to work effectively with colleagues across different countries and functions.

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

I've always been driven to grow and develop myself. I believe there's always room for improvement, and we should never become complacent or satisfied with our current level of knowledge or skill. I strive to continually push myself outside of my comfort zone, take on new challenges, and learn from my successes and failures. This growth mindset has helped me to achieve success in my career.

Equally importantly, I've been fortunate to work for a company that not only supports my passion but also has a culture that fosters professional development and a dedication to excellence. Protiviti has always prioritized innovation, creativity and collaboration, and I have found this environment to be both stimulating and supportive. I work with colleagues who are just as passionate about their work as I am, and who challenge me to push myself beyond my limits.

With that support I've been able to build strong relationships with our people and clients who trust me and value the work that I do for them. Protiviti has also given me the chance to lead cross-functional and international teams, which has enabled me to learn from the best of the industry. I've been able to achieve success within the company, earning promotions and recognition for my contributions.

Through mentorship and the opportunity to take on responsibility even at the early stages of my career, I've been able to develop my leadership skills and become more effective in managing teams and projects.

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

One of the things I enjoy most is the opportunity to work with a variety of clients across different industries and sectors. This has exposed me to different business models, challenges and opportunities, which in turn have helped to broaden my knowledge and skillset. This constant variety keeps my work interesting and engaging and allows me to continually learn and grow as a professional.

I also enjoy the opportunity to work with a diverse range of highly skilled people and teams. Whether it's collaborating with (international) colleagues within Protiviti or working closely with clients and stakeholders, I've had the opportunity to work with people from all backgrounds, experiences and skill sets. I enjoy the collaborative and team-oriented culture, and working in teams to solve complex problems, which requires open communication, trust, and respect for each other's expertise.

Consulting also provides the opportunity to work on projects that have a real impact on people's lives and society as a whole. This sense of purpose and meaning in my work is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

Due to our success and growth over the last few years, Protiviti Germany was obliged to embark on a major transformation journey. As co-leader, I was honored to play a crucial role in driving this change and contribute to its success by building strong teams and fostering an environment of trust and respect to help our organization navigate this process with confidence. I worked closely with stakeholders at all levels of the organization to ensure that everyone was on board with the changes and that they understood the benefits that would result from the transformation.

As a result, our organization is now better equipped to compete in a rapidly changing market, and we are seeing tangible improvements. We have streamlined our processes, embraced new technologies, and fostered a culture of innovation and agility that allows us to quickly adapt to changing conditions. Perhaps most importantly, our employees are more engaged, motivated and empowered to contribute to the organization's success. In addition to driving the change, I'm also proud of the impact that I had on the careers of those around me. As a leader, I believe it's essential to help others grow and thrive in their careers, and I made it a priority to provide mentorship, coaching and support to my team members as well as clients.By empowering others to take on leadership roles and responsibilities, I've helped to build stronger and even more effective teams.

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

Two pieces of advice have been crucial for my success.

The first was to focus on my strengths, let go of perfectionism, and always strive for improvement and continuous learning. Every person has unique talents, skills, and abilities that they can leverage to excel in their job and it's important to be self-aware and recognize what these are. I've learned that embracing challenges, uncertainties and change helps me grow and develop professionally. Stepping outside of my comfort zone and taking on new responsibilities can lead to new opportunities and experiences and help me to become a more confident and capable professional and leader.

The second was to actively build a network of trusted relationships with colleagues and clients. Building strong relationships requires effective communication, respect for different perspectives and skillsets, and a willingness to listen and learn from others.

What does this recognition mean to you?

This recognition provides an opportunity for reflection and gratitude for the challenges I've faced and the people who have supported me along the way. It's a reminder that success is not achieved alone, but rather through the collective efforts of many. This recognition means that I've been able to make a positive impact on the people around me and Protiviti as a whole. The award is a source of inspiration and motivation that reinforces my commitment to continue to grow and to strive for even greater success in the future.

I'm grateful to our global and local Protiviti leadership, my co-lead Boris Walther, the team and my family for their ongoing support and guidance. Without their trust, respect and collaboration, I would not have been able to achieve this success.

However, success as a leader goes beyond just recognition. It's an ongoing journey of growth and development, and it requires a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. As a leader, I am constantly striving to develop my skills and knowledge, to better serve my team, the organization and clients.

I believe that recognition is not an endpoint, but rather a milestone on this journey, and it motivates me to keep pushing myself to be the best leader that I can be.