2023 Top Consultants: Travis Sheldon

Travis Sheldon is a Manager at Treacy & Company by Cherry Bekaert in Boston, Massachusetts, where he has served B2B and B2C executives from Fortune companies for his entire career. He has built a reputation as an expert advisor in growth strategy and innovation, helping clients overcome their most pressing challenges.

Travis has a passion for an active and social lifestyle outside of work. He is an adventurous person who loves to explore and try new things. Whether it's surfing in Costa Rica, skiing in the Alps, hiking the national parks, or simply walking by the river in Boston, Travis enjoys being on the move and spending time with his friends and family.

Travis' adventurous spirit and willingness to try new things are reflected not only in his personal life but also in his professional life. He approaches each new challenge with enthusiasm and determination, always looking for the next opportunity to learn and grow. His commitment to continuous improvement has been a key factor in his success, both personally and professionally.

Whether on a mountain peak or in the office, he is always ready for the next adventure and excited to see where it will take him.

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

One of the driving forces behind my career motivation is the desire to be surrounded by people who are smarter and more talented than I am. At Treacy & Company by Cherry Bekaert, we have a saying that ""half of the growth strategy is just showing up where growth is."" In other words, playing in the right markets is essential if you want to achieve growth. I look at growth strategy for my clients the same way I look for myself—half of the battle is being around highly talented colleagues and clients while having the humility of a beginner's mindset.

Our clients' markets are constantly evolving and changing; therefore, we must also evolve, change and grow. The motivation for my career has been deeply rooted in a love of learning and an acceptance of the fact that my skillset will never be complete. Instead, it is an ongoing process of continuous improvement over time. By being surrounded by people who are more brilliant and more talented, I am constantly challenged to think in new ways, take on new challenges, and develop new skills.

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

Two primary factors have contributed to my success thus far: my mentors and my mindset.

First and foremost, I attribute much of my success to the managers, partners, and principals who came before me and invested their time and energy into my development. These individuals acted as mentors, providing guidance and support as I navigated my career. Without their wisdom and experience, I would not be where I am today.

In addition to my mentors, my mindset has also played a significant role in my success. I firmly believe that ""I can"" beats IQ. While I may not be the most intelligent person in the room, I am one of the hardest working and most open to feedback and learning. I approach challenges with the confidence that I can solve any problem I am tasked with, and this mindset has served me well in my career.

Finally, I have always tried to pay forward the investment made in me by my mentors. I strive to translate their guidance and support into my work with others, particularly my team. I provide thoughtful feedback to my team members and encourage them to pay it forward to others, creating a virtuous cycle of growth and development. This is the essence of the apprenticeship model, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to benefit from it myself.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

When reflecting on my proudest achievement to date, one particular experience comes to mind. At my firm, we have a quarterly award for "Employee of the Quarter." A few quarters ago, I was fortunate enough to be nominated for this award and even more fortunate to have won.

One of the most rewarding aspects of winning the award was receiving a video montage from my colleagues. In the montage, my peers shared stories about their experiences working with me and expressed gratitude for my contributions. This video deeply touched me, and it means more to me than any project or assignment I've completed at the firm.

To me, this award and video montage represent the value of building strong relationships and fostering a positive work environment. I believe that we can achieve great things when we work together as a team and support each other's growth and development. Winning this award was not just an individual achievement but a reflection of the collective effort and support of my colleagues. The video montage from my colleagues serves as a constant reminder of the importance of these values, and I am grateful to have such amazing colleagues to work with.

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

Regarding the best advice I've ever received, one particular piece of wisdom stands out in my mind. A mentor once told me that "culture is held in the everyday conversations you have with your teammates – and in those conversations, you're either contributing or contaminating [the culture] – there is no middle ground."

This advice has stuck with me throughout my career and has served as a constant reminder of the importance of cultivating a positive and supportive work environment. It's all too easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget that our interactions with our colleagues have a significant impact on the culture of our workplace.

The advice has also helped me to become more mindful of my own contributions to the culture of my workplace. I try to approach every interaction with my colleagues in a positive and supportive way, and I am conscious of the impact my words and actions can have on others. I aim to be a positive influence on the culture of my workplace and to contribute to a supportive and inclusive environment.

What does this recognition mean to you?

Being recognized for Excellence in Leadership would mean a great deal to me, as it acknowledges the importance of serving others and prioritizing their needs. To me, the purest form of leadership is about selflessness, and I strive to embody this in my daily interactions with my team. I spend a great deal of time thinking about how I can best support my team and help them achieve their goals, both personally and professionally. This includes delivering constructive feedback, providing mentorship and guidance, and finding ways to motivate and uplift team members who may be feeling down.

If I were to receive an award for Excellence in Leadership, I would feel a sense of irony, as this recognition is, in a way, a momentary act of selfishness. After all, true leadership is not about seeking recognition or accolades, but about putting the needs of others first. However, I would still feel honored and grateful for the award, as it would be a testament to the positive impact I have had on my team and their success.

In the end, the true reward of leadership is seeing others thrive and succeed, and if I were to win this award, I would see it as an opportunity to continue serving my team and striving to help them reach their full potential.