The 2023 Women Leaders in Consulting: Aditi Kulkarni

Aditi Kulkarni is a prominent Silicon Valley strategic advisor to CXOs with a proven track record for driving transformational change and leading high performing teams while forging a path for women in consulting. When Aditi joined Slalom more than five years ago, she build the strategy and operations team from the ground up into a thriving practice. She went to do the same for both business advisory services and experience design. As a managing director, Aditi is responsible for Slalom's technology portfolio across Northern California. Aditi is also a sponsor of Slalom's Women's Leadership Network in Northern California where she advocates for processes that support women in their careers. Events led by Aditi include mentorship connections, new mom return to work programs, professional coaching and more. Through her involvement, Aditi promotes equity, growth, and development of female leaders within Slalom Northern California.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

I have always enjoyed creating and building new capabilities, be it building practices, creating new teams, developing niche capabilities, entering new markets or creating new resource groups. The challenge and creativity of venturing into uncharted territory which has no precedence excites me. My greatest achievement is not one area that I have helped grow but rather developing the ability to acknowledge the fear of the unknown and using it to inspire action. Consulting has helped me hone this skill as our work always comes with ambiguity. The opportunity to try new things has helped me grow, learn and chart a career path for myself that I truly enjoy.

What's the best advice—consulting or otherwise—you've ever received?

My dad always told me that my voice was important, and I shouldn't be afraid of sharing my thoughts. This advice has helped me navigate some of the most challenging situations I have come across in consulting and in life. It hasn't always been easy as there hasn't always been a supportive platform, but believing that my thoughts and participation could add value, help shine light on aspects not being considered and assist in creating a holistic solution has helped me navigate these situations. Having a perspective and sharing it has been a key to my success both in client work and in personal projects. Diversity of thought is extremely important, and we owe it to ourselves to ensure our voices get heard and we provide a supportive and encouraging platform for anyone who is trying to find their voice.

What advice would you give to a female consultant just beginning her career?

Mentors and coaches are great, but also be your own champion. Don't underestimate your abilities. We are all learning, and everyone stumbles occasionally. Don't be afraid of failure. Speak up even if you are the most junior person at the table, take on that stretch assignment, try new things and invest in yourself. You might not get everything right the first time, but you will learn a ton.

What does this recognition mean to you?

In the beginning of my consulting career, I rarely saw women in leadership positions in consulting, let alone working moms or women of color. I was used to being the only woman in the room in many leadership conversations. Winning this award for me is all about representation. Normalizing a career in consulting for women where they can see themselves enjoying a fulfilling career while being able to be present for their loved ones is a huge win. Inspiring action and creating awareness that with some thoughtful leadership and organizational courage, we can have many more women in the most senior positions within consulting in all sectors.