The 2023 Women Leaders in Consulting: Elizabeth Scheivert

Elizabeth Scheivert is a driven professional dedicated to ensuring the success of her clients. With five years of experience in the consulting industry prior to joining Greencastle, she honed her expertise in project management and leveraged the power of cutting-edge technology to drive results. As an Associate at Greencastle,  Scheivert specializes in the effective execution of project management and the successful deployment of innovative solutions to their clients.

In addition to her consulting career, she actively serves in the United States Army Reserve as a logistics officer. This dual commitment allows Scheivert to bring a unique perspective and skill set to both realms. She had the privilege of deploying to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where she played a crucial role in logistics operations. She has also led training missions in Eastern Europe, further honing her leadership abilities and fostering international collaboration.

Scheivert holds a master's degree in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution from Columbia University. This educational background equips her with valuable skills in navigating complex challenges, fostering effective communication, and achieving positive outcomes in various settings.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

As a consultant who also serves in the Army Reserves, pinpointing my greatest personal or professional achievement is no easy task. Both realms have provided me with countless opportunities for growth, challenges and triumphs. However, if I were to choose one accomplishment that stands out, it would be successfully leading a team through a complex and high-stakes project while simultaneously fulfilling my military duties.

This particular project required not only strategic thinking and problem-solving skills but also the ability to thrive under pressure. Balancing the demands of consulting with the responsibilities of my military role tested my resilience, time management, and leadership capabilities in ways I had never experienced before. I had to navigate intricate project timelines, coordinate resources, and ensure open lines of communication while also fulfilling my obligations to the Army Reserves, including training exercises and deployments.

What made this achievement particularly significant was the positive impact it had on both my clients and my fellow soldiers. By seamlessly integrating my military experience with my consulting expertise, I was able to bring a unique perspective and commitment to excellence to every facet of the project.

Ultimately, my greatest personal and professional achievement lies in my ability to successfully navigate and excel in two demanding and distinct worlds. This accomplishment has not only shaped me as an individual but has also reinforced my belief in the power of resilience, determination, and the limitless potential that can be achieved when one embraces diverse opportunities and rises to the challenge.

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

The best advice I have ever received, both in my consulting career and as a member of the Army Reserves, is to embrace the power of adaptability. In the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of consulting and military service, being adaptable is not only crucial but also a key factor in achieving success.

This advice has resonated with me on multiple levels. In consulting, projects can vary widely, presenting new challenges and requiring different approaches. By embracing adaptability, I have learned to quickly assess and understand the unique dynamics of each situation, adjust my strategies accordingly, and find innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of my clients. Adapting to new environments, technologies, and team dynamics has allowed me to continuously grow and deliver impactful results. In the military, adaptability is equally essential. From rapidly changing mission objectives to unpredictable situations in the field, being able to adapt to shifting circumstances is vital for effective leadership and mission success. The ability to remain flexible, think on my feet, and adjust plans accordingly has enabled me to navigate complex scenarios and lead my team with confidence.

The advice to embrace adaptability has taught me the importance of being open-minded, resilient and agile. It has allowed me to approach challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to overcome. By embracing change and being willing to step outside of my comfort zone, I have been able to seize new possibilities, broaden my skills, and achieve results that exceed expectations.

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

To my fellow female consultant just embarking on her career journey, I would offer the following advice based on my own experiences as a consultant:

Embrace your unique perspective: Recognize the value of your diverse perspective as a woman in the consulting industry. Your insights, ideas, and experiences bring a fresh and invaluable viewpoint to the table. Embrace your uniqueness and use it as a strength to contribute innovative solutions and drive positive change.

Build a strong support network: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and role models who inspire and support you. Seek out opportunities to connect with other women in the field, both within and outside your organization. Their guidance, advice, and shared experiences will prove invaluable in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.

Be confident and assertive: Believe in your capabilities and showcase your expertise with confidence. Don't shy away from speaking up, sharing your ideas, and asserting yourself in a professional manner. Your contributions are valuable and deserve to be heard.

Continuously learn and adapt: The consulting landscape is ever-evolving, so embrace a growth mindset and commit to lifelong learning. Stay informed about industry trends, expand your skill set, and be open to new challenges. Adaptability and a thirst for knowledge will set you apart and help you thrive in this dynamic field.

Take care of yourself: Remember to prioritize self-care, both physically and mentally. Find activities that rejuvenate you, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and seek support when needed.

What does this recognition mean to you?

Being recognized for Consulting Magazine's Women Leaders in Consulting award is an incredible honor and a deeply meaningful milestone in my career as a female consultant and a member of the military. This recognition signifies the success of my hard work, dedication, and the impact I have made in both realms.

To me, this award symbolizes the breaking of barriers and the shattering of glass ceilings. It serves as a testament to the strength, resilience, and capability of women in consulting, validating our contributions and highlighting the importance of diverse voices in the industry. This recognition inspires and empowers other aspiring female consultants to pursue their dreams, knowing that they too can achieve greatness.

Moreover, being recognized with this prestigious award amplifies the visibility and influence of women in both the consulting and military communities. It sheds light on the unique challenges and triumphs we face as women navigating these two demanding spheres. This recognition creates a platform to advocate for gender equality, diversity and inclusion, paving the way for more opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Personally, receiving this award is a moment of immense pride and gratitude. It reinforces my belief in the power of determination, hard work and the pursuit of excellence. It also serves as a reminder that my efforts to make a difference, both as a consultant and a member of the military, have not gone unnoticed.