The 2023 Women Leaders in Consulting: Kristin Pothier

Kristin Pothier is a leader in the health care and life sciences consulting industry, with over 27 years of experience. Currently serving as the Global and US Deal Advisory and Strategy leader at KPMG, Kristin is enhancing organizations' growth and development of thousands of professionals and billions in revenue worldwide and leading of some of the most ground-breaking work in the industry on a global scale.

She is a well-known speaker in the life sciences industry and the author of Personalizing Precision Medicine. Kristin's comprehensive storytelling has helped countless lay people better understand the complexities of global precision medicine, and audiences have enjoyed her book and have used it to educate their teams in their companies, institutions and firms worldwide. Kristin's career began as a scientist sequencing for the Human Genome Project and a clinical laboratorian developing diagnostic tests at Genzyme/Sanofi. She holds an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Smith and her graduate degree in clinical epidemiology and global health management at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Kristin lives in Boston with her husband Bryan and their teenagers Liv and Luke.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

My greatest personal and professional achievement is creating my own tree of life where both are intertwined. My "personal" are my roots, from my husband who I met over a lab bench while we were both sequencing for the Human Genome Project in the 90s and continue our mutual love for genomics to this day, to my father who made his career on a podium in physiology and passed down his love for educating audiences to me, to my children who have grown into incredible young adults all while I have had this career, spinning the globe around to be where I was, appreciating what strength it takes to be a woman leader in a still male-dominated global market. My friends are my roots as well, from my oldest friend who is a talented editor and helped me with my book while caring for her children full time, to my Smithies and Genzyme ladies whose fierce loyalty knows no bounds, to my closest peer partners, some of whom I have been working with in this industry for more than two decades, who truly appreciate the sacrifices and shared battleground we stand on together. These roots support my entire career and have shaped me as a leader, teaching the importance of empathy, patience, love, – values that I carry over into my work and everything I do.

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

Queen Elizabeth I's most trusted advisor, Sir Francis Walsingham, told her early in her reign, very simply, "Remember who you are." This quote has resonated with me throughout my career.

In consulting, it's easy to become a chameleon and it is sometimes necessary for survival. We may wear multiple façades: unwavering strength for our clients, "mother hen" for our teams, relentless pursuer of our markets for our leadership, fierce adversaries against our competitors. But the real key to longevity in leadership, and in this profession, is authenticity. I found over the years if I anchor on my experience base and beliefs in my markets, my people, and my belief in myself in remembering who I am at my core, I have made the strongest decisions.

This doesn't mean everyone will follow my own authentic self and beliefs. To lead a large organization effectively, one must embrace the beauty of everyone. This means working with a multidisciplinary team and striving to understand each person's unique strengths and perspectives. By valuing the differences in people, and their authentic selves, we can create the most successful teams and achieve the greatest outcomes.

This philosophy has helped me approach each person with the respect and appreciation they deserve, recognizing they have their own goals, agendas and creative approaches. As a result, my leadership style has become more nuanced, collaborative, and, ultimately, effective.

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

My answer has evolved over the almost 30 years I've navigated my own career, and the advice I've received, from the best to the worst. In my early years I was told to "be more like a man," "take up golf," "be less emotional," "soften those elbows," "be less intellectual," "listen first, talk second," and focus on career, not the family I was also growing at the same time.

Over my career, I listened to all the advice, laughed at some of it, used others of it, and crafted my own path being authentic to myself. It's more important than ever for new female consultants to know themselves, lean into what they do best, and shine in their own way. Embrace who you are, what you're good at, and what makes you unique. Don't feel like you must hide parts of yourself to fit into a mold, because the best consultants know that true innovation and progress comes when we embrace our individuality. Even some of the silliest advice at the time can turn into great advice at another point in your career. For example, I did finally take up golf, not to fit in with the "boys," because it's a great sport that you can carry with you into retirement!

What does this recognition mean to you?

Consulting Magazine has been a source of terrific information for me throughout my entire consulting career. Its content has been instrumental in driving excellence and innovation across many industries and has positively evolved as our consulting ecosystem has evolved, from a generalist approach to a sector based approach. I have always looked to Consulting Magazine to further inspire me and to help me create an environment that is diverse, driven, content-rich and helps our clients succeed. Being recognized by Consulting Magazine with a Women Leaders in Consulting award is an incredible honor.

To me, this award represents not just a personal accomplishment, but a celebration of the many women who have blazed a trail in consulting. I am proud to be in an industry where we can challenge preconceived notions, drive progress and promote diversity.

In accepting this award, I hope to showcase my own journey as a former scientist and clinical laboratorian and the unique perspective that experience has brought to my consulting work across health care and life sciences, and beyond. By highlighting diverse backgrounds and experiences, we can deepen our understanding of the complex issues our clients face and create even more effective solutions.

Ultimately, for me, this award is about more than just me; it is about recognizing the importance of diversity in the consulting industry and inspiring others to strive for excellence.