The 2023 Women Leaders in Consulting: Liliya Mack

Born in Hungary and raised in Kazakhstan, Liliya Mack is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in procurement. With a major in Economics from the Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics and Strategic Research, her career has taken her across continents.

During her second year of studies, she worked part-time as a commercial department specialist for an Industrial Machinery and Equipment company. This role introduced her to selling equipment to oil and gas companies and provided experience in the bidding process.

Driven by a passion for procurement, she transitioned to become a procurement specialist for a car dealership in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Here, she honed my skills in strategic sourcing and contract negotiation.

Several years ago, she relocated to the United States and continued to contribute to the supply chain sphere. She has supported automotive and equipment manufacturers, as well as a developer and manufacturer of specialized products for life science research.

With a strong experience in procurement, Liliya is recognized for driving efficiency and fostering strategic partnerships that deliver tangible results. Beyond her professional achievements, she is dedicated to continuous learning, staying updated on industry trends, and leveraging her expertise to contribute to the success of the organizations she serves."

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

I have had the incredible opportunity to build and develop a department of procurement specialists from the ground up. In the beginning, there was a need within the organization to streamline procurement processes and enhance the level of support provided to various departments. Recognizing this opportunity, I worked closely with key stakeholders to design and establish this new department.

Through a thorough analysis of the existing procurement practices, I identified several areas for improvement focused on supplier relationship management, streamlining processes, performance measurement, metrics and reporting, and client satisfaction. After a formal review of the results, I developed a strategy that defined clear work priorities, established effective communication channels, and provided performance metrics to gauge success.

To achieve enhanced client satisfaction, I ensured that the team had a deep understanding of the organization's needs and maintained open lines of communication with internal clients. By actively listening to their requirements and feedback, we tailored our procurement processes to meet their expectations more effectively. Together, we identified and established an excellent metric system to track cycle times and continuously worked on improvements, eliminating gaps in the process.

We have built a department that both meets the organization's procurement needs and exceeds client expectations. Through strategic planning, team collaboration, project prioritization and efficient distribution of tasks, we have achieved remarkable results and set a standard for excellence in the field. Our journey continues as we strive for continuous improvement, aiming to enhance our services further and exceed the expectations of our valued clients.

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

Starting a career as a female consultant is an exciting endeavor filled with opportunities for growth and success. As you embark on this journey, it's essential to embrace your unique perspective, have confidence in your abilities, build a strong professional network, continuously develop your skills, take initiative, seek feedback and prioritize your well-being. You possess valuable insights and perspectives that can contribute to innovative problem-solving and decision making. Your diverse background and perspective can help drive creative solutions and contribute to the success of your client projects.

Be confident in your abilities and believe in yourself and your skills. Have confidence in your knowledge, expertise, and unique perspective as a female consultant. Trust that you have what it takes to succeed. Confidence is a powerful trait that positively impacts how you approach challenges, interact with others and pursue opportunities. It helps you overcome self-doubt, take risks and handle setbacks more effectively.

Consulting is a dynamic field, so commit to lifelong learning. Continuously develop your skills and stay updated on industry trends, acquire new skills and pursue professional development opportunities. Seek technical and soft skills like communication, leadership and project management. Engage in training programs and take industry-specific courses to enhance your skills and knowledge. And finally, one of the most important things is to prioritize your well-being, set boundaries, establish routines, and make time for activities that recharge you. Prioritize self-care, both physically and mentally, as it enhances your overall well-being and performance as a consultant.

What does this recognition mean to you?

My recognition as a leader can inspire and empower other women in the consulting field. By being a role model, I hope to showcase what can be achieved and encourage greater diversity and representation within the industry.

Also, this recognition brings attention to the contributions of women in consulting. It raises awareness about the talent, expertise, and leadership potential that exists within this underrepresented group, pointing to the industry becoming more aware of the need for greater gender equality and equal opportunities for all.

Receiving high recognition by industry peers is an incredible and uplifting experience. It signifies that my hard work and dedication have been noticed and appreciated by others in the consulting industry. This acknowledgment is truly gratifying, as it validates my expertise, skills and contributions. It showcases my competence, knowledge and leadership abilities. This affirmation strengthens my professional credibility and establishes me as a trusted authority within the consulting industry. This recognition motivates and inspires me to continue pushing boundaries and seeking new challenges.