The 2025 Best Firms to Work For: TruEd Consulting

CONSULTING SERVICE LINES: Financial Consulting

TruEd Consulting is a trusted strategic partner specializing in planning and budgeting implementations for higher education and public sector organizations. We are dedicated to redefining how institutions approach financial, academic, operational and connected planning. Our mission is to enable transformative outcomes by leveraging deep Anaplan expertise, proven implementation methodologies, and a strong commitment to knowledge transfer and institutional empowerment.

CMAG: What characteristics and elements would you attribute to your firm’s inclusion as a Best Firm to Work For?

At Tru Consulting, being named a Best Firm to Work For is a direct reflection of the people who make up our team—and the culture we’ve built together. We believe our greatest strength is our people, and we work every day to create an environment where they can thrive personally and professionally.

CMAG: Are there any specific programs or initiatives that contributed to you being included as a Best Firm?

What makes Tru stand out are the intentional ways we recognize, connect and develop our people.

Each year we host an annual company-wide retreat where the entire firm comes together. It is more than a gathering — it is where teams across geographies build relationships, align on our future, and celebrate wins together. During the retreat, we honor our people through awards such as the TruMVP, TruAchiever, TruDeliveryExcellence and TruRisingStar. These recognitions celebrate those who embody our values and inspire all of us with their impact.

We also believe in being lifelong learners. We invest in intentional training opportunities that allow our people to grow their skills, stretch into new areas, and develop as leaders. Alongside that, our mentorship program connects team members with leaders across the firm, creating space for guidance, coaching, and growth at every career stage.

These programs are not stand-alone initiatives. Together, they build belonging, pride and momentum across Tru. They reinforce that we are a firm where people are valued, celebrated, and equipped to thrive while making a lasting impact on our clients and communities.

CMAG: In describing your firm, what would you say sets it apart from other consulting firms?

What sets Tru Consulting apart is the way we combine deep industry expertise with a people-first culture that clients can feel. We are not a firm that delivers from the sidelines, we embed ourselves with our clients, building trusted partnerships that last well beyond a single project.

Our team brings decades of direct leadership experience in higher education and the public sector, so we understand the realities our clients face because many of us have lived them. That lived experience allows us to design solutions that are not only innovative, but practical and sustainable.

At the same time, our culture is our differentiator. We have built a team that thrives on collaboration, inclusion and excellence. Our people are passionate about making an impact, both for our clients and in the communities they serve. This shared purpose drives us to consistently deliver results that exceed expectations and create lasting value.

Ultimately, Tru is different because we measure success not by projects completed, but by the trust, empowerment and transformation we help create.

CMAG: Where your workforce is concerned, what would you say your priorities look like for the upcoming year and beyond?

Our priorities are centered on our people because they are the foundation of Tru’s success. In the year ahead and beyond, we are focused on three areas that matter most to our team.

First, we want to continue investing in growth and development. That means creating intentional opportunities for people to expand their skills, take on new challenges, and build long-term careers at Tru. From mentorship to structured learning programs, we are committed to being a place where our people grow as leaders and innovators.

Second, we are prioritizing connection and belonging. As we expand across geographies, we are creating more opportunities for our global teams to engage with one another and collaborate on meaningful initiatives that shape the firm. Our annual retreat, culture forums, and recognition programs are all designed to ensure every team member feels valued and connected to our mission.

Finally, we are focused on sustaining a culture of care and excellence. That means supporting wellness, creating balance, and reinforcing accountability in a way that inspires pride. When our people thrive, our clients and communities benefit as well.

CMAG: What opportunities do you see as the most promising?

The opportunities we see ahead are rooted in the trust our clients place in us and the momentum of our people. Higher education and the public sector are at pivotal moments, and we are uniquely positioned to help leaders navigate change with clarity and confidence. The most promising opportunities are in areas where we are already seen as a trusted partner.

We also see tremendous opportunity in helping institutions modernize through technology-enabled solutions. By combining our industry expertise with innovative tools, we can help clients unlock efficiencies, plan with precision and create sustainable impact. These opportunities allow us to scale Tru while creating meaningful outcomes for the communities our clients serve.

CMAG: What market forces do you see as the most challenging?

The most significant challenges are the same ones our clients face. Higher education is under financial pressure, with shifting enrollment patterns, rising costs and new demands for accountability. Public sector institutions are navigating budget constraints while needing to deliver services with greater speed and transparency. These forces put pressure on decision-making and investment in new initiatives.

We also recognize the challenges of talent. Competition for skilled professionals remains high, and we need to continue to attract and retain the best people while protecting our culture as we grow.

Finally, the pace of change itself is a challenge. Institutions are being asked to transform quickly in a landscape where uncertainty is the norm. Our role is to help them move forward with confidence, balancing innovation with practical execution.

CMAG: What impact do you think Best Firm to Work For honors will have on your employees? The firm overall? Clients?

The Best Firm to Work For honor has a ripple effect across our people, our firm and our clients.

For our employees, it is a moment of pride and recognition. It validates what they experience every day, that Tru is a place where they are valued, supported and given space to grow. It reinforces that their contributions matter and that they are building their careers in a firm that invests in them.

For the firm overall, it strengthens our culture and helps us attract and retain top talent. Recognition at this level builds momentum and reminds us to keep raising the bar for how we support and engage our people. It also reinforces our commitment to stay true to our values even as we scale.

For our clients, this honor is a signal of quality and stability. Clients know that a team who feels valued and engaged delivers better outcomes. When our people thrive, they bring energy, creativity and excellence to every engagement. This recognition assures our clients that they are partnering with a firm that leads with both expertise and heart.