Meghan Jankelow, Managing Director, Operational Risk Management Practice Leader, Protiviti
Meghan Jankelow is a Managing Director in Protiviti’s Risk and Compliance practice and leads the firm’s global Risk Management segment. Her client experience includes working with large and regional banks along with domestic and internationally active insurers. Meghan helps financial service organizations address regulation and compliance challenges by building enterprise and operational risk management strategies and governance frameworks, developing and implementing model governance and control standards, and providing comprehensive internal audit and compliance services. A subject matter expert in risk and compliance, Meghan has presented to The Institute of Internal Auditors on the topics of Auditing ERM and Risk Management & Culture in financial institutions. She serves on the board of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and on the Executive Committee for the Latin School of Chicago Parent Association. Meghan earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Multinational Business from Florida State University. She is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and an active member of the Risk Management Association.
What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?
Outside of my children, my proudest achievement to date has been becoming a member of Protiviti’s Executive Team Advisory Council. In that role, I have had the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the firm’s strategic initiatives – including developing a standard business reference model, creating a global RACI model to clarify roles and responsibilities, and shaping the development program for future global leaders. Even to receive a nomination for the council means leaders within the firm recognize my contributions through observation and feedback received from my team members, peers and superiors as well as key client stakeholders. To have our CEO and the Executive Team review and accept that nomination is an immense honor, as they put their trust in me and value my opinion in helping drive our firm to achieve its strategic objectives.
What’s the best advice—consulting or otherwise—you’ve ever received?
Be comfortable being uncomfortable. While we all value the ability to gain confidence by building deep knowledge and expertise in certain disciplines or industries, you do not know the maximum potential you can achieve or the contributions you can make to drive change until you are pushed outside your comfort zone and truly test the limit of your capabilities. True learning often comes more from failures than from successes.
What advice would you give to a female consultant just beginning her career?
With one niece about to begin her career in consulting and another preparing for an internship in the same field, this guidance remains particularly relevant: “It is essential to remain authentic and bring your whole self to the workplace, while also embracing opportunities to step outside of your comfort zone.” Early in your career, you are not expected to possess all the answers, but maintaining a positive attitude and proactively seeking information through questions are important expectations. While not every assignment will align with your preferences, each provides valuable learning experiences. Additionally, as a woman in corporate America, unique challenges may arise. However, there are always individuals available to provide support and guidance as you navigate these situations.
What does this recognition mean to you?
This recognition is in a way recognition for my two little girls. It is wonderful a way to demonstrate that with sacrifice also comes great achievement. The sacrifices are not just for “mommy to be successful” or to help clients and the firm be successful – they are also to help little girls like them, who are our future leaders, recognize they have the power and ability within them to pave a different path and drive forward change for a better tomorrow for all.
© Arc, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.