The 2026 Top Consultants: Joe Long

What would you say has been the biggest factor in your success so far?

Success is a fluid concept – one that evolves as we do. Throughout my career, I've learned that success rarely comes from a single moment or milestone. Instead, it's the cumulative effect of taking thoughtful risks, staying adaptable, and being willing to pivot when circumstances demand it.

My willingness to step into ambiguity, try new approaches, and adjust course when necessary has been central to my progress. I've applied this same philosophy in my personal life as well, recognizing that growth almost always requires some level of discomfort. Along the journey, there have been many small wins and inevitable setbacks

I don't view either as defining; instead, I measure success by whether the collective impact of my decisions, actions, and experiences has moved me forward. With more than 30 years of professional experience behind me, I can confidently say that the balance has landed solidly in the positive column.

Consulting isn't a job you choose for the easy days or predictable routines. There are long hours, shifting priorities, and the occasional trip that pops up before you've had time to grab a suitcase. But over the years, I've come to appreciate that these challenges are part of what makes this work meaningful to me.

What do you enjoy most about your career in the consulting industry?

What I enjoy most is getting to step into different organizations and work with teams who genuinely want to make things better. Every project gives me a chance to learn something new, meet great people, and help bring clarity to situations that often feel complicated at first. Being part of that process – listening, understanding, and helping teams move forward – is something I truly value. As a trusted advisor, I also see my role as a partner, not an outsider. My goal is to support the client team, build on their strengths, and help them reach their goals in a way that feels achievable and grounded. When that connection forms and the work comes together, it's incredibly rewarding.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

My proudest achievement isn't tied to any single project or professional milestone. It's the enduring trust, respect, and relationships I've built with clients, colleagues and teammates over the years. The ability to leave a positive impression on people long after a project ends means more to me than any individual accomplishment. I take a lot of pride in being someone others choose to call again – not because of a job title, but because of the focus, integrity and personal commitment that I bring to each engagement. Whether in my industry roles or consulting, I've been fortunate to have a career that has allowed me to travel extensively, collaborate with exceptional people, and work inside some of the world's most recognized brands. But the lasting connections and mutual respect built along the way remain my greatest source of pride.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

The best advice I've ever received came early in my career: 'Dig your well before you're thirsty.' The CFO recommended Harvey Mackay's book of the same name to emphasize the power of building a network long before you need it. At the time, I was an ambitious risk manager for a large multinational and believed my career trajectory was clear and upward. The book's concept made sense, but I didn't yet appreciate its importance because I had never truly been 'thirsty' per se. All of that changed when I returned to the U.S. after a two-year assignment in the UK, and the roles that I was being offered paled in comparison to the work that I had been doing on assignment. Faced with this reality, I drew on the network to secure my first role outside of industry with a management consulting firm. That experience broadened my perspective and made the message resonate on a deeper level. I realized that relationships, not résumés, often determine which doors open. That advice has stayed with me throughout my career and has paid dividends time and again.

What does this recognition mean to you?

I am genuinely humbled by this recognition – especially considering how uncertain I felt when I first entered consulting. After nearly 12 years in industry, transitioning into the consulting world in 2006 was one of the hardest professional shifts I've ever made. Although I loved the pace and the variety of clients, I quickly realized how different it was to advise external organizations. Despite my experience in high-visibility roles with global organization, I lacked the perspective, confidence, and problem-solving instincts of a seasoned consultant. As a result, I often questioned whether I had made the right move. However, with the support of my peers and a few great managers who invested in me, challenged me, and helped me see my own potential, I gained confidence in my abilities. Then with time, persistence, and a fair number of highs and lows, I began to find my footing to ultimately thrive in this space. Given this backdrop, being nominated today is a reminder of how far the journey has taken me – and how grateful I am for the people who helped me along the way.