Latest news with #managementconsulting
Daily Mail
19-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary warns against EVER doing this job: 'Slow drift into hell'
Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary warned top business school graduates that spending more than two years in management consulting will render them 'tainted meat' and 'unemployable for life.' The multimillionaire investor condemned the traditional post-MBA consulting track - long considered a golden ticket for graduates of Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton - and even suggested it was a professional death sentence. The Canadian entrepreneur, who now teaches at Harvard Business School, said he's battling to steer his students away from what he called a lucrative but soul-crushing trap. 'Look, if you want to drift into hell on Earth, stay 24 months in a consulting firm and you are tainted meat for the rest of your life,' O'Leary said to Fortune. 'No one's going to hire you to make a decision because you never have made one.' The remarks have sparked debate in elite academic and corporate circles, as O'Leary doubled down on his view that students choosing six-figure consulting jobs are dooming themselves to mediocrity, irrelevance - and ultimately, a lifetime working for someone else. O'Leary's remarks were made in his capacity as an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School and come at a time when two-thirds of his MBA students reportedly raise their hands when asked if they're headed into consulting. The executive and former software magnate said he has made it his mission to intervene. 'What I try and do is disrupt a few of them in every class,' he said. 'If I can get four of you to abandon your drift into mediocrity, then I've done a great job here.' O'Leary, who built his fortune through the $4.2 billion sale of SoftKey Software Products, now teaches a course titled The Founder Mindset. But instead of nurturing a generation of risk-takers, he says he's watching a generation settle for safe salaries and predictable promotions. 'They haven't done anything,' O'Leary said of junior consultants. 'They just wrote reports. Didn't matter. 'I always take those résumés of consultants that want to get into the real world, and throw them in the garbage,' he said bluntly. O'Leary does not deny that top consulting jobs offer enviable perks: $250,000 to $350,000 starting salaries, first-class travel, and prestige among peers. But he says there can be a permanent cost to taking such a job. 'If you're there for more than 24 months, you get the virus,' he warned. 'Your résumé says you were someone of no consequence. 'Why would anybody burn all those hours while someone else makes money, and you do nothing of consequence?' he asked. 'I respect all the consulting firms that are out there, but I'm going to do my best to keep people from going into that,' O'Leary said. 'You can go to the soccer games, go to picnics. You can do whatever, and it's a great life,' he said. 'You can provide for a family. But you'll never be free. You'll never be financially free.' O'Leary says freedom doesn't come from a paycheck but from ownership and risk. At Harvard Consulting has long been viewed as the fast track to executive leadership. Harvard MBAs have gone on to lead corporations, run hedge funds, and shape economic policy, but O'Leary says many are still wasting their potential and he is having to battle decades of tradition. He also warns that the entrepreneurial path is not the easy one with long 100-hour weeks, but he insists the pain is worth the prize. 'Entrepreneurship may mean no vacations, sharing an apartment with five roommates, and grinding for years, but once you make it, you can call your own shots' he said.
Zawya
18-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bain & Company announces five partner promotions in the Middle East
Bain & Company, a leading global management consulting firm, has announced five leadership appointments in its Middle East offices, with Faisal Sheikh and Joseph Edwin elevated to Senior Partner, and Othmane Boujemaoui, Abdullah Khan, and Khaled Zikry named Partner. Tom de Waele, Managing Partner of Bain & Company Middle East, noted: 'We are proud to welcome Faisal, Joseph, Othmane, Abdullah, and Khaled into their new leadership roles. Each of them embodies the values that define Bain: Bold thinking, deep expertise, and an unwavering commitment to client impact. Their contributions have shaped some of the region's most important transformations. These promotions are a reflection of their exceptional talent and are a testament to our long-term commitment to build-up our leadership in the region.' Faisal Sheikh has been promoted to Senior Partner and is a core member of Bain's EMEA Consumer Products practice. He advises leading multinationals and regional Consumer Product companies on growth strategy, operating model design, and performance acceleration. With over 7 years at Bain, Faisal has led major transformations across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia to unlock step-change value for clients. He supports executive teams on multi-year full potential programs delivering in-year P&L results. He is known for pairing strategic clarity with hands-on execution. He is also helping clients harness AI to power next-level performance, with a focus on practical use-cases. Previously, Faisal was Head of Emerging Markets and member of global leadership team of a listed-Food company. Joseph Edwin has been promoted to Senior Partner and is a core member of Bain's EMEA Financial Services and Enterprise Technology leadership teams. He advises leading financial institutions & financial investors across EMEA and North America on various topics including technology strategy, technology operating model redesign and multi-year technology modernisation and transformation efforts. Joseph specializes in large-scale, technology-enabled transformations and is a globally recognized thought leader on core banking modernisation. With over 25 years of experience gained from working at leading banks and in consulting, across Europe, Middle East, North America and Australia, Joseph brings a practitioner's toolkit and a pragmatic and results-oriented approach to help clients drive digitalisation, boost productivity, and maximise business value impact from technology. Othmane Boujemaoui has been promoted to Partner and is a core member in Bain's Energy & Natural Resources and Sustainability & Responsibility practices. With close to 15 years of experience in industry and consulting across EMEA, Othmane has driven major transformation programs across the energy value chain - spanning oil & gas, utilities, and chemicals. His recent work includes advising leading players in the energy ecosystem on energy transition strategies, energy markets, and operating model redesigns to drive effectiveness and performance improvement. He also co-authored Bain's perspective on voluntary carbon markets in the GCC, helping position the region at the forefront of climate innovation. Abdullah Khan has been promoted to Partner and is a key member of Bain's Advanced Manufacturing & Services practice. He brings over a decade of consulting experience focused on helping organizations navigate complex strategic and investment challenges. Abdullah has deep expertise across the investment ecosystem, advising sovereign wealth funds, private equity firms, and national investment entities on topics including due diligence, investment thesis development, and value creation planning. He has also contributed to national investment agendas, including cross-sector initiatives to unlock the full potential of AI. In addition, he supports clients on corporate strategy, performance improvement, mergers and integrations, and large-scale transformation programs. Khaled Zikry, who has been promoted to Partner, is a key member of Bain's Financial Services practice. He has worked with many of the top FS players in the MENA region, across banking, non-banking financial services, and payments. His work primarily revolves around Mergers and Acquisitions, starting from due-diligence phase passing through merger integrations and ending with post-acquisition value creation programs. His case portfolio includes several of the largest banking mergers in the region over the past decade. About Bain & Company Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world's most ambitious change makers define the future. Across 65 cities in 40 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition to achieve extraordinary results, outperform the competition, and redefine industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster, and more enduring outcomes. Our 10-year commitment to invest more than $1 billion in pro bono services brings our talent, expertise, and insight to organizations tackling today's urgent challenges in education, racial equity, social justice, economic development, and the environment. We earned a platinum rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, social, and ethical performance ratings for global supply chains, putting us in the top 1% of all companies. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients, and we proudly maintain the highest level of client advocacy in the industry.
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kearney deepens commitment to the Middle East with appointment of Adel Alfalasi as Partner and Managing Director
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Global management consulting firm Kearney has announced the appointment of Adel Alfalasi as Partner and Managing Director. In his role, Adel will spearhead Kearney's engagement with its clients across the Middle East, driving transformative initiatives and strategic advisory efforts. This appointment underscores Kearney's commitment to supporting clients in navigating complex transformation agendas at scale. With 25 years of experience, Adel brings a distinguished track record as a government and private sector leader, on topics of national strategy, economic development, and institutional reform. He has developed growth strategies for the region's largest SWFs and led large-scale transformations for organizations. Adel's career spans senior leadership roles at leading consultancies and the UAE Prime Minister's Office, where he led several high-impact national initiatives. Over the years, he has contributed to major economic and governance reforms across the region, from subsidy restructuring to digital government enablement and innovative employment models. Adel is widely recognized for blending deep regional insight with a results-driven approach. In his new role, Adel will focus on key priorities that are top of mind for the leaders in the region: leveraging AI to enhance service delivery, driving large-scale national and institutional transformations, and helping clients navigate an increasingly complex and fast-evolving world, technologically, geo-economically, and organizationally. A central focus of his mandate will be addressing the growing impact of technology on nations, businesses, and organizations, enabling clients to transform in order to stay ahead of accelerating technological advancement. 'Joining Kearney is a natural next step in my commitment to enabling governments in this region to unlock its boldest ambitions through purposeful transformation,' said Adel. 'What excites me most is the opportunity to address the region's most pressing challenges while driving impact that lasts. I'm inspired by Kearney's strong regional legacy and proven results, and I look forward to working alongside the team to accelerate meaningful change across the Middle East.' Commenting on the appointment, Mauricio Zuazua, Region Chair Kearney Middle East and Africa, said: 'Adel brings with him a unique mix of integrity, insight, and excellence in the strategic consulting arena for the Middle East. He has an exceptional ability to translate national visions into tangible outcomes and is trusted by both government leaders and C-suite executives to deliver impact first. His appointment strengthens our mission to empower businesses and institutions to lead boldly, anticipate future challenges, and create a legacy across the region.' Kearney is consistently ranked among the region's top consultancies for government strategy and transformation, with a strong track record supporting national visions, public sector innovation, and digital modernization. The firm is also recognized as one of the region's top employers. About Kearney Since 1926, Kearney has been a leading management consulting firm and trusted partner to three-quarters of the Fortune Global 500 and governments around the world. With a presence across more than 40 countries, our people make us who we are. We work impact first, tackling your toughest challenges with original thinking and a commitment to making change happen together. By your side, we deliver—value, results, impact. Impact First promo video:
Globe and Mail
09-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Small Firm, Big Achievement: The Poirier Group Earns Spot on Forbes List of Best Management Consulting Firms
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 9, 2025) - The Poirier Group (TPG), a Toronto-based boutique consulting firm has earned a coveted spot on the Forbes 2025 list of America's Best Management Consulting Firms, distinguishing itself as a top performer in a highly competitive industry landscape. Forbes, in partnership with global data provider Statista, conducted comprehensive surveys of both clients and industry experts. Out of thousands of management consulting firms across North America—an industry that includes over 730,000 consultants—only 191 firms made the cut this year. The Poirier Group based in Toronto, is also one of just a handful of Canadian consultancies to receive this honor in 2025, demonstrating its ability to compete and excel at an international level. Forbes 2025 America's Best Management Consulting Firms To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: This recognition arrives at a pivotal time when companies across most industry sectors are navigating unprecedented levels of change: rapid advancements in technology, evolving workplace dynamics post-pandemic, widespread burnout, and public policy shifts affecting everything from environmental standards to diversity and equity. The current climate has created a surge in demand for agile, innovative consulting partners—especially those capable of integrating next-generation solutions like generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to advance business competitiveness. TPG's inclusion on the Forbes list—and particularly, its recognition in the Artificial Intelligence consulting category—is a testament to the firm's ability to not only meet but anticipate and exceed evolving client needs. TPG has already positioned itself by going beyond basic automation to applying AI to accelerate performance, solve complex challenges, and drive meaningful transformation. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: "We are absolutely thrilled to be recognized on the Forbes 2025 list," said David Poirier, CEO at The Poirier Group. "As a boutique firm, we pride ourselves on personalized service, deep operational expertise, an unwavering focus on client impact and delivering a better consulting experience. To be acknowledged alongside global consulting giants is both humbling and energizing for our entire team." Punching Above Their Weight The Poirier Group has built its brand and reputation through results. The firm specializes in operational excellence, helping clients across key sectors such as retail, supply chain, manufacturing, private equity, healthcare, and government to improve performance and achieve long-term sustainability. Rather than offering broad, theoretical strategies out of the box, TPG focuses on hands-on, execution-driven consulting—delivering consistently and producing measurable outcomes, from cost reduction and productivity gains to strategic transformation and technology adoption. And, because most change initiatives come with the price of inherent resistance, TPG has indoctrinated a proven collaborative approach that achieves strategic alignment and builds workforce momentum to adapt to a new way of working, enhancing agility and the adoption of change. Their disciplined and personalized approach has earned the firm repeat business and client referrals, which played a critical role in its Forbes recognition. According to Statista, the rankings are based on two surveys: An expert survey of over 10,000 partners and senior executives at consulting firms, who were asked to recommend firms across 16 industries and 17 functional areas. A client survey involving more than 1,200 company executives evaluated their consulting partners based on real project experiences from the past four years. Self-nominations were not accepted, making TPG's appearance on the list a clear validation of its reputation in the industry and amongst its clients. A Canadian Voice in a Crowded U.S. Market While the list primarily highlights top consulting firms operating in the United States, The Poirier Group's inclusion demonstrates the cross-border strength and credibility of Canadian firms in the North American marketplace. Being one of only a few Canadian consulting firms to appear on this year's list amplifies the significance of their achievement and reflects the firm's growing influence beyond its home country. "We've always believed that size or geography shouldn't limit our impact," said Jared Frederici, Partner. "We take pride in our ability to provide a high-touch service and rapid delivery, with a flexible approach that blends onsite and virtual work. This resonates with clients who require the least disruption to continued operations. We demonstrate empathy fashioned by our experience with most of our consulting team having come from industry. This perspective ensures that we deliver pragmatic solutions that are achievable and sustainable. We work with clients who want a real partnership—one they can count on to advance their goals and build a winning culture." Consulting in a Time of Disruption The consulting industry itself is evolving rapidly with the rise of GenAI shifting client expectations dramatically. Research from the IBM Institute for Business Value indicates that 86% of consulting clients are actively looking for firms that offer AI-enhanced services —not just basic tools, but advanced applications that can help reshape entire business models. As a Forbes-recognized firm in the Artificial Intelligence category, The Poirier Group is already ahead of that curve. Its consultants are helping clients unlock value from GenAI not by treating it as a one-size-fits-all solution, but by applying it strategically to areas like workflow automation, predictive analytics, digital twin modeling, and performance optimization. The Poirier Group - Team Photo at Corporate Retreat To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: What's Next for The Poirier Group This recognition by Forbes represents not just a milestone, but a springboard for The Poirier Group. The firm is expanding its capabilities in emerging technologies, strengthening its presence in high-growth sectors, and continuing to invest in its people—ensuring they remain ahead of the curve in a fast-changing business environment. "Being listed among America's best consulting firms is a great honor, but our focus remains the same: helping our clients thrive," said Anita Patel, Director. "That's the standard we hold ourselves to every day." The full list of America's Best Management Consulting Firms 2025 can be viewed at The Poirier Group To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: About The Poirier Group The Poirier Group is a boutique management consulting firm based in Toronto, Canada. Now in its 20th year with 500 plus projects completed, it focuses on operational excellence and business transformation, leading the way in results-driven consulting services across North America and the Caribbean. For more information, visit: Media Contact: Tina Forth Marketing & Communications The Poirier Group 905 624-5855
Associated Press
09-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Small Firm, Big Achievement: The Poirier Group Earns Spot on Forbes List of Best Management Consulting Firms
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 9, 2025) - The Poirier Group (TPG), a Toronto-based boutique consulting firm has earned a coveted spot on the Forbes 2025 list of America's Best Management Consulting Firms, distinguishing itself as a top performer in a highly competitive industry landscape. Forbes, in partnership with global data provider Statista, conducted comprehensive surveys of both clients and industry experts. Out of thousands of management consulting firms across North America—an industry that includes over 730,000 consultants—only 191 firms made the cut this year. The Poirier Group based in Toronto, is also one of just a handful of Canadian consultancies to receive this honor in 2025, demonstrating its ability to compete and excel at an international level. [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] Forbes 2025 America's Best Management Consulting Firms To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: This recognition arrives at a pivotal time when companies across most industry sectors are navigating unprecedented levels of change: rapid advancements in technology, evolving workplace dynamics post-pandemic, widespread burnout, and public policy shifts affecting everything from environmental standards to diversity and equity. The current climate has created a surge in demand for agile, innovative consulting partners—especially those capable of integrating next-generation solutions like generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to advance business competitiveness. TPG's inclusion on the Forbes list—and particularly, its recognition in the Artificial Intelligence consulting category—is a testament to the firm's ability to not only meet but anticipate and exceed evolving client needs. TPG has already positioned itself by going beyond basic automation to applying AI to accelerate performance, solve complex challenges, and drive meaningful transformation. [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] David Poirier, CEO - The Poirier Group To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: 'We are absolutely thrilled to be recognized on the Forbes 2025 list,' said David Poirier, CEO at The Poirier Group. 'As a boutique firm, we pride ourselves on personalized service, deep operational expertise, an unwavering focus on client impact and delivering a better consulting experience. To be acknowledged alongside global consulting giants is both humbling and energizing for our entire team.' Punching Above Their Weight The Poirier Group has built its brand and reputation through results. The firm specializes in operational excellence, helping clients across key sectors such as retail, supply chain, manufacturing, private equity, healthcare, and government to improve performance and achieve long-term sustainability. Rather than offering broad, theoretical strategies out of the box, TPG focuses on hands-on, execution-driven consulting—delivering consistently and producing measurable outcomes, from cost reduction and productivity gains to strategic transformation and technology adoption. And, because most change initiatives come with the price of inherent resistance, TPG has indoctrinated a proven collaborative approach that achieves strategic alignment and builds workforce momentum to adapt to a new way of working, enhancing agility and the adoption of change. Their disciplined and personalized approach has earned the firm repeat business and client referrals, which played a critical role in its Forbes recognition. According to Statista, the rankings are based on two surveys: Self-nominations were not accepted, making TPG's appearance on the list a clear validation of its reputation in the industry and amongst its clients. A Canadian Voice in a Crowded U.S. Market While the list primarily highlights top consulting firms operating in the United States, The Poirier Group's inclusion demonstrates the cross-border strength and credibility of Canadian firms in the North American marketplace. Being one of only a few Canadian consulting firms to appear on this year's list amplifies the significance of their achievement and reflects the firm's growing influence beyond its home country. 'We've always believed that size or geography shouldn't limit our impact,' said Jared Frederici, Partner. 'We take pride in our ability to provide a high-touch service and rapid delivery, with a flexible approach that blends onsite and virtual work. This resonates with clients who require the least disruption to continued operations. We demonstrate empathy fashioned by our experience with most of our consulting team having come from industry. This perspective ensures that we deliver pragmatic solutions that are achievable and sustainable. We work with clients who want a real partnership—one they can count on to advance their goals and build a winning culture.' Consulting in a Time of Disruption The consulting industry itself is evolving rapidly with the rise of GenAI shifting client expectations dramatically. Research from the IBM Institute for Business Value indicates that 86% of consulting clients are actively looking for firms that offer AI-enhanced services —not just basic tools, but advanced applications that can help reshape entire business models. As a Forbes-recognized firm in the Artificial Intelligence category, The Poirier Group is already ahead of that curve. Its consultants are helping clients unlock value from GenAI not by treating it as a one-size-fits-all solution, but by applying it strategically to areas like workflow automation, predictive analytics, digital twin modeling, and performance optimization. [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] The Poirier Group - Team Photo at Corporate Retreat To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: What's Next for The Poirier Group This recognition by Forbes represents not just a milestone, but a springboard for The Poirier Group. The firm is expanding its capabilities in emerging technologies, strengthening its presence in high-growth sectors, and continuing to invest in its people—ensuring they remain ahead of the curve in a fast-changing business environment. 'Being listed among America's best consulting firms is a great honor, but our focus remains the same: helping our clients thrive,' said Anita Patel, Director. 'That's the standard we hold ourselves to every day.' The full list of America's Best Management Consulting Firms 2025 can be viewed at [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] The Poirier Group To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: About The Poirier Group The Poirier Group is a boutique management consulting firm based in Toronto, Canada. Now in its 20th year with 500 plus projects completed, it focuses on operational excellence and business transformation, leading the way in results-driven consulting services across North America and the Caribbean. For more information, visit: Media Contact: Tina Forth Marketing & Communications The Poirier Group 905 624-5855 [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit
