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Inspire is a two–day workshop, where participants stretch and challenge themselves to develop their leadership skills, and learn how to play to their strengths.
Click here to learn more about Inspire and how to apply. Deadline to apply is the 28th June.
Tell us about your path to McKinsey.
I completed an undergraduate degree in politics at Warwick University and an MPhil in International Relations at Oxford University. I started my career in the civil service working for the UK Government pursuing my passion for social justice.
Government was incredible: I herded journalists at the G8, visited building sites with the then–Housing Ministers, and I presented research on female unemployment to 11 Government Ministers all at once. I set up programmes to prevent extremism and tackle female genital mutilation and forced marriage.
I decided to apply to the firm to develop my understanding of the private sector and how it can contribute to making the world a better place. I particularly wanted to learn from colleagues with diverse backgrounds and to experience an even more entrepreneurial environment.
What advice would you share with people considering McKinsey?
Highlight what makes you special, and don’t shy away from telling us why you’re awesome. Don’t worry about what other people have done, tell us what makes you passionate. Doing this meant when I joined the firm I was sure it was the real me the firm wanted, not the person I thought they would want.
What are you passionate about outside of work? How do you manage to make it work with a demanding career?
I try not to see a hard division between my life and work and pursue my passions in work as well as outside. I’m currently using my passion for mental health to organise mental health fortnight at the firm which has just taken place for the first time.
Outside of work, I’m training to be a volunteer to handle calls from women experiencing domestic violence.
I love to sing and I’ve just started in a new gospel choir. I went last week and it made me smile all day.
What does leadership mean to you?
Authenticity, vulnerability, and flexibility. My experience of leading others is that the key is to find things they are passionate about, and use that to help them have the courage to address anything they are struggling with.
What made you want to join the Inspire team and will we be seeing you at the event?
When I first thought about applying to McKinsey I was both excited and slightly intimidated but then I went a recruitment event where I met consultants from McKinsey. I met so many women who continue to inspire me and I’d love for other women to have that same experience. Being on the organising team for Inspire is my way of doing what I can to make sure many more women have the chance to meet other exceptional women and help them develop the skills they need to lead our world. I will be there for all the event and I can’t wait to meet you!