Shatakshi Sharma

As a BCG consultant and a decade of experience in strategy, using reasoning skills effectively is of paramount importance. Let me walk you- 1. Begin with a Problem Statement: 2. Adopt a 3 point Structured Approach: 3. Harness Analysis: 4. Use Critical Reasoning: 5. Anticipate Counterarguments: 6. Integrate Client Perspectives: 7. Draw on Analogous Situations: 8. Emphasize Long Term Impact: 9. Connect the Dots: 10. Keep It Simple: 11. Engage in Feedback: 12. Conclude with Next Steps: In conclusion, building a strong case for your recommendations as a BCG, McKinsey consultant requires a blend of all-structured thinking, data-backed arguments, and the art of persuasive communication!

It takes 6 months, only 6 months, to get ahead of others. I have used this secret formula to achieve my career goals. So what's my secret sauce? 1. Pick up one battle that is worth fighting for you. 2. Avoid picking multiple new challenges. 3. Research, read, and interact with experts who have cracked this goal before you. 4. Make a 20-point action plan. 5. Invest 12 hours every day in the execution, learning, and taking real action. 6. Monitor everything. 7. Take feedback. 8. Improvise your performance. 9. Repeat step 6-8 again. 10. Meet a brand new avatar of yourself in life. You need a method to cut through this madness to set yourself up for 100% success✊.

I have rarely felt the heat of a challenge as I did in 2017. In front of me, was a massive task of digitization the entire paperwork of the Central Indian Government. This wasn't just it! Despite feeling dejected, we kept at it for 3 months! In the 4th month of the project, we started finding 5 Ministries soon reaching to be digitized, and then many more followed! I couldn't believe the impact of our work was tangibly visible in front of my eyes. The entire team kept it at it on a daily basis and bit by bit, the files were digitized. Most problems in life are like this-We feel hopeless when we don't see immediate results. Consistency is an extremely underrated tool for solving the toughest problems of your life and this world ❤️.

When I left BCG, I made myself 2 promises- 1. I will never work in a profession where I will have to make remake PPTs. 2. I will continue to work on intellectually stimulating problems. So when I joined an International Affairs firm in Dubai later, I wanted to make sure I didn't spend time working on PPTs- I personally found them to be energy drainers. I was clear, I can't work on them 9 hours every day of my coming life. It's been more than a year since I have kept my promises to myself. Today, I stand true to myself. While building careers, don't follow others. Find your own promises and stand true to them. That is true work-life balance ❤️.

When I left my job in 2021, I let go of a salary worth a Crore. In fact, I was suddenly responsible for ensuring giving GGI's team members' salaries and learning without fail. So why did I leave the comfort of a lucrative monthly salary? Because I have a genuine belief that life is too short to play safe. I do understand that this modus operandi may not be for everyone. Today, as I run GGI, I have had my own set of struggles as well. In fact, I also owe a great deal of credit to luck too. Today, I put my team's learning through self-evaluation, goal determination and creating clear paths for success. You get one life. For me, a life filled with learning, adventure, and growth is worth a thousand times more than a life of regret❤️.

A few months ago, I decided to reject a Million-Dollar investor cheque. My friends were a bit bewildered by my decision. After doing my due diligence with a few friends who had raised such money- 1. They were losing sleep over Growth. 2. Their life was filled more with reporting to Shareholders than "Stakeholders" of the organization. 3. They were often hiring recklessly to soothe investors' nerves. I am sure it's a ride worth taking for a few. Today, I run a bootstrapped and profitable venture. We all report to one and only stakeholder that matters- our customers! Trust me it comes with insane stakeholder satisfaction and peace in your life. Because you would have started your journey for a reason❤️.