For years, the consulting world has been seen as a closed-off club, reserved for those who’ve climbed the corporate ladder for decades and fit a very specific mold; typically older, cis-gender White men hailed as highly educated thought leaders. A quick glance at the books available today on starting a consulting business will reveal this truth as the diversity of race, sex, or thoughts is practically non-existent.
Most of these resources share the same narrow perspective, shaped by privilege and access to networks, capital, and opportunities that aren’t available to everyone. For those who face systemic barriers, these guides miss the mark. They fail to address real challenges like breaking into exclusive networks, dealing with workplace bias, or balancing cultural expectations with professional aspirations.
This lack of representation keeps the consulting industry stuck in outdated norms. It sends a message that consulting is for a select few, leaving underrepresented voices without relatable role models or actionable advice that speaks to their unique journeys. But here’s the truth: the industry is missing out. The innovation, resilience, and fresh perspectives that come from different life paths could transform consulting and the clients we serve.
Why is this problematic?
This outdated image doesn’t reflect the reality of consulting today, especially for solo or independent consultants. The global pandemic in early 2020 changed everything. Technology has reshaped how we do business, connect with others, and share our perspectives. The once-guarded access of seasoned consultants became afforded to many, opening the door for more people to redefine what consulting looks like.
And yet, many remain hesitant to step into this field. Why? Despite progress, systemic barriers persist. For instance, findings from the National Center for Education Statistics show that women, especially women of color, consistently earn higher degrees than their male counterparts. Yet, this significant achievement has not translated into proportional representation at the highest levels of consulting. The disconnect highlights ongoing inequities that deter many from fully realizing their potential in this industry.
This isn’t about a lack of talent or potential. The real issue is awareness and access. Without clear guidance on how to build a thriving solo practice, many are left to figure it out alone. Add to that the internal and external pressures of questioning your worth, and it’s easy to see why so many play small instead of stepping fully into their power.
“Don’t sell yourself short. You will meet people along the way who will be lining up to place limits on you. You don’t need to beat them to the punch.”
— Leslie Odom Jr., Failing Up
A Call to Action…
Consulting today calls for boldly reimagining what it means to be an expert. We must embrace a new set of guiding principles to shift from outdated paradigms to a vibrant, inclusive reality. Here’s what I know for sure:
- Authentic service to others creates lasting wealth. Consulting is most impactful when it prioritizes the client, delivers undeniable value, and leads through service.
- Growth comes from embracing lifelong learning. Consulting is a practice built on continually seeking knowledge, mastering one’s craft, and staying curious about the world.
- There are multiple pathways to success. The digital age offers unprecedented ways to innovate and grow a consulting business. Success lies in exploring these opportunities, remaining adaptable, and utilizing strategies in the proper context.
- Your lived experience and unique perspective are the most powerful business assets one can own. Society is saturated with information and flooded by new technological advancements. Your value as a consultant is tied to your ability to interpret and apply foundational knowledge through a unique lens.
- Authority drives the market and can be strategically built. Standing out in a competitive industry requires sharing bold, transformative ideas that resonate deeply with a targeted audience and yield positive results.
- Modern tools and resources can expand capacity and provide leverage that supports business growth, especially for those traditionally underrepresented in the market. They can help overcome barriers to create a greater impact.
- The clarity of your core message builds strategic authority and drives exponential growth. This clarity enhances your credibility in a highly skeptical and sophisticated market by creating a ripple effect of trust and demand.
- Embracing digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and automation best positions you to compete in a new era. When effectively leveraged, it can lead to expansive growth and profitability.
- Building your own table, or one as a community, leads to true inclusion. It’s no longer enough to seek access to gate-kept networks and inner circles; we must create spaces that reflect the full spectrum of talent and perspectives, especially as women and members of marginalized communities in the consulting world.
- Remaining client-focused, human-centered, and emotionally intelligent is the key to winning in this new age of consulting.
By embracing these principles, we can reclaim and redefine consulting as a space for innovation, inclusion, and meaningful impact. This is not just a call for change; it’s an invitation to join a movement.
To learn more about how you can build a thriving and profitable consulting business, tune into the Black Girls Consult TOO! podcast.
