Freedom and Flexibility at ghSMART - Part 1

Defining Freedom and Flexibility at ghSMART

Since our founding, we have embraced—and are incredibly proud of—our principle of "Freedom and Flexibility." But what do we mean by that? At ghSMART, our consultants experience autonomy, agency, and choice that empower them to shape their careers according to their passions and strengths. This principle embodies so much of who we are as a firm. It encompasses both the what—the types of work we engage in—and the who—the clients and colleagues we collaborate with. By allowing us to select our projects, shape our career paths, and choose our partners, we create an environment where our interests align with our professional goals, ultimately enhancing our impact on clients.

Shaping Your Work: The Freedom to Choose Projects

One of the most exciting aspects of this freedom is the ability to choose the types of work we dive into. Whether it’s CEO succession planning, coaching, executive assessments, or Board advisory work, each area offers unique challenges and rewards. This autonomy lets us align our work with our backgrounds and expertise.

For example, someone with a strong foundation in leadership development might gravitate toward coaching roles, while a colleague with extensive experience in organizational strategy may prefer CEO succession and Board advisory work. The difference in these roles can be striking:

• CEO succession involves high-stakes conversations with boards and potential successors about the company’s future direction, requiring deep strategic insight and a nuanced understanding of leadership dynamics.

• Leadership development focuses on nurturing emerging leaders through tailored coaching sessions and workshops, helping them grow and prepare for future challenges.

This ability to choose not only boosts job satisfaction but also ensures that we bring our best selves to every project.

Diverse Clients, Tailored Impact

In addition to selecting the types of work we engage in, we also have the freedom to choose the clients and institutions we serve. This diversity includes Fortune 100 companies, fast-moving private equity firms, founder-led businesses, as well as government and nonprofit institutions, each presenting distinct opportunities for impact.

For instance:

• Working with a Fortune 100 company often involves complex organizational structures and long-term strategic planning, such as navigating leadership transitions or enhancing board effectiveness.

• Partnering with a private equity firm focused on founder-led businesses requires agility and a hands-on approach to rapidly assess talent needs during periods of growth or change.

• Collaborating with government agencies or nonprofit organizations allows us to contribute to meaningful social initiatives while addressing unique leadership challenges.

This variety keeps us engaged and motivated while delivering exceptional results tailored to each client’s needs.

Collaborating with Colleagues: Building Your Team

Equally important is the freedom to choose the colleagues we work with, which complements our ability to select clients. At ghSMART, we can create our development journeys by collaborating with a diverse range of talented individuals.

For example:

• If you want to enhance your ability to serve clients through a psychological lens, you can partner with PhD professionals like Julie Vermoote, a Principal at ghSMART who brings deep insights into behaviors and motivations.

• Alternatively, if you're looking to strengthen your strategic capabilities, teaming up with someone like Sanja Kos, a ghSMART Partner with a strategy consulting background, can provide invaluable perspectives on navigating complex business challenges.

Whether you prefer to dive deep with certain colleagues or maintain a broad portfolio of collaborators, this flexibility enriches our professional experience and fosters a collaborative spirit that drives exceptional results.

Two Paths, Endless Possibilities: Ariel and Greg’s Journeys

To bring our consultants' experiences to life, we’ve created two illustrative examples with fictional names and scenarios. While these stories are not based on specific individuals, they reflect the types of career journeys and opportunities that are possible at ghSMART.

Ariel’s Journey

Ariel, based in Western Europe, joined ghSMART in 2021 with a focus on serving private equity clients. Within her first six months, she collaborated with two ghSMART partners outside Europe whose styles and mentorship she found invaluable. Prioritizing her development, Ariel became open to exploring new client types and service areas.

By her second year, she expanded her portfolio to include two Fortune 500 corporate clients, working on a two-year CEO succession project and a high-potential leader development program. She leveraged her expertise in hiring assessments to excel in these new contexts. In her third year, Ariel developed true depth in CEO successions and high-potential programs, positioning herself to help lead these practice areas in the future.

Greg’s Journey

Greg, based in the Midwest U.S., also joined ghSMART in 2021, bringing a distinctive passion for coaching. In his first year, Greg learned the core consultant toolkit and gained experience across corporate and private equity contexts.

By his second year, Greg began apprenticing with the firm’s coaching practice leadership, refining his skills in guiding executives through critical transitions. Now in his third year, Greg’s portfolio is over 75% coaching work, where he counsels CEOs and executives across the globe. Greg has found his superpower in coaching and continues to grow as a trusted advisor.

Navigating the Free-Market Model

At ghSMART, we have a free-market model within a small, collaborative, connected culture. Instead of centrally determining what work our team does and with whom (for example, with a staffing team as is common at peer firms), we give consultants control over which projects they pursue. This freedom of choice makes it all the more important, and powerful, for consultants to build relationships with each other, understand each other’s strengths, and make choices that align with their goals.

Formal and informal mentors provide guidance, helping consultants explore opportunities and develop their careers. Whether you choose to partner with specific colleagues for years or prefer to collaborate across a broad range of topics, you have the agency to craft the career and life you’re most passionate about.

Why Freedom and Flexibility Matter

Our model of freedom and flexibility cultivates an environment where both consultants and clients thrive. By empowering consultants to make choices about their work and collaborators, we foster a sense of ownership and accountability. This culture enhances individual fulfillment and elevates the quality of service we provide, ensuring meaningful partnerships and lasting impact.

At ghSMART, freedom and flexibility aren’t just principles—they’re the foundation of a career where you can achieve your goals while making a difference. Explore career opportunities with ghSMART here.

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