Why did you start working for Arthur D. Little?
I was already working in consulting when a number of former colleagues went to Arthur D. Little and asked me to join the company. I loved the idea of working for the world’s first management consultancy with its fantastic history and an incredible mix of business expertise and vertical know-how.

What did you learn from Arthur D. Little?
In four years, I was very lucky to be involved in many projects for different companies in many different industries. This helped me to develop my soft and hard skills: to be flexible, quick, cooperative, and able to cope with the different aspects of a business, from strategy to organization, from finance to human resources. And last but not least, always to work with a smile on my face, despite stress and difficult situations. I consider this to be a great attribute in any candidate.

What were the most rewarding experiences during your time at Arthur D. Little?
After some years, I still receive calls from former clients telling me that the business plan I prepared for them is still working! This is extremely rewarding as usually business plans prepared by strategy consultants are considered to be unrealistic. Also, I had the good luck to work for colleagues who always had a smile on their faces and an approach that made work a pleasure.

What have been the highlights of your career since leaving Arthur D. Little?
I left ADL because I had a business idea. After doing a feasibility study and developing a business plan, I approached a private equity firm and former colleagues for help with financing the project. I soon became president and managing director of a small team, extremely well supported by a former ADL colleague and also one of the company’s shareholders. The company I founded, called Elation, deals with relationship marketing (incentive and reward schemes and advertising promotions) and offers experience days and activities. We have about 4,000 activities, including driving a Formula 1 car, flying an historic aircraft, luxury weekends and immersion in a frozen lake! We also deal with leisure time and gift ideas, by selling services and experience packages, both online and in selected stores. The company now has more than 30 employees and is growing by 400% each year.

What do you enjoy most about your current position?
Having ideas and realizing them right away; fighting in a very competitive market and defeating big competitors; growing in foreign countries and becoming a “pocket multinational”; finding out about the most advanced technologies available and trying to apply them in our company. I also enjoy being interviewed by journalists and marketing associations, and receiving awards for our innovative business idea and our business approach.

What advice would you give to young consultants at Arthur D. Little?
Be enthusiastic and learn as much as you can from everyone you meet; try to work on as many projects as possible, in all different areas; leave behind good memories as the network you build will last forever. If a network is built on trust and true friendship, it can help your future career path so much.

What are your interests outside work?
Being an entrepreneur and a CEO doesn’t leave a lot of spare time and your mind never really switches off from the company – much worse than being a consultant!!! Luckily I have two wonderful kids who take all my time, and a passion for reading – I usually manage three to six books a month, just before falling asleep.