Avanade Advisory’s very own Lily Carmody was named as one of Consulting Magazine’s 2021 Ones to Watch for Excellence in Information Technology. Hear from her on what it means to win this award, and her advice for those looking to get into consulting.

Tell us about your experience working at Avanade.

I am a Manager in Avanade Technical Advisory, Chicago, where I lead teams in cloud transformation strategy on Microsoft products. Our practice partners with clients to identify and prioritize digital investments that keep their organizations resilient, responsive and profitable. We bring together resources across Avanade’s solution areas to turn opportunities into outcomes for clients throughout their digital transformation journeys.

My time working for Avanade has been amazing! I would expect nothing less from a true industry leader in technology consulting. Access to Accenture and Microsoft resources and certifications has been an invaluable tool for my development in Technical Advisory. Avanade is filled with the most talented consultants in the business, and I learn from my team members every day. The people at this organization are welcoming, generous with their knowledge, and push me to deliver high quality for our clients. I know that Avanade will foster my growth as a leader, and I look forward to following the company’s mission to make a genuine human impact in the world.

Could you tell us a little about how you found out you were nominated for this award? Who nominated you, and what was it like to find out you’d been nominated?

I was nominated for this award by a former colleague and mentor; I was humbled and proud that she thought of me for a spot on Consulting Magazine's Rising Stars list. I joined Avanade in the summer of 2021 and the Avanade Advisory team endorsed me wholeheartedly in accepting this award and attending a dinner hosted by Consulting Magazine to celebrate. I met other winners at the ceremony, and everyone was grateful that we could finally attend a celebration in person. The event felt like an exciting start to a new chapter in my professional life and the room was full of energy from attendees supporting next generation of leaders in our field. This night was a highlight of my career that I will remember for years to come.

What does winning this award mean to you and your career?

I began my career in consulting because I didn't want to limit my time to one industry, job title, or tech stack – and I still don't! Consulting grants me constant opportunities for growth and sharpening my technical expertise, always with bright and passionate teams. My peers and mentors are second to none, and I work hard to be seen as a partner that my clients can trust. Especially after the personal and professional challenges that 2020 has brought to us all, this recognition affirms my passion for solving tough problems with optimism, collaboration and joy whenever possible. 

What is advice you have for a successful career in consulting?

Build a reputation as someone who "gets it done." Take action, fail often, and keep learning. Business is about people – lead with empathy and the success will follow.