In all major firms, there are many solid and great partners around. Unfortunately, I’ve seen them often struggle or failing to take the next step. Usually, the reason is unclear – for the partner.

Indeed, good intentions and solid work often don’t cut it. I know, because I’ve been there. Baffled by all the stuff my firm threw at me while I struggled to stay afloat.

Realistically, you have to learn how to tackle the true “musts”. It means stop wasting time and effort on stuff that’s not getting you any further. And become a better leader by finding someone who can help you chart and stay the course.

I’ve worked in consulting all my life, firstly, at Kearney, a strategy firm, where I made partner and practice leader.

Later, I became a managing partner at EY, looking after 1,100 people in one of the fastest-growing practices globally. And I wrote two books on post-merger integration, my career theme.

Now, I support partners to build standout practices and teams while having a life.