In the consulting world, there’s often an unspoken rule: Keep your personal life separate from your professional one. For over a decade as the founder of Precision Partners Consulting, I’ve heard this advice. “Be careful about what you share with clients about your personal life,” they say. “It can be seen as unprofessional.”

 

But I’ve come to question this conventional wisdom. My strategic approach, intelligence, problem-solving skills, and ability to stay calm under pressure didn’t materialize out of thin air. These traits weren’t born solely from my professional experiences, but from my life journey—including the good, the bad, the triumphant, and the challenging.

 

In my decade-plus of consulting, I’ve learned that authenticity isn’t a liability—it’s an asset. By bringing my whole self to my work, I create deeper connections with clients, promote more honest and productive relationships, and deliver results grounded in real-world understanding.

 

My approach may challenge the traditional notion of professional boundaries, but I’ve found it infinitely more rewarding and effective. Clients who see me as a whole person—with all my strengths, vulnerabilities, and unique experiences—are more likely to share their challenges and aspirations. This level of trust and openness is where true transformation begins.

 

Here’s why the true key to success in consulting is being your true self.

 

Roots of Resilience

 

My clients often comment on my grit and “never quit” attitude. But what you may not realize is that these qualities were forged in the crucible of a childhood trauma. I was four years old when I witnessed my grandmother (my primary caregiver) become a victim of gun violence during a robbery.

 

She defied every medical expectation to walk again. And her extraordinary journey of recovery defined the years that followed.

 

This lesson in perseverance became the cornerstone of who I am, personally and professionally. It has inspired the unwavering determination I bring to a client’s project. But it’s not just a professional skill—it’s a deeply ingrained part of my character. Something that was refined through years of watching my grandmother’s steadfast spirit.

 

Navigating Adversity: A Lifelong Education

 

It wasn’t just the one experience that defined me. Throughout my life, I’ve encountered countless instances of racism and sexism, both obvious and microaggressions.

 

These unfortunate experiences were educational as much as they were challenging. During my schooling, my talents were often underestimated and my achievements met with surprise. Many said my articulate speech was deemed noteworthy—as if it were unexpected.

 

Even professionally, I’ve faced moments of skepticism. For instance, I once was mistaken for maintenance staff while wearing a full business suit.

 

But these experiences haven’t diminished me. Instead, they’ve equipped me with invaluable skills that inform my consulting work. Thanks to these experiences, I’ve been able to:

 

• Quickly read a room
• Assess and understand diverse audiences
• Formulate messages for maximum impact and understanding
• Teach and connect with people from all walks of life
• Identify and cultivate hidden talents and strengths in others
• Empower and encourage those around me

 

These skills, entwined with my professional expertise, have devised the solutions consultant I am today. They allow me to navigate complex social dynamics, build rapport across cultural divides, and bring out the best in the teams I work with.

 

Personal Challenges, Professional Growth

Now I am experiencing one of the most significant challenges of my life as I support my father through his battle with cancer. This intensely personal journey teaches me new levels of compassion, patience, and the importance of maintaining hope in uncertainty. These lessons will inevitably saturate my work, emboldening me to be a more empathetic and resilient consultant.

 

The Whole Self Approach

 

All these experiences—from childhood trauma to ongoing personal challenges—are integral parts of who I am. They’ve shaped my worldview, honed my skills, and defined my approach to problem-solving.

 

I contemplate that if I were to compartmentalize and only present myself as a sanitized, purely “professional” version to clients, they would miss out on the very essence of what makes me effective.

 

You’re not just buying a service when you contract with a consulting firm, but partnering with people with multifaceted histories, unique perspectives, and diverse life experiences. Shouldn’t you want to know who they are? I believe the answer is yes, because that’s the only way to build honest trust and relationships that achieve meaningful results.

 

A Call for Human-Centered Consulting

 

The future of consulting lies in embracing our humanity—not hiding from it—as we move forward in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Our personal experiences, struggles, and triumphs are not distractions from our professional capabilities—they are the source of our most valuable insights and skills.

So, to my fellow consultants, I encourage you to bring your whole self to work. Share your stories, your lessons, and your unique perspective. And to those seeking consulting services, I encourage you to look beyond polished facades and seek partners with the courage to engage authentically.

 

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about strategies and solutions—it’s about people helping people. And that’s the only way I know how to do business.