I was looking for an environment that would allow me to grow and challenge me to learn new things.
What did you do before joining McKinsey?
I joined McKinsey in the Johannesburg office, before transferring to Berlin and eventually Brussels. Before that, I studied chemical engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand and then joined Sasol, a global petrochemical company with South African roots, as a process control engineer, commissioning engineer and then a sales and operational planner for three years.
What made you choose McKinsey?
My time at Sasol was super dynamic. Back then, I used to change roles almost every 12 months. After spending three years in three different roles, a trusted mentor suggested I consider consulting which, by nature, creates diverse work opportunities and gives a sense of constant change that I thrived in. I was looking for an environment that would allow me to grow and challenge me to learn new things.
In addition to pursuing McKinsey, I had been interviewing with other companies. I received an offer from another company, which I accepted. However, it wasn’t an ideal fit for me and I ultimately reached back out to McKinsey to see if my offer to still stood. Now that I have been with the firm for five years, what stands out about McKinsey versus other companies for me is, without a doubt, our warm, open culture.
How do you maintain a sensible work-life balance?
To me, balance has become more relevant over time—I enjoy a good sprint every once in a while. For me, balance is on the basis of indulgent rest when needed. I think I’m relatively well attuned to what my mind and body need at this point, so when a need for rest comes up I’ve learnt to ruthlessly prioritize myself over everything else. For example, I regularly check in with myself to see how I’m feeling and what my energy levels are. If I’m feeling depleted, I take time out to rest, recharge, and recover.
What has been your most memorable project?
Undoubtedly, a digital transformation in 2017 in which we reinvented customer experience for our B2B chemicals client. Our scope included reimagining customer journeys, building an online app for customers to place orders that was linked to the planning and ERP systems. Thanks to this connection it allowed for automatic order confirmations and building planning algorithms. I still reminisce about this project because of the meaningful client work we did and amazing people I met. For example, at the end of this six-month project, we organized a weekend event to celebrate together with the whole team. Three years later I still keep in touch with those colleagues who became my close friends.