In the high-stakes world of consulting, credentials alone won’t cut it. Jun Roy, Certified Management Consultant and CEO of the Regenerative Transformation Institute, says success in the industry depends on more than your degree.
“Consulting is a competitive and demanding field—especially when starting out,” Roy told Financial Adviser. “You’re up against established local experts and global firms with strong reputations and huge resources.”
To stand out, Roy says aspiring consultants must develop four critical capabilities that go beyond what’s taught in school.
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Strategic Networking
In consulting, who you know can open doors to opportunities that skills alone may not.
“Relationships open doors for business opportunities,” Roy explained. “Building a strong network provides both visibility and opportunities for collaboration.”
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Thought Leadership
Consultants are expected to provide not just answers—but new ways of thinking.
“Clients need fresh perspectives and innovative ways of creating value and solving their business challenges,” Roy said. “For me, I’m trying to carve a niche in Sustainability Culture and Regenerative Transformation, areas that are still emerging in the Philippines. Thought leadership allows you to stand out and shape conversations that matter.”
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Business Acumen
Consultants must speak the language of business and understand the industry contexts of their clients.
“You need to understand the dynamics of how your clients’ industries and organizations work—including the trends and developments that shape your clients’ strategies and business directions,” Roy said.
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High Credibility and Reputation
In the long run, reputation is your strongest currency in consulting.
“Clients demand results—not just ordinary results, but something impactful in addressing their requirements,” he said. “Consulting thrives on repeat clients. Hence, your competence, credibility, and reliability as a consultant based on the quality and value of your work play a pivotal role in your success.”
To stay competitive, Roy commits to lifelong learning. “I look out for trends and developments affecting my consulting practice,” he said. “For example, when the new ISO IWA 48:2024—guidance on implementing ESG—came out, I deep-dived into learning extensively about the new standard.”
Roy also believes that learning can come from unexpected sources. “My mentee from Uganda introduced me to an important social issue on period poverty or menstrual justice, which I didn’t realize existed,” he shared.
His advice? Don’t just aim to be book-smart. Build your influence, credibility, and adaptability—because in consulting, that’s what gets you the call back.
