WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO RETURN TO BCG?

The initial decision to leave BCG was a very difficult one, but I did it to pursue a passion – to form a startup. As one of the cofounders, my goal was to launch a new service and take a big leap. It was a one-of-a-kind journey to be able to experience something completely new and different, while bringing the skills and acumen I had gained during my first 11 or so years with BCG. I chose to return to BCG to join DigitalBCG in Japan in an HR/operations role. When I heard about the launch of a new digital organization, and from scratch, I felt that this kind of opportunity at BCG would be a priceless and exciting one, and a way to offer the experience I gained at the startup. I visited the BCG office as an alumna, met Yasushi Sasaki (now BCG Japan OA) and Yohei Takabe (node of DigitalBCG Japan) and a few principals who were initiating the project. Once I heard their vision and passion, I thought I need to “grab chance by the bangs,” a phrase we have in Japanese that essentially means not let an opportunity pass you by. It has been so thrilling to rejoin a firm that continues to experience such momentous change and growth.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY WITHIN BCG FROM WORKING ACROSS OPERATIONS KNOWLEDGE TEAM TO NOW WORKING FOR DIGITAL BCG?

I joined BCG back in 2006 as a researcher within our Knowledge Team. KT has become an incredibly strong and global team and I had the opportunity to work in many geographies with colleagues from all over the world. My teammates have worked in places like Germany, Italy, Australia, and India. I am so grateful that the managers for whom I worked in my years at BCG have also been teachers and mentors. A significant shift for me happened when I moved from a research-based role to an analyst role, where I was assigned to case-team work and collaborated very closely with our CT staff on client work.

HOW HAS YOUR OUTSIDE EXPERIENCE INFORMED THE WAY YOU WORK AT BCG TODAY?

Without my experience outside BCG, I might not have appreciated or enjoyed my role as much as I do. Having seen and experienced such different environments, I was even more impressed by the organizational structure of BCG upon my return. In addition, I was reminded of how special and unique a community we have at this firm. The senior leadership’s commitment to strengthening our business while also creating positive impact on the world is intrinsic to BCG. I am also reminded of and impressed by the incredible network of BST and KT support firmwide that continues to allow for positive momentum. BCG’s continued growth, in our people, our business ventures, and our new groundbreaking initiatives is incredibly motivating and continues to attract new (and returning) talent. My time away heightened my awareness of and appreciation for this incredibly special place.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING BACK AT BCG?

There are things about BCG that are seemingly simple on their own, but are remarkable together: the people with whom I work, the impact BCG has on our clients and on society, the passion so engrained in every team member, the extensive and global network, to name a few. There are few companies in the world that excel in all those things.

IS THERE ANY ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO ALUMNI, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO MAY BE CONSIDERING RETURNING?

As you know, BCG has a culture that welcomes people who are willing to take on challenges and make a positive impact on our work, our clients, and the world. As a firm, BCG is always evolving and bringing in wonderful new talent from different backgrounds and perspectives. I think there is such a unique perspective and approach one can bring as someone who gained outside world experience to bring back into the BCG world, only adding more depth and breadth to our culture. If you are wondering what BCG is doing now, please come and talk to us.