Alicia Pittman, BCG’s global people chair, brings forward-thinking ideas to leadership, emphasizing inclusion, innovation, and the transformative power of purpose-driven work. She also plays an integral role in BCG’s Consumer, Operations, and Organization practices. From her early days at the CIA to shaping people strategy at BCG, Alicia’s journey reflects a commitment to growth, adaptability, and the belief that strong teams and diverse perspectives drive exceptional outcomes.
I began my career as an analyst at the CIA. Walking into a career fair during college, where I was an African studies major, I had no idea that a chance encounter would lead to such a formative first job. The CIA booth wasn’t flashy—recruitment there was far from what you’d imagine for a high-stakes organization. But that moment led to a phone call, followed by an invitation to an interview with a cryptic “Julie” who would “find me” if needed. It all felt surreal, but it set the stage for an incredible experience.
In that work, there was a mantra drilled into me: understand what you know, what you don’t know, and what you think. That ability to have a point of view and recognize the limits of my knowledge became one of the most valuable tools I carried forward. My time there taught me the craft of analysis and how to thrive under pressure, often in high-stakes situations. It was an environment that demanded both precision and creativity.
BCG as a Purpose-Driven Community
I shifted to BCG in large part because of the firm’s purpose: to unlock the potential of those who advance the world. Achieving this shared purpose relies on teamwork and trust among everyone from analysts to leaders. That sense of collective accountability is something I’ve always valued.
When I started at the firm, I knew I would love the intellectual challenge of taking on some of the world’s biggest business problems. What I hadn’t been prepared for was just how much of the process would be about people. Partnering with clients quickly became one of the most rewarding parts of my career. It’s one thing to generate insights—it’s another to see them drive meaningful change. Helping clients achieve impact deepens the purpose behind every analysis, every recommendation, and every late-night brainstorming session.
Leading with Purpose and Entering the Era of AI
Some of my earliest leadership opportunities came through Women@BCG . Spearheading this network in North America gave me the chance to hone my leadership style in a space that felt safe and supportive. Those experiences taught me the importance of fostering environments where others can reach their full potential. And they underscored something fundamental about BCG: our greatest asset is our people.
Now, as global people chair, I have a front-row seat to the transformative potential of generative AI and what it can mean for BCGers. We call our internal AI efforts “Amplify Impact” because that’s exactly what this technology does. GenAI helps our teams work smarter, not harder—freeing up time to focus on creative problem-solving, collaboration, and delivering greater value for clients.
One of my favorite examples involves a new team member who joined a complex project with 40 contributors. Thanks to GenAI, she was able to quickly grasp the case’s context, identify connections across work streams, and deliver insights that impressed everyone in the room. Beyond the technical benefits, the confidence GenAI instilled in her was striking. It’s these moments—when technology enables people to bring their best selves to work—that excite me the most.
That said, responsible use of AI is paramount. As this technology rapidly evolves, we must ensure quality and integrity in our thinking. AI accelerates decision making, but thoughtful context, rigorous fact-checking, and ethical considerations remain essential.
Balancing Work and Life with Global Perspective
A global career has been one of the most enriching aspects of my journey at BCG. I’ve had the privilege of working in Paris, London, Sydney, China, Brazil, and beyond, gaining insights from diverse markets and cultures. My husband also has a globally focused career, and we share a love for travel that has shaped our family life. Our kids, now 10 and 13, have grown up seeing the world’s vastness and beauty, from Parisian streets to Rwandan landscapes.
At home, life revolves around soccer games and family walks. My daughter still enjoys walking with me, and I treasure those moments. They remind me that while professional milestones are meaningful, it’s the everyday connections with loved ones that ground us.
Advice to Future Leaders
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: purpose and people are at the heart of effective leadership. Ask yourself what drives you, how you can contribute uniquely to the world, and who you can bring along on your journey. The answers will guide you—whether you’re leading a team, advising a client, or navigating your own path.
At BCG, we often talk about the power of collective effort. It’s not just about individual brilliance—though there’s plenty of that here—it’s about what we can achieve together. And when we pair that ethos with a commitment to inclusion, innovation, and purpose, the possibilities can be endless.
