Denise van Wijk is a principal in our Retail and Consumer Goods practice and works closely with various retailers to improve their merchandising processes. This includes optimizing assortments, as she recently has done for the Finnish supermarket chain S Group. In addition to her passion for retail, she is one of the female role models within our firm, having served as the global lead of Women of Oliver Wyman. “We not only want to attract exceptional women, but also support their development so they can reach their full potential."
What is Women of Oliver Wyman (WOW) and what was your role?
Women of Oliver Wyman (WOW) promotes, supports, and empowers women within the firm. With a diverse range of events, training sessions, and mentoring programs, we aim to build a community and strive to improve gender diversity within our organization.
From 2020 to 2023, I served as the Global Lead of WOW. I embraced this role with great enthusiasm because I believe in equal opportunities for all our colleagues. My responsibilities included implementing a global gender equality strategy and introducing practical initiatives, such as providing feminine care products, to foster a more inclusive work environment.
What I valued most were the personal conversations I had with colleagues from all levels, ranging from junior to senior. I drew a lot of energy from better understanding the challenges faced by my colleagues, helping them navigate within the organization, and implementing structural improvements wherever possible to make Oliver Wyman a more inclusive employer.
Do you see the same challenges for women in consulting as a few years ago?
Personally, some of the challenges I faced at the beginning of my career, such as the limited number of women in the industry, project teams, and instances of non-inclusive behavior from managers, have largely diminished.
However, I believe that, despite the increase in female role models and various initiatives, the consulting industry still faces challenges. These challenges include representing women at senior levels and retaining them in the later stages of their careers. This continues to be a priority for us, as witnessing women who have successfully navigated the 'consulting journey' and attained leadership positions is a source of inspiration.
Clear guidance and a better work-life balance can help, but everyone’s story is different; therefore, the support someone needs to excel in the workplace varies. To ensure a diverse work environment, we offer flexibility for all colleagues to shape their own paths. This flexibility can include a preference for local projects rather than international assignments, which allows individuals to be home more often. It also encompasses flexible arrangements for young parents or the option to take leave to travel. This flexible and human approach distinguishes Oliver Wyman for me and has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in consulting?
When you start as a consultant, no two days are the same, and you learn something new every day. For me, working in consulting was a fantastic way to get acquainted with various sectors and subject areas in a short amount of time. Although the first few months as a new consultant can be busy, it’s important to make time to get to know your colleagues better and network. A network and support system are essential as a consultant, so you can’t start too early.
That steep learning curve, combined with fun, willing colleagues, creates a valuable experience that will benefit you throughout your career, whether in consulting or beyond.
Our special buddy program pairs female candidates with an Oliver Wyman consultant who guides and supports them during the application process. This includes assisting them with practice case interviews and casual coffee chats. We provide opportunities for candidates to ask questions, ensuring they are fully prepared for their interviews.
Would you like to know more about our career opportunities? Check out our careers page or contact us at recruitment.netherlands@oliverwyman.com.