At McKinsey, we take flexibility seriously, and our people have created all kinds of working models that meet their needs. Sophie’s story is unusual, though. When we caught up with her, she was in a van down by the river somewhere in New Jersey. Her van is the one in which she lives and works. Since she started on the longest road trip ever, she’s been to Louisiana, Colorado, California, and just about everywhere in between. She’s also changed roles—from engagement manager to internal specialist focused on client and colleague experience. Who better to work on experience than someone who figured out how to live and work in a van?
Can you tell me a little bit more about you and you living in a van?
I live and work in a van. Her name is Sage. I moved out of my apartment in New York more than a year ago. I didn’t see the point in paying rent, when most of the time I was on the road for work. For a while, I bounced around and staying with friends.
Then, of course, COVID-19 happened. Two months into the pandemic, I got tired of staying with my parents and started looking into the van. And I wasn’t the only one doing it! I was lucky to find one in Portland, Oregon that ended up being perfect. A 2011 Mercedes Diesel Sprinter—roomy, not too fancy, and something I could fix if it broke. Ever since, I’ve been living and working in it almost every day.
What’s it like in there? Can you describe it?
There’s more square footage than you’d think. I have a queen-sized bed in the back, which is raised with storage underneath. In the middle, I have a chair and desk—no way I could do this without a desk. And then there’s everything else I need tucked away here and there—a fridge, a microwave, and chargers for everything. It’s an office, bedroom, kitchen and getaway vehicle all in one. I love it.
How did you land at McKinsey?
I grew up between Ohio and Singapore. I went to West Point and served full-time in the US Army. I spent some time in Afghanistan as part of a pilot program for women in combat roles and served a three-star general in Korea. I ran marathons and owned a couple Cross-Fit gyms. Eventually, I found my way to business school, then joined McKinsey about three years ago.
I’d love to hear more about your experience in the U.S. Army.
While stationed in Afghanistan, I worked on a humanitarian mission by day, training the Afghan women’s police force and teaching Afghan farmers how to grow things other than poppy that would still enable them to make a living. At night, I went on raids to help detain suspected targets.
Typically, they only sent men on raids because most combat roles weren’t for women. That was a problem because a critical point of these missions was intelligence gathering. With an all-male team, they were missing more than 50% of the intel by ignoring women and children due to the local cultural norms. So, they asked for female volunteers, and I raised my hand. To me, it felt like the most direct way to have impact in the way that was most fulfilling to me. I got to really talk to people. I’d go into a room with 70 or 80 women and children who were understandably scared. It was my job to get to know them and gain their trust. Doing so, I got to know the culture, which was really beautiful and welcoming.
What’s it like living and working in a van?
Consultants are used to this concept of perpetual motion, right? That part feels natural. I usually pick a town with good reception and stay there for most of the week, living and working out of the van. Then, on the weekends, I get to be in these really incredible places like National Parks, Canyonlands or Crater Lake. Overall, I feel lucky to be able to see the country in such a weird time and safely seeing friends when possible.
Is it lonely?
To be honest, I love solo time. I have never been the person who is the most comfortable in the team room. I’ve had the space and time to learn a lot about myself. That being said, Sage is a magnet. Whenever I have the door open and I’m working, everyone comes over and asks questions. At least once a day, some stranger will yell out, “Nice office!” and we’ll share a chuckle. It turns out a lot of people have had the dream of living on the road and the concept of freedom is very alluring to people. I know I feel that way. I think of my old apartment in the city. This is so liberating in contrast, and I have everything I need.
You recently made a switch from engagement manager to an internal role?
Yes, I’m now working to better understand the experience colleagues and clients have during engagements. I’m still getting into it and I’m very excited. It feels really aligned to my personal purpose and the things I care about. We help codify resources, including for the stressors of remote working. It’s been really rewarding to work on colleague health and happiness at work.
Do you have advice for someone who may be interested in using Take Time, living and working unconventionally, or who may just be searching for better lifestyle balance?
When I was a candidate, I remember getting so lit up hearing consultants share stories about how they’d made their own McKinsey and used Take Time to do things like hike the Continental Divide or pen their father’s memoirs. I knew before I even joined McKinsey that I didn’t have to put my personal life on simmer for the sake of work. We’re so fortunate to have Take Time and the flexibility of working remotely.
For people evaluating their lifestyle, I recommend folks take a hundred steps back and think about what they truly care about in life, then find a way to make work fit around that. That way, you’re actively designing the life you want, as opposed to reacting to what other people want.
You said your life story is bouncing between extremes. So, what’s next?
I’m excited to keep driving and think I’m going south to chase the warmer weather. When I first started, there was no way I thought I’d do it for a full year. Now, I really can’t imagine stopping.