Tahia shares how the firm’s culture of inclusivity and support developed her strong sense of belonging and powered her growth through several roles to director of North America client finance.
When I joined McKinsey nearly 20 years ago, the firm was my second employer after graduating college. I was looking for a place where I could expand my knowledge and experience and try to find a home.
At McKinsey, I found that home. So much so, after four years away, I didn’t hesitate to accept an offer to return to the firm. McKinsey is a place that stays with you. It’s not often you find an environment where you are valued as an individual regardless of your role, one where you are expected to grow and contribute to the greater good. So, when I got the call, although I was quite happy where I was, if the firm needed me, I was going back.
What do you think has most contributed to your career growth at McKinsey?
Outside of my initial interview and 2011 interview, I have not applied to a specific role within the firm. All the roles I’ve had did not exist before me, so my growth has been because of opportunity, drive, and commitment versus applying for an open role and getting it.
Also, I’ve worked alongside leaders who felt comfortable with me sitting at the table – not outside of the room. They welcomed my ideas and thoughts, recognized my expertise, and trusted my judgment. As an accountant I was invited into conversations with senior colleagues because they valued my insight and problem-solving skills. That can be intimidating, but it enabled me to contribute and have a real impact. There aren’t many organizations in which you can exist on equal footing with anyone in the firm.
Growth is encouraged and supported. In some workplaces, you’re an Accountant I for two years and can only become an Accountant II if the existing Accountant II leaves. It’s different here. You can explore your interests and other parts of the firm and grow into different roles started.
Does the support extend beyond the job?
The murder of George Floyd shook people to the core and brought everything to the forefront. I never felt so supported as I did here. I remember distinctly when it had just happened, team members reached out to me and sent quick emails to say, “If you ever want to talk, let me know” or “I see you and support you,” which was wonderful to hear.
Then McKinsey announced the 10 Actions, a commitment to combat racism, and there’s real movement. It’s not lip service. The firm created opportunities for employees to listen to one other and share how we are being affected. I participated in a couple of town halls to share my experience. People cared. I could see the emotion on their faces. The firm decided this wasn’t a situation where people were going to come to work and act as if the world was not happening around them. We were going to talk and listen, and I will forever appreciate McKinsey for doing that. Given the events of this year alone, we’ve seen and experienced a great deal empathy at the firm. Everyone is supporting everybody at this point.
What does your team do at McKinsey?
Our team, Client Finance, consists of colleagues ranging in tenure from six months to 20+ years. We manage the firm’s economics from the moment a partner engages a client at proposal up until when the financials have run their course, and work with partners on budgeting, tracking, reporting, and more. We are advisors. We are the first point of contact in many ways to our partners if they have any questions around engagement economics. We wear many hats.
My focus is around operations, processes, overall customer service, and understanding the big picture – which is why I think I found success here. I’m untraditional in the sense that I never wanted to be a CPA, and if you told me I had to audit, I might scream. My role allows me to showcase my accounting knowledge and strengths in those other areas.
How would you describe the Tampa office?
It’s vibrant, fun, and collaborative. We all see each other, and we pull together. For example, when we had to evacuate during Hurricane Irma, we stayed in contact, supported one another, and made sure everyone made their way home safely. It’s something you don’t always expect from your employer or coworkers, but we have each other’s backs.
Beyond that, the Tampa office has gone from a few hundred people to a robust mini city of firm colleagues. We had one person in Tampa in Finance in 2011, and we now have more than 75. There’s tremendous growth happening, and I’m excited to be part of it.
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More about Tahia
Tahia has been married for 22 years and has two daughters, one who is 21 and currently charting her own career path, and one who is seventeen and a senior in high school. Tahia is a member of the McKinsey Black Network and Equal at McKinsey, McKinsey’s global LGBTQ+ affinity network. She has recently picked up gardening and participating in virtual bake off and trivia competitions with her team while they are working remotely.