Betting on Yourself: Balancing the Fab 5 and a Consulting Career

Emily Vose, technology executive and IBM Consulting Partner, takes us through her remarkable career journey from fine arts to consulting, showing how her early skills in visualization aligned perfectly with her passion for emerging technologies, data, and AI. She reflects on how her career initially felt accidental but became far more intentional in her 30s, once she realized she had more control than she thought. Betting on herself and learning from others became central themes in her success as a woman in consulting.

Emily opens up about the realities of balancing an ambitious career with family life, especially during a period when she had four young children, high daycare costs, and constant travel demands. She shares a pivotal moment when she and her partner decided to relocate to a more affordable area and sell their home, a move that felt risky but ultimately aligned with her long-term goals. For Emily, the key was sticking to her decisions until new information made change necessary which was a mindset she applied both professionally and personally.

Throughout her career, Emily navigated seasons of significant travel, including stretches when she was pregnant and away from home for long periods. She credits understanding colleagues and a flexible work schedule for helping her manage those challenges. Over time, she shifted toward shorter-term or local assignments, with most of her work focused in the public sector or federal space. These decisions allowed her to prioritize family without sacrificing career growth.

One of Emily’s most personal reflections came when she attended her youngest child’s kindergarten sing-along (after missing the previous four older children's) and saw another child looking for their parents and wondered if her older children cried that day. This moment reinforced the importance of predictability and consistency in showing up for her children and work commitments. She acknowledged that it’s impossible to be everywhere at once, but being dependable in the moments that matter builds grace and understanding with both family and colleagues. Karin and Emily also explored how mom guilt persists long after the early childhood years and how finding balance remains an ongoing process.

Emily also stressed the value of creating your own flow rather than following others. She urged listeners to set trends, speak up in meetings, and define their own measures of success instead of relying on external definitions. Her approach to leadership is grounded in authenticity, self-direction, and inclusivity and particularly her mission to democratize consulting language so that boardrooms become more welcoming and accessible to all.

Through candid stories, hard-won lessons, and practical advice, Emily offers a blueprint for anyone seeking to thrive in a demanding career while honoring personal priorities. Her insights remind us that success is not one-size-fits-all; it’s about making deliberate choices, trusting yourself, and leading with clarity and purpose.

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