Avery Schulz
VP of Strategy & Sustainability
Solugen
Avery's captivating journey is marked by pivotal moments and transformative experiences from consulting to the dynamic startup realm. Her narrative exudes resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication. Avery's commitment to empowering women, as evidenced by her co-creation of Soluwomen, reflects her drive to continue to create space for women to succeed in their careers. Furthermore, as a new mother navigating the delicate balance between parenthood and career, Avery candidly shares insights into her journey.
Career Path: Avery, with a background in strategic planning, finance, and sustainability, embarked on her professional journey in consulting, with notable stints at leading firms such as Bain & Co. Her decision to pursue an MBA stemmed from a desire to explore new horizons, leading her back to consulting before venturing into the dynamic world of startups. The transition to a startup, she notes, offered her the opportunity to apply her skills in a more operational capacity, echoing the adaptability and versatility often found in her career trajectory.
Empowering Women and Community Engagement: Raised in a close-knit family, Avery attributes much of her success to the supportive environment cultivated during her upbringing. Her dedication to empowering women, particularly in male-dominated industries, led her to help establish Soluwomen, a thriving community initiative entering its second year. Through Soluwomen, she aims to foster camaraderie and support among women professionals, drawing from her own experiences navigating challenging career paths.
Consulting Insights and Advice: Reflecting on her consulting background, Avery shares valuable insights for aspiring consultants. She emphasizes the intense yet enriching nature of consulting, where rapid learning and structured problem-solving are paramount. Stressing the importance of effective communication and data-driven storytelling, she advises aspiring consultants to prioritize workload effectively and maintain a keen eye on delivering impactful results to stakeholders.
Transition to Startups and International Experiences: Transitioning from corporate environments to startups, Avery underscores the dynamic nature of startup culture, where roles and responsibilities are in constant flux. Drawing from her own experiences living in Singapore and teaching entrepreneurship abroad, she speaks passionately about the growth and learning opportunities inherent in international experiences. Despite the inherent risks, she encourages embracing challenges as catalysts for personal and professional growth.
Balancing Parenthood and Professionalism: As a new mother navigating the delicate balance between parenthood and career, Avery shares candid insights into her journey. Supported by her company's robust parental leave policies, she highlights the importance of finding pockets of uninterrupted time for work while prioritizing self-care. She advocates for greater support and flexibility for parents in the workplace, underscoring the value of inclusive policies for both men and women.
Avery’s Advice: Avery encourages self-care and prioritizing personal time, she reminds us of the importance of nurturing one's well-being amidst the demands of professional life. With her unwavering commitment to empowerment and resilience, she exemplifies the transformative impact of embracing diverse career paths and experiences.
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