Employee Spotlight – Adair Bramlett

January 11, 2022

What does a typical day in the life of a Lead Consultant look like?

Part of the reason I enjoy consulting is that no day is exactly the same. A “typical” day, however, consists of morning syncs, emails, a few meetings to drive clarity or consensus on projects, and then head down work on projects. Many of the projects I have been working on lately deal with operations management and organizational maturity. It feels good to know you are making a meaningful and lasting impact in the organization.

What three skills do you think are essential to fulfil your role?

Collaboration- In order to have new processes or ideas stick within an organization, it is critical to bring all stakeholders in from the start. They can tell you whether your project ideas are too theoretical and how they can be more practical or point out any potential roadblocks.

Strategic Thinking- I try not to give quick fix solutions to the problems my clients are facing. I find it more important to take a step back and think strategically about how the overarching process can be redesigned with increased efficiency and communication and how inserting clear roles and responsibilities affect the outputs of a process.

Communication- Communication is a skill at the foundation of every good consultant. Its critical to ask thoughtful questions and give clear and concise recommendations to clients but also to ensure that internal communication amongst team members is sound when delegating tasks and collaborating on projects. We create better products when everyone clearly understands their role in getting to the end goal.

What do you like best about working at WBD?

The best part of working at WBD is getting work on business development and seeing firsthand how the company has grown over my 3 years here. At a smaller firm, I have gotten exposure to areas of the company that would take years to be involved in at a larger firm.

How do you think current teleworking will impact the future of work?

Teleworking normalized using collaboration tools and screen sharing during meetings. I think it’s made it easier to present work and get immediate feedback so I hope that is here to stay.

Share an example of when you saw a WBD core value embodied.

I was impressed when Kevin sought out the work we are doing in Kansas City. We weren’t in the State and Local environment before that, so it showed his entrepreneurial spirit to find it, go after it, and lead us to a successful bid.

What’s been you most memorable moment at WBD so far?

This isn’t one moment, but I always enjoy the company events and getting to know newer members of the team. I can truly say that my coworkers have become great friends so I’m thankful that WBD attracts smart, engaging and thoughtful employees.

What motivates you?

I’m motivated by leaving organizations and people better than I’ve found them.

What do you do outside of work?

I love hiking and being in nature. I think sometimes I’m caught up worrying about the past or the future. Hiking always brings me back to the present and reminds me of how I am a part of something so much bigger.

What advice do you have for new WBD employees?

Be a self-starter. You are your own best advocate. If you want something, go for it or try something new.