 |
Amit Gautam |
|
| Principal |
Practice: Operations
Education: Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay; MBA van Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) USA
Joined Booz & Company: September 2006
What is your background?
After university, I directly joined GE at its Global R&D centre in the aviation group. For the first four months, I attended an intense training in US with new hires from across the world. My responsibilities included high-end engineering analysis, 3D modelling, Fatigue and Crack simulation, for engine turbines and compressors. I also led several quality initiatives at the Global R&D centre in India, and acquired green belt in six-sigma. At GE, I enjoyed working in small multi-disciplinary teams on some of the 'coolest' aviation technologies.
I was also fascinated by business and project management aspects of large aerospace programs. Consequently, I decided to pursue MBA with focus on Operations and International management in US.
Why consulting?
Consulting provided me an opportunity to work on complex problems at leading global companies, while working with the best brains in the industry. It also complemented my desire to work with people from various backgrounds and the excitement of visiting new cities. Consulting has not only lived up to these expectations but also helped me to grow personally. High comfort level with uncertainty, and ability to think through complex issues are just some of the ways I have personally grown.
How diverse is Booz & Company?
Diversity is highly valued at Booz & Company and expressed in a very broad sense. Our Amsterdam office is one of the most international offices in Europe. We have people from 18 nationalities, and various professional backgrounds (writer, lawyer, and brand manager to name a few). At the risk of sounding pompous, I like giving myself as a shining example of diversity - grew up in India, educated in US, and working in The Netherlands.
Which project was your most interesting project and why?
Working on a challenging aerospace project in France in an international team (five nationalities in a team of seven) is the 'highlight' of my time at Booz & Company. I was responsible for developing cost restructuring roadmap for two key French plants. Interviewing people throughout the vertical hierarchy of the company - from VP to shop floor operators - was fascinating as it provided me a 360 view of the company culture. Despite my broken French, we managed to successfully conduct all interviews and presented a detailed restructuring roadmap to board members. I was delighted to see the press-mention of our project recommendations, and thankfully my French is now in a much better shape.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain biking and long distance running. On the 'softer' side, I like reading books on magical realism, and practice yoga & meditation.