Kim Kotnik
, Senior AssociateWhy did you choose Booz Allen?
I knew I wanted to do international work for a reputable company. I had met people from Booz Allen while I was getting my M.B.A., and they impressed me very much. They introduced me to other Booz Allen employees and helped me get my foot in the door.
Why have you chosen to stay at Booz Allen?
I’ve stayed because of the people. Here, I have the best colleagues in the world—really smart, motivated, high-integrity people able to help me meet my professional challenges, resolve problems, and think about new ideas. I’ve also stayed because of the unique opportunities to do meaningful work that makes a difference for people worldwide. Finally, Booz Allen’s integrity and reputation are very important to me. In recent years, there have been so many examples of scandal and a lack of professional ethics in other companies. It’s great to be part of a firm that stands for and does the right things for the right reasons.
What type of work do you do at Booz Allen?
I do management consulting in economic development, primarily with public and private sector organizations in emerging markets in Africa, Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, and Latin America. We help these governments modernize their operations in line with international best practices to better serve their citizens. We also help private sector companies to strengthen their businesses and create jobs by identifying new customers, improving their products and services, and in many cases, exporting products for the first time or expanding to new
international markets.
For example, we worked on a 4-year competitiveness program in Macedonia, where we helped the tourism industry grow, and we also helped launch a new digital media and film production industry in the country. Several new companies secured outsourcing contracts with major Hollywood film studios for the first time. It was great to be a part of creating new opportunities for talented Macedonians to work in a growing international field.
What excites you about your work?
What excites me most is the ability to make a difference, to share my knowledge, and to learn all the time as a result of facing unique challenges in different countries and cultures. My work never becomes routine.
Do you have a mentor at Booz Allen?
I have two mentors now, and over the years have had many. The first is the Officer in charge of the diplomacy and international development business. He’s a strong leader known for his integrity, long-term impact in our field, choosing battles appropriately, and supporting others.
My second mentor is a Principal on a different team, working in a different business area. I asked her to be my mentor because not only is she very successful at Booz Allen but also she has a full and happy personal life and balances the two very well. In both cases, my mentors are excellent examples of how you can be very successful in the company, make a difference, and still have a rewarding personal life.
What differentiates Booz Allen from other companies that you could work for—what makes Booz Allen special?
For me, Booz Allen offers the right balance between hard work and professional challenges, and a culture that supports personal and professional success. I want to make a difference, and I also want a career that is sustainable. Booz Allen is the right place where I can pursue my career goals and be challenged over the long term.
How has Booz Allen helped you be ready for what’s next in your career?
The whole environment here is structured around helping people achieve their career goals. The assessment structure is very clear, and we are encouraged to have mentors and to participate in continuing education and training. The culture here is about continuous improvement, and the company provides very tangible support for that process.
How does the work you do help your clients be ready for what’s next? How has your and your team’s work made an impact for your clients?
A big part of my job is knowing what is happening in the world, following trends in particular industries, and knowing how events are coming together nationally and internationally. This trains me to think about the future and in turn allows me to help our clients be prepared for the future. I am also able to share my expertise and experience across countries and cultures as I see what works in different situations. As I follow the progression of events and new standards in various fields (e.g., public procurement, tourism, agriculture, and economic development), I can apply the experience and lessons learned of more developed countries to the emerging markets where
we work.
Can you talk about a time when you saw one or more of our Core Values displayed?
I see teamwork displayed everywhere, all the time. There’s a saying at Booz Allen: “Always ask for help if you need it, and if anyone ever asks you for help, your answer better be yes.” When I first joined the firm, I was working on an infrastructure project in Rwanda. Although I had relevant academic training, it was not enough given the unique conditions that resulted from the Rwandan genocide some years earlier. While I was in Kigali, a number of more experienced colleagues stayed in touch with me and were available 24/7 to answer questions, brainstorm, and talk through the hardest parts of the work.
Entrepreneurship is another Core Value I see daily. Booz Allen is definitely a company where you are encouraged to chart your own course. When I first joined the firm, I went in to talk to my boss and asked what he wanted me to do. He said, “Your job is to contribute however you think you can best contribute.” Booz Allen culture really rewards entrepreneurial spirit. I encourage my staff to chart their own paths in the same way that my bosses have encouraged and supported me.
