Influential Woman · Management Consulting
Beth Montag-Schmaltz
Founder, 17 Percent, LLC
Seattle, WA 98116
Her Story
About Beth
Beth Montag-Schmaltz is a seasoned transformation advisor, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader with more than three decades of experience helping organizations navigate complex change. Based in Seattle, Washington, she is the founder of 17 Percent, LLC, a boutique advisory firm dedicated to maximizing the value of business transformation by focusing on the human side of change. Her work centers on helping organizations successfully adopt emerging technologies, including Generative AI, by aligning leadership, cultivating behavioral change, and ensuring that people—not just technology—drive sustainable business outcomes. A dynamic speaker and educator, Beth also shares her expertise with executive audiences and professional development programs focused on organizational transformation and leadership.
Prior to launching 17 Percent, Beth founded 71 & Change, a highly respected change management consultancy inspired by the power of collaboration. Under her leadership, the firm grew to approximately 50 professionals before being acquired by West Monroe in 2022. She subsequently served as Senior Partner in the firm's Transformation Enablement practice, where she advised organizations on large-scale digital, data, and AI transformations. Throughout her career, Beth has remained an influential voice in the change management profession, serving on the global board of the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) and establishing its first U.S. chapter in the Pacific Northwest. She has also contributed as an instructor and subject matter expert for the Chief Data Officer (CDOIQ) Certificate Program, teaching leaders how to successfully integrate AI with organizational change strategies.
Beyond consulting, Beth is deeply committed to creating lasting social impact through nonprofit leadership and community engagement. Having been adopted as an infant, she brings a personal passion to her role as a Board Member of the Gift of Adoption Fund, where she advocates for expanding adoption opportunities for families and children. She is also actively involved with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, championing mentorship and community development. Guided by the belief that "technology creates potential, but people create value," Beth has built her career around empathy, collaboration, and purposeful leadership. Her philosophy—that lasting transformation occurs when people are equipped, supported, and inspired—continues to shape both her advisory work and her commitment to strengthening organizations and communities alike.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Beth
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to collaboration and the opportunity to work alongside talented, intelligent people whom I genuinely care about. I've learned that meaningful achievements are rarely the result of one person's efforts—they come from strong teams working toward a shared goal. While individual contributions matter, I believe true success is built on trust, collaboration, and the collective strengths of the team.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is captured in a quote that has stayed with me: "What if I fail? Oh, honey, but what if you fly?" It reminds me not to let fear of failure hold me back from pursuing new opportunities or taking calculated risks. Some of the greatest growth comes from stepping outside of my comfort zone, believing in my potential, and having the courage to see what I'm truly capable of achieving.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be bold and courageous. Don't be afraid to take risks or leap into opportunities that challenge you, even if they feel uncertain. Growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, believing in your abilities, and trusting that every experience—whether it leads to success or valuable lessons—will help shape your career.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally, are humanity and empathy. I believe that treating people with kindness, respect, and compassion creates stronger relationships and better outcomes. No matter the role or situation, I strive to lead with empathy, listen with understanding, and never lose sight of the human side of every interaction.
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