Tayana Smith, MBA, PMP

I attribute my success to resilience, a solid foundation of positive values, and the deliberate ability to tune out external negativity. This is best illustrated by the story of the tiny frogs racing up a mountain. As they climbed, the spectators kept shouting that the task was too difficult and that they would never make it. One by one, the frogs fell out—except for one who kept jumping until he reached the top. When asked how he did it, he removed his headphones; he had been deaf to the negativity the entire time. In life, you have to block out the discouragement and hold onto the positive things that have been spoken into you. This focus is especially critical when navigating systemic barriers.

The best career advice I have ever received is: "You can do anything for a year." Earlier in my career, I found myself in a highly frustrating role that felt like a poor fit. This advice shifted my perspective, helping me realize that even if a job is tough, you can choose to stick it out for at least a year, extract every ounce of learning and skill development you can from the experience, and use it as a stepping stone.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to commit to lifelong learning and never stop investing in yourself. Stay informed about emerging trends, understand where your industry is headed, and be willing to adapt as technology and business needs evolve. The pace of change is accelerating, and those who fail to grow risk being left behind. Embrace new skills, seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge, and remain curious throughout your career. By continuously learning and evolving, you will not only stay relevant but also position yourself to lead, innovate, and create lasting value in an ever-changing professional landscape.

One of the biggest challenges and greatest opportunities in the consulting industry today is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. AI is transforming the way organizations operate, enabling many tasks to be completed more efficiently by those who know how to use the technology effectively and ask the right questions. While this evolution may reduce the need for certain traditional roles, I see it as an opportunity to adapt rather than resist change. My focus is on embracing AI as a strategic tool, helping others understand how to leverage it responsibly while continuing to diversify my expertise and deliver the critical thinking, leadership, and personalized guidance that technology alone cannot replace.

Ethics is the foundation of everything I do, both professionally and personally. I believe true character is demonstrated by doing the right thing even when no one is watching. While none of us are perfect, I strive every day to act with integrity, make ethical decisions, and hold myself accountable for my actions. I also believe in fostering a culture of accountability and respect, encouraging those around me including my son, my colleagues, and my community to uphold these same principles. For me, success is not measured solely by accomplishments, but by consistently choosing what is right and leading by example.