Freya Adams, Director at PwC, embodies the spirit of excellence. Her dedication and commitment to her clients are evident in her consistent track record of success.
Freya has demonstrated continued excellence, determination and fantastic client outcomes over multiple years. She has developed her skills to be a rounded, mature and hugely valued consultant which is why she has earned a spot as a finalist in the Chartered Management Consultancy of the Year category at the MCA Awards 2024, having been nominated by her firm.
But Freya’s story goes beyond just delivering results. It’s a story of continuous learning, self-reflection, and a deep desire to raise the bar on every project she works on.
Freya’s pursuit of Chartered Management Consultant (ChMC) status wasn’t solely about achieving the accreditation for herself. She highlights the importance upholding high standards, saying:
I was really excited as it was about raising the bar in the industry and demonstrating that level of quality and competence. I cannot emphasise enough the value this accreditation brings to clients, providing them with a ‘mark of quality of ethics and experience.
The ChMC journey wasn’t just about achieving a title – it was also a catalyst for growth.
Freya explains how the competency framework allowed her to identify areas for development and build a well-rounded skillset, saying:
The scope of the competency framework is extensive, allowing for targeted development across various sectors and skill sets. I can attribute my evolution into a well-rounded consultant to the guidance provided by this framework.
Freya’s ChMC designation has become a springboard for her future aspirations. She emphasises the increased credibility it provides with clients. She explains:
I believe I was among one of the first cohorts to be invited to achieve chartered status. As it grows in market presence, the accreditation increasingly adds credibility when interacting with clients. The ChMC framework is crucial in guiding career trajectories. Concentrating on specific industries and markets, understanding my work with clients, and using the framework continuously to define my objectives are all key. It has also helped me focus on my personal development goals, particularly in leadership and coaching.
Among the ChMC competencies, ethics and professional standards resonate most deeply with Freya. She emphasises the importance of staying true to one’s core principles, even in challenging situations. She says:
“My immediate thought is around values and behaviours. I have had a number of different experiences throughout my career which ultimately shape you and how you respond and react – but are difficult to navigate at the time. Often when that happens, you’re either being challenged or I feel like I’m being challenged because the values are out of line with my personal core values.”
Freya sees this not just as a personal tenet but as a crucial aspect of successful consulting: ” We’re not just here to do good work and solve important problems, we must be able to readily challenge and support our clients ”
A nomination for the MCA Awards 2024 ChMC of the Year award is a significant honour for Freya, but she acknowledges it reflects the efforts of many, saying:
I am honoured by this nomination, and it’s not solely a testament to my own efforts, but to the endeavours of my teams. It signifies acknowledgements for all our collective contributions. The influx of encouragement from former and current clients on my LinkedIn further highlights the teamwork intrinsic to this achievement.
As Freya reflects on her journey, the importance of continuous learning shines through, she says:
“I think it’s that strive towards continuous learning, having been Chartered or going through Chartership gives you that opportunity to reflect on kind of how far you’ve come.”
She strongly encourages others to pursue the ChMC designation, highlighting its impact on personal and professional development: She says:
“Do I think others should get the ChMC designation? Absolutely! It’s about raising the bar of quality, and most importantly, it’s about that personal development and being able to recognise your strengths.”
Freya’s story is a testament to the transformative power of the ChMC designation. It’s a journey of excellence, driven by a desire to not only succeed, but also elevate the entire consulting profession.
Her commitment to continuous learning, ethical practice, and collaborative teamwork serves as an inspiration to aspiring consultants everywhere.
Find out more about the Chartered Management Consultant Award.