DAY IN THE LIFE OF A YOUNG CONSULTANT | ZOE BRATTON

Associate Director

Grant Thornton

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in consulting, it’s this: change is the only constant. Every day brings something new, and that’s exactly what keeps me energised. At Grant Thornton, I lead our change management offer within the Transformation and People Advisory practice, guiding organisations through complex shifts, whether it’s cultural transformation, digital adoption, or large-scale restructuring.

Supporting, engaging, and preparing people for what’s next is at the heart of everything I do. My role is to drive large-scale change programmes and help clients navigate new ways of working, always with an experience-led, method-driven approach. The goal? Uncover sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.

What surprised me most about consulting is just how dynamic it is. No two days are ever the same. One moment I’m deep in strategy, the next I’m facilitating workshops. That constant variety keeps me learning, growing, and on my toes.

Over the past 18 months, I’ve had the privilege of leading a complex change management workstream for a large-scale finance transformation, this journey has been a standout moment in my career. From day one to go-live, I support clients through highs, lows, and everything in between. Experience has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, collaboration, and the true impact consulting can deliver. Watching my client’s Finance function evolve into a future-ready capability was deeply rewarding, and a powerful reminder of why I love this work.

Consulting can be intense, so staying energised is key. For me, it’s about creating balance in a world that rarely slows down. Setting clear boundaries is essential protecting time for rest and reflection ensures I can show up fully for my clients and my team. I try to plan downtime as intentionally as I plan meetings.

Creativity plays a huge role in my work. It’s not just about designing engaging presentations it’s about finding innovative ways to solve problems. Sometimes that means reimagining a process; other times, it’s about turning complex data into a story that resonates with stakeholders. Creativity is what transforms good solutions into great ones.

Technology is reshaping consulting, and AI is a big part of that evolution. I’ve used AI to automate data analysis and generate insights faster, freeing up time for strategic thinking and client engagement. It’s exciting to see how these tools enhance our ability to deliver value.

If you’re thinking about a career in consulting, here’s my advice: be curious, adaptable, and ready to embrace the unknown. Consulting will challenge you, stretch you, and reward you with experiences you’ll never forget. It’s not always easy, but if you love solving problems and making a difference, there’s no better place to be.