Once upon a time there was a…

Strategic leader, Dara Villanueva, who cared about connection, and guiding executives through choppy waters, all while protecting the soul of its people. She felt frustrated, allowed to focus only on tactical work in an uncreative environment that kept strategy separate from doing the work for real lives. 

Until one day, the Chief People Officer of Unify called her, remembering her from a leadership workshop, and told her that Unify was seeking a generous, courageous People Leader like Dara.  Dara took the plunge, leaving a 27-year stretch in healthcare to fortify a People department in the tech consulting world, leveraging her skills in a new space. She refreshed, realigned, and reimagined People processes from health and safety, to wellness and policies to vendor relations to a refined experience for new hires.  And because of that, when it came time to mandate proof of vaccination from employees—a first for Unify—she integrated the buy-in, inclusion, and roll out, so everything went smoothly for our consultants and clients. 

Until finally, Dara was promoted to Senior Director of People Operations, recognizing how much she accomplished in less than two years while navigating the pandemic and national expansion demands. And ever since that day, Dara touches all People strategy and programs that create a welcoming experience for all Unifiers that keeps its soul as it scales. 

Once upon a time there was a…

Data Analysis and Visualization (DAV) consultant named Laura who wasn’t getting to do the consulting work she wanted because it was always sent offshore.  And every day, she was told to “just climb the ladder,” even though that path would take her even farther away from the exciting challenges she craved from hands-on work. Until one day, she researched the firm Unify Consulting, a place where she could have everything she wanted at once—touching different tech, expanding her skills, and charting her leadership path all while consulting face-to-face. 

As a Unifier, Laura dove into the deep-end of technical delivery, establishing herself as a Power BI expert and earning a Master’s in Data Science. She was asked by her client to bring more “Lauras” and through screening and onboarding consultants, she found she also had a knack for building strong teams. Laura parlayed her team-building skills with her technical chops to become a Practice Manger for the Unify DAV community and a SME on competitive proposals. 

When the Practice Director position opened, Laura confidently stepped into it, launching an inclusive vision for her community that paired diversity of data with diversity of perspectives. And ever since that day, Laura continues to travel all her paths simultaneously, shaping her consulting community, exploring cutting–edge DAV techniques, all while delivering meaningful work to her happy clients every day.

Once upon a time there was a…

Team of Unify executives who made a commitment to build a solid foundation for equity within Unify and for its clients.  And every day, they sought to incorporate DEIB efforts into all areas of the firm, yet they knew such work deserved an experienced leader. 

Until one day, the executive team committed to bring aboard a dedicated DEIB leader, Cat Cuevas, who would use her candor and wisdom to shape Unify’s national equity and inclusion priorities. Cat evaluated internal processes and experiences to uncover what mattered for evolving the firm’s approach to inclusion.   She collaborated across teams to architect an ambitious strategy and roadmap that would deliver purposeful, lasting results that could scale. And because of that, teams across Unify began to incorporate DEIB standards and best practices into hiring, learning, and systems while leaders made plans to incorporate DEIB metrics into their decision-making and consulting approaches.  

Until finally, Unify consultants felt a new level of action-oriented authentic conversations about the future of work, all with Cat’s unwavering advocacy for their Employee Resource Groups, DEIB workshops, and more. And ever since that day, Unifiers, and clients who work with Cat, are more empowered to practice anti-racism, gender justice, and belonging to co-create thriving equitable communities.  

Once upon a time there was a…

Community-builder named Yikhwan who loved creating experiences for college students seeking a sense of belonging. He felt his meaningful work become more repetitive and inflexible.   

Until one day, he realized that to put himself on a more energetic trajectory, he’d have to enter a field that was dynamic and still aligned to his values.  When he saw the opportunity to be a community-builder and events leader at Unify, he dove in.  When he saw the opportunity to be a community-builder and events leader at Unify, he dove in.  He began fortifying community networks for every location across Unify with an eye toward authentic employee retention. He started enhancing his communications and design skills to reflect the inclusive experiences he was creating in person, so any Unifier anywhere could feel part of the whole.  

Until finally, Yikhwan presented a Unified + Unique community building approach to leaders across the firm, getting accolades for how scalable, creative, and collaborative it was. Yikhwan keeps leveraging his curiosity and generosity to energize connections big and small across Unify. 

Once upon a time there was a…

A recruiter named Jillian treading in a comfortable routine for 12 years, unnoticed on purpose, and uninspired at work.  She wanted to feel “warm fuzzies” about her workplace but was scared to leave her comfort zone for something more challenging—and even more afraid of her imposter syndrome.

Until one day, a recruiter from Unify Consulting, Carly, found Jillian and told her about Unify’s culture of taking leaps and having breakthroughs with supportive teams alongside.  Despite being a risk-averse person, anxious about being front and center, Jillian jumped and became the third hire—and first recruiter—on the brand-new Unify team in Chicago. Jillian was surprised when so many executives—especially female leaders—across the firm mentored her, encouraging her to keep experimenting and introducing talented consultants to a new way of delivering with purpose all while being herself. Even though she was tasked with building a new market, during a pandemic, with a toddler in tow, she got comfortable being uncomfortable in her leadership and made exponential headway.  

Until finally, Jillian recruited dozens of Unifiers to the Chicago team and is now a Talent Acquisition Director and graduate of the Unify Leadership Immersion Program. And ever since that day, Jillian knows there is no limit to what she can do with her skills, support network, and all the warm fuzzies she could wish for. 

Once upon a time there was a…

Consultant named Aimee who was feeling unfilled working “just a job” at her old firm and wanted to work in a supportive community that would grow with her. She wondered if there was a firm she could help shape, that also let her explore career paths, and find a sweet spot for her people and tech skills. 

Until one day, a Unify recruiter invited her to coffee and Aimee shared what she’d been missing and what she dreamed her next firm could feel like.  Aimee joined Unify and within 90 days, while consulting on the side, she established a Community Events team, leading the charge for firmwide celebrations and connection with colleagues and clients. She repeated her success and established Unify’s philanthropy team, so the firm sponsored the nonprofits Unifiers love.  

When Aimee started her family, she was able to rally Unify leaders to approve yet another form of support for Unifiers, inclusive parental leave.  Aimee was able to take time off to bond with her baby, knowing all her good work was in steady hands scaling nationally.  And ever since that day, Aimee knows no matter how her life changes or what she’s curious about, she can help shape Unify to grow with her. 

Once upon a time there was a…

Consultant named Kevin who believed that building a business and taking care of his team could co-exist in harmony. He advocated for his team, saying how putting people first is more than a phrase posted on a wall, but the guide for how leaders show up. 

Until one day, he was reprimanded by his firm for having a candid, collaborative conversation with a client about a misunderstanding rather than ignoring it and letting harm come to his team.  When an old colleague from his firm invited him to meet a few values-centered consultants from a firm called Unify, he took the call. Kevin left his old firm behind and came to Unify to launch a new technology team with a cohesive, collaborative heart. His team immediately landed a multi-million dollar, high-stakes project with solid camaraderie between his client and consultants. 

Until finally, Kevin won the Best Supporting Unifier award and his team won most successful, cross-functional project of that year.  Kevin keeps sparking meaningful conversations, fearlessly putting people ahead of profit, and working in harmony with his values.