Navigating uncharted terrain: A journey of learning and self-discovery

After completing my engineering and working as a software engineer for three years, I joined an MBA program at a reputed B-school in Mumbai. Consulting was not on the cards until then but when I started practicing case studies for Consulting interviews, I realized that I am good at breaking down complex problems into a structured matrix. Solving those problems instilled a great sense of joy and there began my journey at Consulting, more specifically, at Deloitte.

Taking up a new challenge

When I appeared for Deloitte’s interviews, I was captivated by the commitment to excellence and the breadth of opportunities available to me. The interviewers reflected Deloitte’s values of curiosity and collaboration, and this experience sealed my decision to join the organization. However, M&A felt like the most challenging vertical to me, as I didn’t have relevant experience. I had only worked on digital strategy and transformation projects till then. However, I mentioned at the end of my interview that I would be happy to explore new avenues and M&A is where the interviewers felt I’d add value. I am glad they chose me and I couldn’t be more thrilled to take on a new challenge!

I began my journey at Deloitte in 2019 as a Consultant in the Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) practice. The first two years at M&A were tough. As I was getting used to M&A Consulting, I extensively honed my core consulting skills, either through learning from peers on the project or through training materials. I realized that the organization really has an open-door policy for everyone, and anybody will help you if you only ask.

Growth with diverse projects

Over the last six years, I have been a part of M&A projects spanning across various industries: Energy, Resources, & Industrials (ER&I), Financial Services Industry (FSI), Consumer, Technology, Media, and Telecom (TMT), and Life Sciences & Health Care (LSHC). As a consultant, I picked up a wide spectrum of projects from inorganic strategy, target screening, and due diligence (operational, commercial and IT) on the pre-deal side to Day 1 readiness, cutover planning, and execution on the post-deal world. As I grew to lead teams as a manager, I sharpened my focus to IT integrations and divestitures for TMT and Private Equity clients. Each role equipped me with different skills and insights, and with the organization’s focus on continuous learning and development, I continue to grow holistically in my profession.

Recently, when a new hire asked me, “What made you stay for six years?” I realized how far I’ve come. The answer was simple: my job allows me to help a multitude of organizations, each project poses a different challenge which keeps the work exciting, and I can see the impact I create when we stand up an organization in record time during a divestiture or when we deliver a successful Day 1 at the close of an integration deal. But the most important reason that never made me look back is the people around me. I cherish my colleagues and leaders, from whom I learn something new each day, and who inspire me to bring my best self to work. I have loved the freedom of navigating my network and charting my own career path here.

During these years, travelling onsite and working closely with client stakeholders in different time zones has been a transformative and enriching experience. This firsthand interaction enhanced my ability to deliver tailored solutions and build strong, trust-based relationships. The exposure to diverse perspectives and dynamic environments significantly enhanced my strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

Surmounting personal odds

There have been several instances in the past six years when personal challenges seemed overwhelming. I was able to navigate those due to Deloitte’s benefit programs for its employees and the support of my colleagues.

During the pandemic, the available mental health counselling sessions helped me clear my mind. In another instance, the voluntary increase on the medical insurance policy helped me during my mother’s kidney transplant. When my family needed me or when I had to focus on myself, I am grateful that I did not have to worry.

Well-being mantras

I have always been passionate about fitness and well-being. I believe that I can give my best to challenging work commitments only if I prioritize my overall health in the long run. I have stood by these mantras:

1. Pick your favorite movement: You are more likely to stick to your fitness regime if you enjoy it. For me, variety is the spice of life, so I enjoy dancing, yoga, cross-fit, running and cycling, along with a few other sports.
2. Set short-term goals: Short-term goals give you a sense of accomplishment when you achieve them. I picked up a goal of running a full marathon around mid-2023, and since then I have completed 10K, half marathon, 25K and a full marathon across four major cities in India.
3. Inculcate healthy lifestyle: Taking small steps in the right direction is better than perfect planning. So, start small—take five-minute walks between deep working sessions, get some steps when screen sharing is not required, work while standing for a few hours in the day and focus on eating non-processed, balanced meals.

One of the most enriching aspects of my well-being journey has been the art of planning and taking time off to recharge. By meticulously organizing my trips months in advance, I ensure that I make the most of my PTOs, allowing myself to rejuvenate between projects or during quieter periods. My passion for travel has taken me to more than 20 countries and across 20 states in India, where I immerse myself in outdoor adventures and adrenaline-pumping activities. From skydiving over the vibrant landscapes of Las Vegas to scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of Tarkarli, from snorkeling in Egypt’s Red Sea to bungee jumping and water rafting in Rishikesh, and from hiking the majestic canyons in the US to trekking through the serene trails of Himachal, each experience has been a testament to the transformative power of travel.

Traveling not only broadens my horizons but also fosters empathy as I learn about diverse cultures. It sharpens my decision-making skills and allows me to live countless lives in one. Some of my most unforgettable moments include exploring the ancient inscriptions inside Egypt's pyramids, witnessing the raw beauty of Iceland's landscapes, feeling the echoes of history in Rome's Colosseum, floating effortlessly in Jordan's Dead Sea, and savoring pasta by the canals of Venice. Each journey is a story of discovery, adventure, and personal growth.

At work, I have also had the opportunity to contribute to several initiatives over the years that align with my values and allow me to make a meaningful impact. One of these, the Internship program, is particularly close to my heart. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the two-month program for the incoming batch of interns, curating the training and mentorship experience, introducing them to Deloitte’s culture, and helping pick some of the best minds as our full-time peers.

Working alongside passionate leaders and witnessing my work make an impact has instilled a sense of purpose in me. After six years with the organization, I look forward to many more opportunities at Deloitte.

Dhriti Trivedi is a Manager with the Mergers & Acquisitions practice at Deloitte Consulting India Private Limited. With a career spanning over six years in the organization, she has worked across the M&A lifecycle (pre and post-deal) as well as across various industries, including Technology, Media & Telecom (TMT) and Life Sciences & Healthcare (LSHC). Passionate about technology, she is dedicated to solving complex M&A IT problems.

The views expressed here are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers or any organization with which she is associated.