Not Your Typical Consultant – Wendy Joachim

So, let’s be real – the term “consultant” may generate some stereotypical ideas: often a linear educational path, followed by similar professional experiences, all culminating in a role at a firm. At FMP, we think our employees tend to defy those stereotypes. We don’t believe in formulaic career paths because our clients don’t seek formulaic solutions. We value the unique experiences, skills, and interests of each employee and we pride ourselves on fostering an environment where everyone can grow and thrive in their own way.

In the Not Your Typical Consultant Series, we’ll be showcasing some of our FMP employees and the fascinating paths that led them to us. From military backgrounds, to international adventures, to unique previous positions, our team has some captivating stories to share. For the second blog of this series, we chat with Wendy Joachim, Senior HR Business Partner, about her experiences as an FMP employee and how FMP’s flexibility has enabled her to fully leverage her skills and strengths.

1. What can you tell us about yourself and your experiences prior to joining FMP?
   • I’m not your typical consultant. I am military spouse with several domestic and international moves under my belt. All of them required dealing with constant ambiguity and changing priorities. A flexible attitude and the skills I learned transferred well to supporting the fast-paced HR needs at FMP.
2. How did your prior experience uniquely prepare you for consulting?
   • Life in a military family prepares you well for change and throws curveballs at record speed! Our family had years when domestic and overseas moves coincided with major family events such as weddings and babies. We learned to make careful and detailed plans, but to make them in pencil because they often shifted. My career path also required extreme flexibility, but I was fortunate to find fulfilling and often exciting roles in each location. While in Africa, these ranged from volunteer efforts with NGOs to the start-up of a government contractor procurement office. Regardless of the subject matter, I learned to ask questions, listen, adjust to my environment, and keep an open mind. These adaptability skills prepared me for a career with constantly changing deadlines and priorities, the very environment I found at FMP Consulting. I love being a part of FMP’s growth and find that same familiar excitement when we take on new work, develop new capability areas, and flex to meet the needs of our clients.
3. How has FMP allowed you to leverage your prior experiences?
   • My earlier work and life experiences taught me the value of asking good questions, reading my audience, and being flexible with constantly changing priorities. Consulting is an industry built on relationships and the need for adaptability, so it’s been a good fit!
4. How does working at FMP allow you to prioritize what matters most to you?
   • A part-time work arrangement with FMP has allowed me to give work my all, while at the same time manage a busy household.
5. What, in your opinion, makes FMP different from other consulting firms or workplaces?
   • FMP looks to hire the whole person, not just the skills that someone has to offer. In doing so, FMP has created a community of diverse talents with values that align.
6. What piece of advice do you have for someone who is thinking about applying for a role at FMP?
   • We are looking for people who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves and who thrive in a team-based environment. Your enthusiasm to be a part of our community is important. And don’t forget to ask good questions during your interviews!

When filling roles at FMP, we seek out innovative thinkers who possess the knowledge and experience to create lasting positive impacts on individuals, processes, and systems, even after our collaboration concludes. Visit our career page to explore if you might be a great match for one of our available positions.

Haley Fuller joined FMP in October 2023 as a Human Capital Consultant. Haley leverages her unique background in healthcare communications to support clients in developing target and impactful communication strategies and collateral. When Haley isn’t working, she’s likely chasing her wild two-year old around or spending time at the Jersey shore.