A Day in the Life of a Transformation Consultant at Highberg: Talita Lemes

As Transformation Consultants, as the name suggests, we are driven by challenges involving change and development. These can range from digital, cultural, and operational shifts to transformations in business models, regulatory compliance, strategy, or even broader structural evolutions.

At its core, transformation means a fundamental change in form, appearance, nature, or character. In organizational contexts, it’s a journey from one defined state to another, usually with the aim of improving, adapting, evolving, innovating, and becoming more effective.

Very often, I use metaphors or storytelling to illustrate a particular situation with my clients, and here, I’ll do the same to convey the kind of transformation we’re in service of. Metaphorically speaking, transformation can be seen as a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, undergoing a complete metamorphosis. Or simply as building a bridge between two very different landscapes. Or even as drawing a map to guide companies from where they are today to where they want, or need, to be.

When it comes to the tasks and activities involved in a transformation, they can span a wide spectrum, from assessing current systems through discovery processes like interviews, field research, and data analysis, to designing new structures, training employees, implementing new rituals and tools, and ultimately driving a cultural shift across the organization. It’s important to mention that we’re never alone when executing any of these tasks. I’m always supported by best-in-class theories, frameworks, trends, and tools, grounded in empirical learning from our wider consultancy group’s experience, real client cases, and the freedom we have to be bold and try new things.

Attempting to describe what a day in my life as a consultant looks like, while accommodating all the types of activities mentioned above, I’d say it usually starts with what we call a daily meeting. It’s a quick alignment with my consultant peers to check in on what needs to get done, any support we might need, and how we’re tracking toward our assignment deliverables. With that kick-off complete, it’s time to join our clients and support them through trainings, coaching sessions, facilitation, strategic workshops, or sometimes, simply by being present with them. Often, that presence means helping them navigate complexity and strategically steer the work in the right direction.

Commonly, we find ourselves working with client teams that are scattered across different time zones, cultures, mindsets, and approaches, all within the same project. As consultants, we’re the ones equipped with the skills to navigate these diverse worldviews and help align everyone toward a shared goal and direction. This intercultural dynamic might seem like a challenge at first, but once you begin to navigate it, the beauty of diverse knowledge, practices, and behaviors starts to unfold. It brings immense value to the assignment, and ultimately, to me as the facilitator of the whole process.

In sum, my day is usually split between close interactions with people, where we focus on alignment, knowledge transfer, and general support, and the other half in more strategic time spent in thinking ahead, analyzing data, and preparing content and guidance for the next steps.

When I’m working with a client where being on-site is possible, I make a point of spending time in their space, participating in their daily dynamics, getting familiar with their environment, and building genuine connections with the teams. For clients that I support mostly remotely, I create routines that help us stay close and in sync, such as regular check-ins and collaborative working sessions. Regardless of whether my client is physically near or far, I always strive to build a relationship based on trust, respect, and collaboration, so they know I’m truly there for them and that they can count on me.

As Transformation Consultants, we’re driven by change, new developments, and new ideas that ultimately get implemented and come to life. And I have to say, there’s no better work-related feeling than seeing all the effort invested with a client turn into something tangible that positively affects the organization and improves people’s working lives. That’s the kind of rewarding experience that keeps me moving, from client to client, from challenge to challenge.

From time to time, people ask me about the difference between a Transformation Consultant and a Change Consultant. Personally, I don’t see much difference apart from the focus of the project. Change management is often one specific element of a transformation journey that demands laser focus attention, while the transformation may often encompass broaden aspects from strategy to execution and beyond.

Our work, both change management and transformation consultancy, stretch across systems, people, and mindsets, often weaving together multiple layers of change to drive real, lasting impact.

If you're curious about stepping into the world of transformation consulting, my advice is this: stay on top of emerging technologies, explore innovative ways of thinking and working, and, most importantly, stay endlessly curious about people: their mindsets, their motivations, and their potential. This work is about doing things with people and for people. Because at the end of the day, your client’s success is your success, and there’s no greater reward than helping them truly transform.

Highberg is looking for a Transformation Consultant. Check out our vacancy and apply here.