The Real Role and Value of a Consultant

When I was a young professional living in Japan, I admired Dr. Ernie Gundling—not only for his brilliance but also for his kindness. I wanted to follow in his footsteps as a consultant.

I’ll never forget his advice:

“Companies hire you because they need a human to help solve business problems. But humans can sometimes put their own interests ahead of others.”

He warned me about consultants who left clients dependent on them, holding the “key” only they could provide. It was profitable but self-serving.

Then he looked me in the eye and said words I’ve carried with me ever since:

“Your goal is to make sure that every client feels blessed you were there, not wounded when you’re gone.”

That principle has guided every engagement since.