Name: Jieh Greeney
Class Year: 2003
Major: Dual Major—Visual Arts and Art History
Can you describe your professional life?
Currently, I’m a consultant with McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm. I’ve worked with companies in many industries on almost every continent in my time here both pre- and post-business school. At McKinsey I spend most of my time on consumer-facing industries and issues—from retail and apparel to consumer goods and hospitality. I love thinking about the customer experience with products and services. This was a natural extension of the company I founded while in college, Gotham Events, which was all about creating unique and memorable events for primarily private clients in NYC.
How do you think your education at Barnard has affected your life post-graduation?
Barnard gave me many of the tools to succeed and flourish in the “real world” – critical thinking, problem solving, taking initiative, being thorough, thoughtful and also kind. These lessons came not only from the classroom but also from the culture and ethos of the administration, my professors and advisors, my coaches (I was also a varsity athlete), and my fellow students. Barnard also gave me many amazing female role models—alums who I met who were out leading non-profits, schools, companies, and their own entrepreneurial ventures, who inspired me to pursue my interests and passions with confidence and conviction.
Can you tell us about a memorable moment in your career?
There have been many—some funny, some fantastic, and some sobering, along the way. One moment that was a combination of all three, came after almost four months of working closely with the Chief Procurement Officer of a large consumer healthcare company embarking on a multi-billion dollar acquisition, during which time we became quite close and she would call me daily on her way home to get a progress update. We were preparing for a critical end of deal meeting and I received a phone call from her, “Hi Jieh, I’m on my way to the meeting with the Chairman, but I have a slight problem. I’ve just been in a car accident and I don’t know what to do.” She was definitely in a state of shock. I found out which exit she was closest to, called an ambulance and then a tow company, and kept her on the phone talking until they showed up and reassured her that we would still be able to present to the chairman. As it turned out, all her airbags had gone off and although her car was totaled, she ended up being ok. But it wasn’t until days later that a colleague pointed out to me that I had been the first person she called—not 911, not her husband, not the Chairman. It was both humbling and gratifying that she felt that I was the best person to call under those circumstances. Or, maybe I was just the last number dialed….I never found out, but I did get a very nice rare vintage champagne from her at Christmas that year.
What are some challenges you have faced?
One of the greatest challenges I faced early in my career—and still to a certain extent today—is convincing clients that despite my age and lack of deep industry knowledge, I can help them. Imagine being in a meeting with a group of company vice presidents, some of whom have children older than you and trying to credibly assert how their company’s strategy should be re-directed. I’ve found that ultimately it’s about asking good questions and being an excellent listener, as much as it is about being a great problem solver.
If you had an extra day in the week, what would you do with it?
An extra day? That would be amazing! I would do all the things I don’t get to by Sunday afternoon each week—host another dinner party with friends, get ahead on work (yes, I would want to do some work!), volunteer as an art teacher/tutor, embark on another DIY garden or house project. It would be great to have more time to do things with my hands. This could come from growing up on an organic farm, where there was always a shortage of hands and an excess of weeding to be done!
What is a little-known fact about you?
I have a hunting license.
What advice would you give to Barnard girls pursuing careers in consulting or other competitive fields?
First and foremost, follow your passions in school, internships and extra-curriculars—pursue the type of work and topics that you care the most about and you will learn, lead and have the greatest impact because you care. Then, make that passion and impact tangible and clear on your resumé and in your interviews. If this leads you to consulting, great! And if it leads you elsewhere, also great! When I worked with lululemon athletica, we called this, “the law of attraction”. If you put yourself out there with energy and enthusiasm you will find opportunities, and at some point, opportunities will start to find YOU. Finally, remember to give back—I make it a priority to give to the Barnard Fund every year and also give my time to students and alums. Because I’ve received so much over the years, it’s the least I can do and one of the best things you can do to keep the virtuous cycle going.