MY CAREER IN SIX SPOTLIGHT

Helen Han

Managing Director and Partner

Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

Sharing her career journey by answering the six questions below.

Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your career?

My family has always been my biggest source of inspiration.

Growing up, I watched my parents work incredibly hard and persevere through both career and personal challenges. That shaped a lot of who I am and how I approach my own career.

And now, my son is a different kind of inspiration. He’s always so proud of what I do and often tells me, “You’re amazing!” There’s something very special about seeing yourself through your child’s eyes – it reminds me to keep pushing, but also to stay true to who I am.

Would you say your success is primarily due to luck or hard work?

I think it’s a combination of both. Hard work creates opportunities, but you also need some luck. You need to be in the right place at the right time and have the right people who believe in and support you. I’ve worked very hard throughout my career, but I’m also conscious that I’ve had people who opened doors, took chances on me, and supported me at important moments.

What is the driving force behind your career aspirations?

For me, it’s really about making an impact and continuing to grow. I’m most energized when I’m solving a difficult problem, helping a client or team succeed, and seeing that the work we’ve done has made a real difference.

If given the chance to do one thing differently in your career, what would it be and why?

I would have learned to say no earlier and been more deliberate about prioritizing what really matters. When I was more junior, I felt like I couldn’t say no. I wanted to take on every opportunity, and I felt guilty turning things down.

Looking back, I’ve learned that you have to listen to what your heart is telling you and have the confidence to stand up for it. Saying no isn’t about being less committed. It allows you to say yes to the things that matter most and where you can have the greatest impact.

What was your most favourite job/role and why?

I’ve been consulting for more than 14 years now, so I think the fact that I’m still here says a lot about how much I enjoy the work.

I love working alongside clients to solve difficult problems and then seeing the organization and the people grow as a result. That sense of impact gives purpose to the work and is what I find most rewarding.

Do you have a favourite motto or quote that guides your professional life?

“Surround yourself with people who challenge you, believe in you, and help you become better.” Throughout my career, I’ve learned how important it is to find the right mentors and people around you. Hard work matters, but having people who give you honest advice, push you, and advocate for you at important moments can make an enormous difference.”