Blog

Eight Years at Altis: Lessons, Growth, and What Comes Next

Schedule3 minute read

30 June 2026

Eight Years at Altis: Lessons, Growth, and What Comes Next

When I joined Altis almost eight years ago, I was in my twenties, driven, curious and eager to test whether consulting was truly the right fit for me. I wanted to get involved in everything, learn quickly and prove to myself that I could build a meaningful career in the industry.

What drew me to Altis wasn't just the work, it was alignment. I've always believed in being people-focused, in building genuine relationships, and in making a real difference. That came through strongly during my interview process, where a conversation about data quickly became a two-hour discussion about purpose, impact, and helping people do their best work. It felt different.

That sense of difference was reinforced on day one.

The CEO approached me and asked a simple question: "Has anyone taken you to lunch yet?"

We ended up going together. It was a small gesture, but a powerful one. It broke down any hierarchy I might have expected and set the tone for what Altis is about: no matter your role or title, we're here for each other.

More Than a Workplace

What I didn't realise at the time was that Altis would become more than a job, it would become a home.

Over the years, it has evolved into a community of people who genuinely support one another, challenge one another, and celebrate each other's growth. If I had to summarise my career here in a single line, it would be:

Work hard, love what you do, ask lots of questions, and push yourself; because you never truly know how capable you are until you try.

Learning What Real Impact Looks Like

One of the biggest shifts in my career has been learning how to truly meet clients where they are.

Early on, it's easy to focus on delivery; completing the task, ticking the box, getting the outcome out the door. But meaningful consulting goes deeper than that. It requires curiosity, courage, and a willingness to go beyond the surface of what a project appears to be.

The real value comes from understanding the business, building relationships and embedding yourself in the team as if you were part of it.

Now I'm over five roles into my journey at Altis, I see success differently. It's not just about delivering a great piece of work or receiving positive feedback. It's about trust. When clients come back with more questions, lean on your advice and treat you as a genuine partner in their journey. For me, that is the true measure of impact.

The People Behind the Journey

If there's one thing I don't take for granted, it's the people.

Altis strikes a unique balance: it provides a clear pathway for growth, while also giving individuals the freedom to shape their own careers. That autonomy has always suited me as I'm naturally self-motivated, but I've also learned that independence doesn't mean going it alone.

At Altis, we often talk about being “like a duck” calm and composed on the surface, but working hard beneath it to keep moving forward. I've seen this firsthand in the mentors around me. No matter how busy they are, there's always time to talk through a challenge, offer guidance, or provide encouragement.

That willingness to invest in each other is part of what makes Altis special. It's also why our tenure is longer than most in the industry, and why there is such a deep pool of experience to learn from.

Confidence in an Uncertain Industry

Consulting is not easy.

You're often expected to be the expert, even in moments where you don't quite feel like one. But over time, I've come to realise that what we know, and what we've experienced has real value. What feels like common knowledge to us can be transformative for our clients.

If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be simple:

Be bold. Back yourself. Share what you know with confidence.

More often than not, that confidence is justified, and waiting too long to lean into it only holds you back.

Looking Ahead: Contributing to Something Bigger

As I look to the future, my focus is shifting. My ambition now isn't just about my own growth, it's about helping make Altis an even greater place to work for everyone. I want to contribute to an environment where people can thrive, where we continue to evolve, and where we remain at the forefront of what we do. I feel a strong sense of responsibility in that.

There is always more to do than time allows, and strangely that's what makes it exciting. It's a sign that there is opportunity, momentum and purpose in the work ahead.

Final Reflection

Altis has given me the platform to grow, the people to learn from and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The journey so far has been shaped by curiosity, relationships and a willingness to push beyond what feels comfortable.

The next chapter is about building on that foundation; doing more of what we do well, and doing it better.

Because in the end, it's not just about where you've been, it's about how you choose to show up for what comes next.

Topics


Written by

Phil Stevens avatar
Phil Stevens

Client Executive

Altis Consulting


Related insights


Share

Other insights

Want to join us?

Be part of a company where people, purpose and data come together.