A consultant with purpose

Brendan Kelly is an a-connect consultant who embodies what it means to align one’s skills, passion, and purpose. With a career that has included roles at McKinsey, Credit Suisse, and as an independent consultant, Brendan has mastered the art of problem-solving while choosing work that truly matters.

A partner clients can trust

Brendan is more than a problem-solver; he’s a trusted advisor who brings clarity, expertise, and dedication to every project. His approach—choosing meaningful work, fostering strong relationships, and co-creating solutions with clients—sets him apart in the consulting world. His story is an inspiration to clients and fellow independent consultants alike. Below, we’ve asked Brendan a few questions to learn more about his background and approach to consulting with a-connect.

Can you give us a quick background on your professional journey?

Brendan:

“My journey into consulting began after a career in law and lobbying for Ireland’s financial services sector. After a while, I realized that the legal field wasn’t for me things didn’t move fast enough. When I transitioned into lobbying, it definitely brought me closer to the strategy work I craved, but it was at McKinsey where I truly developed skills in solving complex problems while working across banking, financial services, and beyond.

After McKinsey, I transitioned to independent consulting, including working with a-connect on a variety of projects across industries. While at Credit Suisse, I led transformation programs and operational redesigns. However, I ultimately returned to independent consulting, where I thrive on the variety, flexibility, and the ability to focus on project-level challenges without the distractions of corporate politics.”

What brought you in to consulting vs working in-house?

Brendan:

“I believe consulting is about delivering value, not just filling roles. When I speak with potential clients, I ask for as much detail as possible about the project. If I’m not the right fit, I tell them upfront. I find that this honest approach builds trust with clients; they know they will receive my full expertise and attention when I take on a project. I take on work where I know I can deliver and enjoy the challenge.

In a corporate environment, there can be additional layers of complexity and priorities that sometimes make it harder to focus purely on solving specific problems. Ultimately, I think being a strategic partner—bringing value through my specific expertise and an outside-in perspective—is what brought me back to consulting.”

What motivates you most about working with a-connect and our clients?

Brendan:

“I’ve had a long-standing relationship with a-connect, which has enabled me to focus on what I love: solving problems. a-connect removes the transactional nature often found in consulting and their strategic relationships with clients allow me to focus on delivering impactful solutions without worrying about business development. I especially value the established and strategic relationships a-connect has with its clients, enabling repeat engagements that also deepen my impact over time.”

Do you have a particular highlight or “win” from working with an a-connect client?

Brendan:

“My tenure as a consultant has provided me with a unique perspective on navigating organizational dynamics. As an external consultant, I find that I can focus on “project politics” rather than “corporate politics.” This distinction allows me to address issues objectively, co-create solutions, and unite stakeholders around common goals. I’ve found that it’s often about translating perspectives—helping teams see that they may actually agree but are just using different language. Because I can be objective, this often leads to clearer communication and more effective decision-making.

I would say one of my standout moments was helping a management team at a biotech firm embrace innovation. Rather than simply delivering solutions, I focused on co-creating them with their team. Through collaborative sessions, expert engagement, and presenting clear, data-driven insights, I was able to help the group transform their risk-averse culture into a forward-thinking one. Looking back, it wasn’t just about solving a problem—it was about working together to change how they thought about their business. This hands-on, inclusive approach not only fostered trust but also ensured that the team fully owned the solutions, setting them up for long-term success. It was a great project. “

When you’re not consulting, what’s one thing you enjoy doing that might surprise people?

Brendan:

“Outside of consulting, I find joy in the kitchen. As the primary cook for my family, I love the creativity and focus that cooking demands. It’s a way to unwind and bring everyone together. “

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