Meet the consultant… Matt Garrett

1. What does being a principal consultant consist of?

Key to being a principal consultant is the ability to build relationships with your clients. By really getting to know a business and its people, you can learn exactly what they need, making it easier to add value to the organisation. Collaborative relationships enable the successful delivery of a project, as well as helping to shape a business’ strategy and improving communication throughout the organisation. My role also involves identifying any potential obstacles on the road to project completion and solving them at the earliest possible stage.

2. How did your consultancy career begin?

I started my career as a data analyst at a business solutions company. However, an opportunity to join its consultancy team arose, and I thought I’d be a good fit. I went for the role and my consultancy journey began.

Fairly soon, my role shifted from an internal one, to one that involved me working hands-on with clients. I loved the collaborative aspect of the job and went on to work my way up through the ranks, before founding my own consultancy company. It was during this time that I assisted Entec Si with a project at Birmingham Library. After having seen the business work its magic first-hand, it wasn’t long until I joined Entec Si as an employee.

3. What is your main professional strength?

I’ve always been calm under pressure. My mind works very logically, so rather than panicking when something goes off course, I’m able to identify the steps that need to be taken to resolve the issue. In the world of consultancy, where projects don’t always go according to plan, this is a particularly useful skill.

People have also told me that I’m a bit of an influencer. Not in the social media sense, but in the way that I can get anyone on board with a project. It can be challenging to convince everyone that change is positive, but I tend to be able to persuade most people to give it a chance.

4. Are there any skills that you’d like to develop further (inside or outside of work?)

Over the years, I’ve developed a passion for mentoring people. Seeing their growth first-hand and knowing that I’ve been a part of it is incredibly rewarding, so inside of work I’d like to continue passing on my consultancy experience to others in the field.

Outside of work, I’ve always had a passion for cars. When I was younger, I did a lot of F1 experience days and wanted to be a professional racing driver. It might be a bit late for that, but I would love to give off-road driving a go and learn that as a new skill.

5. What lessons have you learnt since being at Entec Si?

I’ve learnt that effective communication and a willingness to engage make a world of difference with everything that we do. Collaboration is essential in every business, but particularly in consultancy.

More generally, I’ve also learnt that you have to create your own opportunities in life. Never wait for something to be handed to you, go out and get it for yourself.

6. What’s your idea of a perfect weekend?

Staying in a cottage in the Lake District with my family. I grew up in the countryside, so being amongst nature is something that has always made me happy. There’s nothing better than spending time with loved ones in a beautiful landscape.

7. What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but have yet to do?

I’ve been snorkeling before, but I’ve always wanted to try scuba diving. As well as witnessing the sea life up close, I’m fascinated by the history that you can come across while diving. Exploring a piece of history, such as a shipwreck, that is inaccessible to many people would be amazing.