#123 McKinsey Partner to Indie Freelancer - Adam Braff on writing online, the gig economy, consulting skills, consulting

Adam Braff grew up in a house where writing was always encouraged. His mother published a newsletter, and his father was a data analytics consultant. He started out as a lawyer, but after the dot-com boom led to a surge in demand for consultants, he decided to make the switch. He now runs his own consulting firm and writes regularly on a variety of topics.  Braff himself became interested in consulting during the first dot-com boom. He transferred from MIT to Brown in order to study linguistics, and eventually became a strategy consultant at McKinsey.Relevant Links:Adam's Website and McKinsey EssayTom Critchlow's WritingVenkatesh Rao's The Art of GigTimestamps0:00 Audio Intro0:48 The scripts Adam grew up with3:54 Shifting from MIT to Brown5:33 Becoming interested in consulting7:25 What was it like from 1999 to 2002?9:08 Adam's path to becoming a partner at McKinsey11:56 Leaving McKinsey14:05 What kept Adam at McKinsey for 10 years?16:06 What do people get wrong about McKinsey?18:49 Decentralization and the emergent order21:46 The new ideas in customer experience Adam helped shape24:06 Going into the finance industry in 200925:23 Turning data into insights27:20 How to influence other executives to embrace the "hypothesis first" framing? 28:44 The 2 skills from the consulting world that are missing elsewhere30:28 Teaching the importance of feedback33:22 Development Group Leaders35:21 Lessons from working at a hedge fund42:01 Did the world of billions inspire Adam to go solo?42:56 Becoming a freelancer46:52 Should you clearly define the services you're offering as a freelance consultant?50:18 The role of Adam's writing51:44 Did the nature of Adam's projects shift over time?53:14 The best part of the self-employed life Adam didn't expect54:15 AI & The Future58:10 The forecasting contest📕Buy Paul’s Book (Published Jan 2022): The Pathless Path📲Connect + Follow PaulTwitter: @p_millerdPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to BoundlessPaul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast:I use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Your HereI record high-quality video using Riverside: Sign Up HereBecome a sponsor of the Podcast / NewsletterWant to upgrade your Zoom studio? Check out Kevin Shen’s Dream Studio CourseWant to launch a course? Podia or Teachable are both greatWeb Hosting: Skystra Fast WordPress HostingHost your own community" Circle 14-day free trial 📘 GOOD WORK: LIVE! => Learn More📕 Buy Paul’s Book (50k+ Sold): The Pathless Path😁 Join Hundreds On Unconventional Paths: Pathless Path Community📲Connect + Follow PaulTwitter: @p_millerdInstagram: @pathlesspaulPaul’s Newsletter: Subscribe to Pathless (23k+ People)Paul’s YouTube: Subscribe🙏Further Ways To Support The Podcast:Accounting, Taxes, And Payroll For Your S-Corp (Ideal for $60k+ income): CollectiveLooking for alternatives to traditional health insurance in the US? Check out CrowdhealthI use Transistor to host this podcast. It rocks. Launch Yours HereI record high-quality videos using Riverside: Sign Up Here