The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
From Lead Change Strategist (Internal)
Typically 3-5 years as a Lead Change Strategist (L4).Skills to master
- Moving from architecting individual programmes to overseeing a portfolio and managing other leaders. This means developing stronger P&L management, organisational development, and practice-building skills.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering successful change strategies for multiple complex programmes.
- Demonstrating strong informal leadership and mentorship of junior colleagues.
- Actively contributing to the development of new methodologies or tools for the practice.
- Building strong relationships and credibility with senior stakeholders beyond individual programmes.
- 2
From External Management Consultant (Change Focus)
Roughly 12-16 years of experience in a major consulting firm, leading large-scale change engagements.Skills to master
- Adapting to an internal consulting model, which often means building deeper, longer-term relationships and navigating internal politics rather than just 'delivering a project.' Understanding our specific corporate culture is key.
You're ready to move on when
- A proven track record of leading complex change programmes for diverse clients.
- Experience managing engagement teams and client relationships at a senior level.
- A desire to build and embed capability within one organisation, rather than moving from client to client.
- Strong understanding of internal consulting dynamics and value proposition.
- 3
From Senior HR / OD Leader (Change Focus)
Around 15+ years in senior HR or Organisational Development roles, with a strong focus on transformation.Skills to master
- Shifting from an HR-specific lens to a broader business transformation perspective, integrating people change with technology and process change more holistically. Developing a more explicit consulting mindset.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led major HR-driven transformations (e.g., new HR systems, operating models).
- Demonstrated ability to partner with business leaders on strategic initiatives.
- A strong understanding of change management theory and application.
- A desire to specialise more deeply in change management as a consulting discipline.