This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Eric Brown, the 47-year-old CEO and founder of Imperio Consulting in Orlando. It has been edited for length and clarity.
After 25 years in the Special Forces, I was ready for a new challenge. I took everything I learned about leadership, adaptability, and collaboration and created the Green Beret Approach, a method grounded in simplicity, agility, and cohesive teamwork under pressure.
Now, I work with professionals who want to move from the public sector to the private sector, specifically those looking to break into or already working at a Big Four consulting firm.
I retired as a senior operations officer in 2021
I left a 300-person battalion, where I optimized our operations and grew our international footprint from five to twelve teams.
My experience in the public sector also helped me gain the skills to build relationships, liaise with stakeholders, and master problem-solving.
I saw an opportunity to translate the skill set I developed as a Green Beret into the business world. Companies often struggle with team dynamics, leadership, and communication — exactly where my experience leading focused teams in tough, high-stakes situations can make a difference.
I started Imperio Consulting in 2020 to help organizations and individual clients become adaptable and effective using proven military methods.
I’ve worked with many clients who have switched to the Big Four or felt stuck once they landed their Big Four role and needed coaching. I work with my clients to communicate their strengths, build confidence, and stand out in a competitive crowd. Here’s what I tell them.
Private sector roles tend to be more flexible than government positions
When you move from the public sector to the private sector, you often have more freedom to shape your role. You’re more likely to be able to expand your job description based on your unique skills, professional interests, or strategic company needs than in the public sector.
Additionally, private firms may reward their employees for their creative thinking and risk-taking, but this is less common in the public sector.
Compensation packages can be higher, and career paths can be clearer
When you join a team in a private firm, you should have a clear idea of your role, what upward mobility looks like, and what you need to do to start landing the promotions you want very soon into the job.
Generally, private sector roles come with a higher salary and performance-based bonuses. In the military, compensation is set by rank and years of service.
As a senior Special Forces officer, I made about $120,000. The starting salary in consulting is usually higher, and including bonuses, it increases quickly. Midlevel roles typically pay about $150,000 to $200,000; senior consultants can make $300,000 or more.
Be sure to look at the big picture, not just salary and bonuses
Private sector roles boast high salaries and bonus structures, but public sector positions often excel in stability and long-term benefits like pensions and healthcare.
Before accepting a new role, evaluate the compensation package, including salary, bonuses, benefits, retirement contributions, healthcare quality, and work-life balance.
If you make the switch, expect to feel culture shock
In the public sector, stability is valued, and positions often include consistent working hours, job security, clearly defined roles, and predictable career progression. There’s also a cultural emphasis on reliability and long-term enrollment. This consistency can be very appealing.
In the private sector, you may find yourself chasing revenue goals that change quickly, as objectives can shift based on market demands or investor expectations, especially within sales-driven or publicly traded companies. For example, a company may suddenly pivot to prioritize a new product line or market segment to hit quarterly revenue targets.
If you love a mission-driven environment, this is when company fit is crucial; be sure the private company’s values match yours. You don’t want to feel like you’ve left a clear purpose behind.
Understand how success is measured from the beginning
When interviewing for a role in a private firm, especially a Big Four, ask them how they measure success and support their staff during busy seasons. You’ll gain insights into whether the company culture fits your work style.
The public sector is more structured, and you quickly understand what you’re getting into, but the position will not be tailored to your strengths. In the private sector, support can be more proactive; you can create your role, or you might have access to professional coaching, but it depends on the company culture.
Big Four life moves at a relentless pace, with tight deadlines and long hours
Burnout occurs in the public and private sectors, but the culprits differ. In government work, burnout is usually caused by red tape and slow-moving, bureaucratic systems.
The private sector is more tied to high pressure, tight deadlines, and nonstop demands.
Burnout will be your biggest enemy in the private sector, especially in the Big Four. You might feel like you’re always “on call.” Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to own your time and advocate for yourself to have a healthy work-life within the company’s parameters.
Balancing personal life and work can be tough, especially during peak seasons, but nobody will do it for you. I spend a lot of time with my clients establishing strategies to manage their stress. This might mean blocking out personal hours on your calendar, building a strong support network, and creating a routine that helps you recharge.
The good news is that working for Deloitte, PwC, EY, or KPMG will help you build your résumé quickly. If you can show your chops to these clients, these opportunities can quickly open doors to senior roles elsewhere.
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