A Series of Fortunate Events: Ali Wilks, Senior Business Manager
Prime 8 welcomed Ali Wilks, a Washington native, at the beginning of 2020 as a Senior Business Manager in what she calls “a series of fortunate events”. Ali, who originally got her start at Microsoft shortly before the Windows 95 launch, almost 25 years ago, has a rich and varied Microsoft background. Having worked in the Services team focusing on global Premier support deals, Volume Licensing where she deftly managed both the agreements and the people components, Ali is now embedded in the Customer & Partner Experience team as a go to market lead and business manager putting to practice her emphasis on leadership, business operations, and enablement.
Two of Ali’s big passions in life are family and travel. Recently, she discovered a tool that has allowed her to combine these two interests that has sent her down a path of discovery - exploring her family tree through travel to her ancestral lands. Ali admits that since uncovering her English ancestry, she has appropriated the term “whilst” and taste tested her fair share of scones slathered in clotted cream and jam … all in the name of research, of course! For all her adventures, discovery and travel, surprisingly, Ali is a self-confessed homebody who enjoys cooking and gardening – has a serious weakness for chocolate chip cookies, and a great pair of boots! Ali enjoys spending time with her family which includes her sweet senior dog, Marta at their home in the beautiful state of Washington. We sat down with Ali for a special feature to learn about why she chose to become a consultant, what led her to Prime 8 and how traveling has shaped her career.
Can you describe a day in the life of a Senior Business Manager.
The role of a business manager includes end-to-end support of the team’s well-being, so I have a pulse on everything from business strategy and planning to people rhythm. In a single day, I may work on anything from team culture polls to budget reconciliation to team comms, and any other high priority deliverables for leadership. It’s an opportunity to know the mechanics and machinations of a team and through that visibility, be able to identify and optimize process efficiencies and drive significant business results.
What led you to Prime 8’s door?
A series of fortunate events, really. I had already worked with some of the great people at Prime 8 as an employee of Microsoft - on the other side of the fence - so when I saw the business manager role advertised with the Prime 8 team, the timing just felt right.
Why did you choose consulting for your career path?
Consulting ticks several boxes for me— it gives me the flexibility I enjoy, the opportunity to leverage and put to great use my years of experience, and allows me to me contribute in a meaningful way and to and influence the team’s success in a direct way, stripped of ego and politics.
What has been your favorite part about being a part of the Prime 8 community so far?
I’ve been lucky to work with several Prime 8 consultants within my immediate team and throughout our organization, so being part of that community has been a fantastic asset.
What makes Prime 8 unique and valuable as a consultant that might be considering applying?
For me, it’s a great mix of autonomy to make an impact for your client and also a strong network of support and resources to do your best work.
What makes Prime 8 unique and valuable to organizations that might be considering hiring a consulting company?
The solid depth of experience coupled with a practical, yet creative and proactive approach to business problem-solving. Prime 8’s people are the driving force behind successful business results.
What’s the bravest thing you have ever done?
I could glibly say experiencing three remodels in the Seattle area! … but in all honesty, nothing compares to being with dear friends and family through their cancer journeys home.
Is there a book that has inspired you recently?
During the initial COVID lockdown period, I pulled a classic off my bookshelf and re-read The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. What an inspirational account of hope, true courage, and triumph in very dark times—and what an amazing woman of faith!
What is your favorite part about living in Washington?
I’m a native (Eastern) Washingtonian and as Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home.” We have incredible diversity of all kinds in this state and I’m blessed to regularly experience everything between our beautiful wheat fields to the Puget Sound.
How has traveling influenced your consulting career?
My travels are part of who I am and my life lens. Travel teaches perspective and resilience and feeds inspiration, adventure, and curiosity—all things that play in my professional and personal life. A fitting quote here is attributed to Oliver Wendell Holmes: “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.”
Learn more about why our consultants love being a part of the Prime 8 family. Want to join the us? We’d love to hear from you. Tell us about yourself here.
