How a Senior Director’s Journey Back to A&M Shows That Relationships and Adaptability Drive Success in Consulting

Jim DeVerna is a Senior Director with Alvarez & Marsal’s Compensation & Benefits practice in Denver. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from New York University, a J.D. from Vermont Law and Graduate School, and an LL.M. from the Georgetown University Law Center.

In this Q&A, Jim discusses what inspired his return to A&M, shares insights from his career journey and offers advice for professionals considering rejoining a former employer. He also reflects on the importance of building meaningful relationships with colleagues and clients.

Why Returning to A&M Was the Right Choice for Career Growth and Fulfillment

What key factors influenced your decision to return to the firm, and what excites you about this new chapter?

There are many reasons to want to be part of A&M—interesting work, an entrepreneurial culture and rapid growth—but for me, it was the people who brought me back.

After spending years with the Denver CAB team, I left for another opportunity which was a fully remote role. This opportunity offered great flexibility and growth opportunities, yet always left me feeling like something was missing. I eventually realized how much I missed working alongside my A&M colleagues. Just as I came to that realization, I heard from A&M about their team expansion, and we made it happen!

I’m thrilled to be back and to contribute as the practice continues to grow.

Key Skills for Success in Consulting

Reflecting on your career journey, which skills have been most instrumental to your success?

Success in my career hasn’t come from always having the answers, but from effectively navigating uncertainty. With that in mind, perseverance and adaptability have served me best. Perseverance has helped me tackle situations where I needed to figure things out on my own, while adaptability allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, fostering continuous learning and growth.

Building Strong Relationships with Colleagues and Clients at A&M

Who have been your most influential mentors, and what important lessons have you learned from them?

This is a tough one, as I’ve had many great mentors throughout my career. I’ve learned so much from my colleagues at A&M, and even during my time away, I stayed in touch with many of them. They were always quick to remind me that the door was open if I ever wanted to return.

How do you build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues and clients, and how do these connections enhance your effectiveness?

I’ve always focused on kindness and respect for others. It’s a simple approach, but it has served me well.

Advice for Professionals Considering Rejoining A&M’s Team

Based on your experience, what advice would you offer to professionals considering returning to a former employer?

Be honest with yourself about why you initially looked for other opportunities. If neither you nor the job has changed, returning to your former employer isn’t likely to work out.

How has working in different locations shaped your approach to consulting and client relationships?

Working at different companies has taught me to keep an open mind. When I started my career at A&M, I sometimes had tunnel vision, sticking to the way we did things previously or with similar clients. Having since worked at a few other consulting firms, I now see that there’s often more than one good way to approach a problem. This broader perspective has given me the confidence to suggest new approaches and think outside the box, which I believe has made me a better consultant.

Balancing Work, Life and Adventure

With a busy professional life and a six-year-old at home, how do you make time for activities like skiing, biking and camping, and what do those experiences mean for you?

We bring our six-year-old along with us! Watching him learn and grow to love the activities that bring us joy has been amazing for my wife and me. Before long, I probably won’t be able to keep up with him, so I try to be intentional about enjoying these moments while they last.

You’ve mentioned enjoying travel, even with limited time. What are some of your favorite places, and how do you integrate your love for adventure into family life?

I’m always excited to explore new places and have been fortunate to travel across North America, South America and Europe. Yet the two places I always return to are Lake George in upstate New York, where my extended family shares a home, and Fraser, Colorado, where my family has a condo.