Employee Profiles

Pat Walls, Senior Consultant

What is it like to work at AE Strategies?
In the consulting industry, your professional reputation is really important. My personal background is in the private sector, so I never had to think about my next project or assignment. I was employed and there would always be work to do. If a consulting company doesn’t do well or loses the confidence of the client, there may not be another project. I thought hard and did my research before deciding to leave my corporate job, and I am glad I did. I am very confident that I have job security working with AE Strategies, because this company’s reputation is outstanding. Across the board, our clients trust us and rely on us. This is due to two things that make AE Strategies somewhat unique among consultants with federal clients. First, the company is managed with notable integrity and second, everyone in the company has the same attitude about their work — serving the client to the best of our ability is paramount.

What makes the culture of AE Strategies different and/or special?
I would describe the culture at AE Strategies as strongly entrepreneurial. There is almost no bureaucracy or overhead, yet we’re big enough to work successfully with the Department of Defense and other large federal agencies and departments. Innovation is welcomed and encouraged, there is little management or interference. There are no barriers, no company-related impediments keeping me from working directly with the client and succeeding in making them happy.

Every consultant at AE Strategies is a seasoned professional with great ideas and experiences to share. Our clients trust us; they listen to our ideas and accept us as partners, not simply as an additional resource. The President trusts us to know how to exceed the client’s needs, and he gives us free rein to do what the client needs.

Why did you decide to join AE Strategies and what keeps you here?
This is the most employee-centered company I have ever found, and I’ve worked for several large firms during my career. The President knows each employee personally; he knows what motivates you, what you’re good at, and what you want to do. He actively seeks out opportunities where you can grow and succeed. He listens and responds quickly because he wants to retain the outstanding people working with him.

The other consultants at AE Strategies are the best! They’re smart, fair, and great team players. We’re very collaborative in the work environment, and we’re good friends. We get together outside the workplace because we enjoy each other’s company. There is no competition, no politics, and no negatives in this culture.

What is your relationship with your client?  What projects have you/are you working on?
I was a Vice President of human relations with my previous employer (a large energy company). The experience gives me a unique perspective on the staffing development issues facing the federal government at this particular time. I have the privilege of working with a premier agency on a project I really want to do and that I believe is important. I support the Department of Navy’s Executive Development Program. The statistics are significant – almost one-half of the Department of Navy’s Senior executives are eligible to retire. This could lead to a potential lapse in the availability of seasoned leadership across the Department of Defense. I am helping to ensure that tomorrow’s Senior Executives are preparing today to assume a leadership role.

What would you tell a prospective employee about AE Strategies?
AE Strategies is a growing consulting company. All the consultants are as talented in customer relationship management as they are in their area of expertise. Because we work exclusively with our client, we have quick awareness of a problem brewing or a client concern. Our leadership is quick to act to resolve issues before they become problems. The result is greater client satisfaction.