This Life@L.E.K. blog follows Associate Consultant Giacomo Listrani’s journey from Italy to Mumbai and Singapore, highlighting his work in education consulting and global experiences. He shares insights on cultural differences, professional growth, and advice for aspiring consultants while reflecting on what’s next in his career.
Starting My Journey at L.E.K.
I started my journey with L.E.K. as a structural engineer, eager for an international experience. Originally from Italy, I studied in Milan but had multiple experiences abroad. When I was exploring opportunities, I spoke with a manager at L.E.K. Singapore, who suggested that I consider joining L.E.K. Asia. After applying, I embraced the opportunity offered to me to join L.E.K. Mumbai, and now, after a year in India, I have been relocated to Singapore for almost another year.
Throughout my time at L.E.K., I have traveled extensively for casework. I have worked in South America, Africa, the Middle East, and across Europe. It has been a truly global experience—one that has been both professionally enriching and personally fulfilling. I have had the chance to see so much of the world, yet there is still so much left to explore.
The Education Practice
Most of my work at L.E.K. has been in the education sector, particularly in Singapore and Mumbai, where education is a growing focus. Our projects range from due diligence for new schools and universities to broader public education initiatives. For example, we worked on a project involving the education system in Saudi Arabia, as well as site feasibility studies for opening a new school campus in Poland.
One of the aspects I appreciate most about working in education consulting is its impact. Education plays a crucial role in shaping a country's future, and our work contributes to building institutions that create opportunities. I have worked extensively with medical universities in Senegal and Brazil, and in both cases, it felt meaningful to be part of something that would train future doctors—professionals who will make a real difference in their communities. In places like Senegal, having more doctors can change lives, and knowing that our work supports that progress is deeply rewarding.
Life in Mumbai
Moving to Mumbai was a step out of my comfort zone. Even though I had already lived in the U.S., Brazil, and France before joining L.E.K., India was a completely different experience. It was both personally and professionally enriching—by far the most transformative experience of my life.
If I had to describe Mumbai in three words, they would be:
People – The best thing about India is its people. They are friendly, open, and incredibly helpful. Despite Mumbai's massive population—28 million people—the sense of community is strong, something that is slowly disappearing in places like Italy.
Colors – In India, everything is taken to the extreme. The colors, the sounds, the vibrancy—it is a sensory overload in the best way possible.
Energy – Mumbai never sleeps. The energy in the city is incredible. Everyone is ambitious, always moving forward, and constantly striving for more.
On a personal level, living in Mumbai taught me a lot of life skills. I learned how to bargain, how to communicate using gestures when language was a barrier, and how to navigate cultural differences in business interactions. In India, persistence is key, and adapting to that mindset was an important lesson for me.
Singapore: The Future of Efficiency
In contrast, Singapore is incredibly efficient—it feels like living in the future. The city is a blend of towering financial districts and lush tropical forests, all seamlessly integrated. It is a truly international hub, home to some of the most talented professionals in various industries. Though different from Mumbai, my experience in Singapore has been equally rewarding, challenging me in a structured and high-performing environment.
One of the best aspects of Singapore is its location. Being in the heart of Southeast Asia means that within a few hours, you can be in Vietnam, Indonesia, or the Philippines, experiencing some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The city itself is meticulously planned—so clean and well-designed that it often looks like an architect’s rendering brought to life.
Office Culture and Collaboration at L.E.K.
Despite the cultural differences between Singapore and Mumbai, the people I have worked with across both offices share a lot in common. They are open, friendly, and enjoy socializing. L.E.K. fosters an environment where collaboration is key, and that has been one of my favorite aspects of working here.
Mumbai’s work culture has a different rhythm—people work long hours but also take the time to socialize. Singapore, on the other hand, is highly efficient, with everything well-defined, even the social gatherings. The offices are different in size—Singapore is small, while Mumbai is much larger—but both have a flat hierarchy. One of the things I appreciate most about L.E.K. is that everyone, from junior consultants to partners, is approachable. I love the opportunity to interact frequently with partners and, on occasion, even with the board. The full board reunited in Singapore at the start of December last year. Given the small size of the Singapore office, everybody had the opportunity to speak personally and interact with the different Managing Directors, gaining their perspectives and discussing future industry outlooks. I truly believe this level of exposure is rare in multinational firms like L.E.K.
Advice for Aspiring L.E.K. Consultants
For those looking to join L.E.K., my biggest piece of advice is to show your passion and flexibility. The people who thrive here are those who enjoy working with others, adapting to different cultures, and embracing new challenges. If you’re interested in the education sector, you have to understand that it’s about more than just business—it’s about making an impact. Education shapes nations, and working in this space gives you the chance to contribute to something meaningful.
Being analytical is, of course, important, but what truly sets someone apart is their ability to bring enthusiasm, global awareness, and a drive to make a difference. Show your experiences, your passion, and your desire to contribute positively to the world.
What’s Next?
As for me, my next steps are still uncertain. For casework, I might be heading to Europe soon. I have also applied for an office swap and would love the chance to spend a few months in the U.S., particularly on the West Coast, where I can explore industrial consulting—an area I have always been passionate about as an engineer. Let’s see what happens next!
Wherever I go, I know that my journey with L.E.K. will continue to be one of learning, growth, and impact.
