Nidhi Baid, Senior Analyst in New Delhi, shares her journey to L.E.K., her day-to-day role in the L.E.K. Capability Network (LCN), and what makes the team’s culture and growth opportunities so unique.
Tell us about yourself and your journey to L.E.K.
I grew up in the capital, New Delhi, and pursued my Bachelor’s in Management Studies at University of Delhi. During undergrad, I was part of Enactus, a global student organization using entrepreneurship for social impact. Leading a nationally top-ranked project, we won the Enactus World Cup and secured $150K+ in global grants, with our efforts recognized by the President of India. These experiences shaped my foundation in leadership and innovation. After working in client-facing strategy roles and knowledge management, I transitioned within the vast spectrum of consulting into a capability network. In June 2022, I joined the L.E.K. Capability Network (LCN) as an Analyst, where I’ve managed global client expectations while shaping internal processes for a growing team.
For those unfamiliar, how would you describe the role the LCN plays within L.E.K.?
The LCN plays a key role in elevating the quality and efficiency of project delivery across the firm. By embedding seasoned analysts directly into global case teams, LCN strengthens problem-solving with deep exposure to L.E.K.’s toolkit and ways of working. It also enhances project team capacity, offering flexibility and speed without compromising on quality. LCN helps make the firm more global, seamlessly collaborating across regions and sectors, and bringing diverse perspectives to every engagement. As a hub for innovation, LCN leads pilots and development of new tools, including the latest in AI, Digital, and Workforce solutions.
Can you walk us through your typical day as a Senior LCN analyst?
Typically, my day kicks off with a quick commute to office and breakfast with friends in the cafeteria. Once settled in, I check the BOD email or hop on a morning call with the case team to align on priorities, whether it's designing a survey, analyzing market data, or building insights into client-ready slides. I work independently on these modules, while staying connected with my team for quick brainstorming sessions or problem-solving huddles. A big part of my day is also spent mentoring junior analysts including, reviewing their work, answering questions, and guiding them through the priorities and problem-solving approach. Somewhere between tasks, I often end up going for a coffee catchup with my manager to discuss both case priorities and long-term goals. Lunch usually includes a break at the gaming zone. As the day wraps up, we reconnect with the consulting team to share progress and next steps. Every day is a good balance of focus, growth, and fun, making the role challenging and incredibly rewarding.
How would you describe the culture within the LCN team?
LCN embodies the L.E.K. culture of being collaborative, energetic, social, and fun while staying true to its core tenets of delivering high quality work, building innovative solutions, and integrating with case teams and offices globally across the firm. We invest heavily in mentorship, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement while ensuring people have fun as we grow. From unwind sessions that bring the entire office together for new joiner onboardings, birthdays and festivities to events focused on giving back to society, everyone has something to look forward to each week. Recently, our office donated 1,800 pounds of essentials to underserved communities as part of a green initiative. We all took pride in the initiative. I feel like the LCN not only embraces the L.E.K. culture but also elevates it.
How do you see your role evolving within the LCN, and what are you most excited about in the future?
LCN offers several growth opportunities. Analysts join the team after completing undergrad and start by ramping up on the consulting toolkit. Till the time they become Sr. Analysts, like me, they would typically select a sector/topic/tool or project type as their area of specialization. For those looking to transition into core consulting. The Global Hiring Track opens doors to consulting roles in international offices. It’s a program designed not just for progression, but for long-term growth across geographies and practice areas. Two of our Senior Analysts moved to the London office this March, and as for myself, I am most excited about transitioning to the Houston office this fall!