Our Akili Employee Spotlight Series continues as we introduce Ben Schoen. This week we learned more about this Missouri-based consultant and his role.
Tell us more about your role and what you like most about it.
I am a Senior Consultant at Akili. What I like most about my role is the problem-solving and hands-on aspect of my work. I like to get my hands dirty, so being able to build something from the ground up and deliver a finished product to a client is something I really enjoy. I also appreciate the challenge that the occasional difficult requirement presents.
What drew you to Akili? Is Akili what was described to you and what you expected?
Being a small firm is what initially got me interested in Akili, but I also learned that Akili puts a priority on delivery in ways that I haven’t experienced at other firms and truly wants to do what is in the best interest of the client. Akili has absolutely lived up to expectations and in several ways has exceeded them.
What’s your favorite Akili memory?
My favorite memory is the Christmas party I attended. I had just been hired the month before and had only interacted with a handful of people through the hiring process, training classes and projects. The Christmas party was my first chance to meet the entire company, and one of the lasting memories I have is how welcome I felt.
What makes Akili stand out from the rest?
The amount of respect everyone has for one another is refreshing. The focus on culture and core values is not a marketing ploy; it’s real. But what stands out the most for me is the continued emphasis on making Akili a great place to work.
What are 3 career lessons you’ve learned thus far?
- Don’t work only for the money
- Be open to change. It’s inevitable
- A job isn’t worth your health. Make sure to have the right work-life balance
What has been the most important innovation you have witnessed in your lifetime?
The Internet. I’m old enough to have experienced what life was like before it became an essential utility for nearly everyone. I got hooked on the Internet in the mid 90s when you actually had to “log off” of the Internet. It has changed so many aspects of life and I can’t imagine where the world would be today without it.
How do you like to spend your free time / what are you passionate about?
I love spending my free time with my wife and kids, traveling and getting outdoors. Some of our favorite things to do include biking, playing tennis and visiting attractions around town like the zoo and nearby parks. We have a lot of fun travel destinations within driving distance from where we live, and some of the recent trips we’ve taken include visits to Branson, Gatlinburg and Chicago.
