Congratulations to Spaulding Ridge’s Director, Fran Barnes, on winning the Women Leaders in Consulting award by Consulting Magazine in the Client Service category!
With over 18 years of experience, Fran shares in this interview what winning this award means to her and reflects on her consulting journey. Her journey is a powerful reminder that leadership is shaped by empathy, and the courage to keep learning.
Tell us about yourself and your role at Spaulding Ridge.
Hi, I’m Fran Barnes. I’m a Delivery Director within the RevEx practice here at Spaulding Ridge. I serve as the engagement lead on our larger, digital transformation programs. My focus is on driving measurable outcomes for our clients and supporting them throughout their digital transformation journeys.
I’m passionate about building high-performing teams and fostering inclusive environments where individuals feel empowered to be themselves and thrive, both in client-facing roles and within our internal teams.
What does winning the Women Leader in Consulting award mean to you?
Winning this award is an incredible honor. To me, this award represents the shared commitment we all have to excellence and collaboration.
First of all, it’s a reflection of our collaborative spirit—the very essence of what defines Spaulding Ridge. To me, consulting is a team sport, and this award truly embodies that spirit. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the support and trust of my bandmates, our clients, and our leadership.
Every success we achieve, whether it’s in our day-to-day work or in reaching larger goals, is the result of working together and delivering meaningful outcomes. So, this recognition isn’t just mine; it belongs to the entire team that consistently shows up, goes above and beyond, and creates real value for our clients.
What inspired you to choose this field?
I’ve always been drawn to solving complex problems and working with diverse teams throughout my career. Consulting felt like the perfect match because it offers a constant variety of challenges, whether it’s the outcomes we’re driving toward or the problems we’re solving. It allows us to make a real impact, not just for ourselves but for the organizations we support.
The opportunity to help organizations navigate change and deliver meaningful results is something that keeps me energized. I’m always looking forward to the next challenge we can solve together
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve received a lot of great advice over the years, but one that stands out is: It’s okay to say “no” or “not yet.”
As consultants, especially early in our careers, we often feel compelled to say yes to everything. But we’re not just here to deliver; we’re here to guide. Sometimes, being a true partner means challenging requests that may not align with long-term goals. Saying “no” or “not yet” isn’t about being difficult; it’s about being thoughtful and strategic.
I often compare it to mentoring. When my son asks for something, he hopes for a “yes,” but sometimes the right answer is “not yet.” It’s about making the best decision for the moment, with empathy and clear communication, so the reasoning is understood and respected.
That advice has helped me build stronger, more honest partnerships—ones rooted in trust and shared success.
How has SR supported you in your growth journey?
For me, Spaulding Ridge has been incredibly empowering in every aspect.
I’ve been here for about three years, and I’ve had opportunities not only to lead but also to learn and connect. I appreciate that we have multiple practices and are encouraged to collaborate across them, which has broadened my perspective.
I’ve personally benefited from strong mentorship and a culture rooted in authenticity and transparency. Our leadership truly champions teamwork and values diverse points of view, enabling us to contribute meaningfully to solutions. Being trusted with autonomy has helped me grow both professionally and personally.
I’m a firm believer that learning never stops, life is a journey and there’s always something new around the corner. SR creates an environment that supports continuous development and encourages cross-team collaboration, and I’m so grateful for that.
What are you excited to work toward next?
Many things. In the near term, I’m really excited about continuing to improve delivery across our portfolio. We’ve learned a lot from past projects, and I want to make sure those lessons help us continuously improve, so every team can bring the best possible experience to our clients.
I’m also passionate about investing in team development. I want to help create pathways for growth, so everyone, no matter where they are in their career, feels empowered to find their voice and step into leadership. Sometimes, it’s just about creating opportunities and giving people the confidence to take that next step.
On the delivery side, we’re working on initiatives to put guardrails in place that help prevent issues from escalating. It’s all about improving processes and making sure our teams have the support they need to succeed.
What’s one fun or surprising fact about you that not many people know?
I’m not sure if it’s fun or surprising, but here’s something most people don’t know: In college, I trained, volunteered, and worked as an EMT (emergency medical technician). Back then, I actually planned to go into pre-med.
It was an incredible experience that shaped who I am today. It taught me the importance of staying calm under pressure, because in that role, the stakes were high, and people’s health and lives were on the line. It also gave me the chance to give back to my community, which is something I still value deeply. Even though it’s been years, the lessons I learned as an EMT stay with me every day.
If you could pick any song to play when you walk into the office, what would it be?
It really depends on the day, but one song that always energizes me is Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen. It has such a high-energy, upbeat vibe; it’s the perfect way to start the day on a positive note. For me, it’s also a great reminder to make the most of the day and make it count.
Thank you for your time today, Fran. Congratulations!
Thank you!
