The Final Word / Conversations with Extraordinary People
In this edition, we’re excited to highlight Mike Hutchens. Mike is a Director in Jabian’s Charlotte office with over 20 years of experience spanning both the financial services industry and consulting. He is a trusted advisor known for helping clients build connections between strategy and execution. His areas of expertise include business transformation, product development, pricing, customer segmentation, and process optimization; areas in which he has consistently delivered measurable impact and lasting client value.
What was your background before Jabian, and how did you first decide to join the firm?
I began my career at KPMG in financial statement auditing, where I developed a deep interest in financial statements, ratios, and the interactions between CFOs and CAOs in public companies. From there, I spent nearly 13 years at Bank of America in a variety of roles, many centered on product, pricing, and analytics. I then transitioned into consulting with Accenture, where, for almost six years, I focused on business transformation for financial services clients.
I chose to join Jabian after hearing consistently positive feedback about the firm from former colleagues and recognizing that its co-founders, who came from Accenture, had built a culture aligned with my own experience and values. Additionally, after several years of extensive travel, I was eager to spend more time with my family. Joining Jabian allowed me to continue pursuing meaningful client work while also being present with my wife and our two daughters.
What made you decide to rejoin the firm?
Consulting has always been the most fulfilling part of my career, as it allows me to think strategically while helping organizations achieve their most critical priorities. When the opportunity came up to return to Jabian, the decision was easy. The firm’s values and approach to client service aligned closely with how I view consulting, making it the clear choice among the options I was considering.
"Embracing change and being open to new opportunities has consistently led to growth, both for me and for the clients I serve."
How do you think the business of consulting has changed in the last 10 years?
Over the past decade, consulting has shifted significantly in response to changing client expectations. Clients today are more resourceful and demand faster results, measurable ROI, and the co-creation of practical solutions; not just a presentation of recommendations. Increasingly, they are seeking trusted business partners who can work side-by-side with them to drive execution and outcomes. Jabian is well-positioned for this model, given our emphasis on collaboration and impact.
What do you think clients appreciate most about your perspective?
Clients value the combination of my industry and consulting experience. Having led product and pricing functions on the client side, I understand the challenges they face and can empathize with their realities. This perspective enables me to provide solutions that are not only strategic but also practical and implementable. I believe this credibility and ability to deliver realistic recommendations have been critical to building the trusted partnerships that define my consulting work.
What has been your most rewarding project to be involved with?
One of the most rewarding projects of my career was a multi-year business transformation engagement with a large financial services client. I helped lead their transition from an outsourcing to an insourcing model, supporting the development of capabilities across more than ten functional areas. Watching the client mature over time and ultimately achieve significant loan volume growth was a fulfilling experience. Equally meaningful was the opportunity to build enduring, trust-based relationships with the client team throughout the process.
What has been the best advice you’ve received?
Two pieces of advice have stayed with me throughout my career. The first, from a former supervisor, was to “live in the moment and celebrate your successes.” In consulting, it is easy to focus only on the next challenge or the pursuit of perfection, but taking the time to recognize achievements, both personal and client successes, enhances fulfillment and quality of life.
The second piece of advice came from a colleague: “Release control and be open to opportunities.” Early in my career, I had a rigid plan for where I wanted to be in 10-15 years. I’ve since learned that adaptability is critical, as circumstances often evolve in unexpected ways. This flexibility is especially important in consulting, where client needs and directions can shift rapidly. Embracing change and being open to new opportunities has consistently led to growth, both for me and for the clients I serve.