Executive Turned Consultant: Transitioning from Experienced Executive to Trusted Advisor in Healthcare

The reality of a healthcare consulting career can be vastly different from how people often imagine it. Although an executive might transition to a consulting role, management experience and knowledge do not guarantee success. Executive Turned Consultant provides a road map for executives contemplating a move into management consulting. The book walks readers through key considerations and includes firsthand accounts of executives who have navigated the transition.

Topics covered include:

• Why and how to conduct a mid-career assessment
• How consulting compares with executive management
• Common mistakes executives make when launching a consulting career
• The pros and cons of joining an existing firm versus going into solo practice
• How to determine the best time to move into consulting

In his previous book, The Healthcare Consultant’s Handbook, author Scott A. Mason offered early careerists insight into the essential role of healthcare consultants and what truly makes a consultant exceptional. Now he provides practical guidance to help healthcare executives make informed career decisions about becoming professional consultants, with eyes wide open to both the risks and rewards.

Scott A. Mason, DPA, FACHE, is an advisor to hospitals, health systems, and health-related companies as an independent consultant, board member, and serial entrepreneur. His career has spanned diverse strategy assignments with more than 400 organizations in 40 states. In addition to starting his career at Booz Allen and founding his own firm at the age of 30, he has held senior executive positions with both private and public companies. Mason has also served in a variety of interim management positions, including as a hospital executive and president of a regional health system.

Chapter 1 - Why Consider a Career Change? Chapter 2 - Making a Mid-Career Assessment Chapter 3 - Executive Roles Are Getting More Challenging Chapter 4 - What Are My Options? Chapter 5 - What Others Have Experienced Chapter 6 - Summary Observations Chapter 7 - Executive Management Versus Consulting Chapter 8 - Let's Look More Closely at Consulting Chapter 9 - CEOs Face Some Unique Challenges Chapter 10 - Avoid Common Mistakes Chapter 11 - Time to Launch Chapter 12 - If Things Don't Work Out Chapter 13 - Let the Journey Begin