My Stop Work Journey: Reinventing Careers
Start of the Journey - Hoi An
The earthquake impacting USAID on January 20, 2025, is forcing many dedicated international development professionals to rethink their futures across the globe. For me, it was a reminder of my Stop Work experience when the Afghan government collapsed three years ago, which left me displaced after renting out my home in DC. That Stop Work order marked a turning point for me, reinforcing the fragility of traditional consulting models and the need for adaptability—and I decided to start G Group - after spending the initial period playing the employment game.
From Stop Work to a New Beginning
Rather than waiting for opportunity, I leveraged my Big 4 consulting experience and global networks to start G Group, LLC, a firm designed to evolve with a new consulting model: service provider vs. job seeker. The solution? Independence, innovation, and professional reinvention.
🔗 Explore G Group’s Consulting Solutions: www.ggroupllc.org
Bangkok Happy Hour: A Community Get-Together
🔗 Join the Happy Hour
Since October 2024, I’ve hosted a monthly Bangkok Happy Hour, a virtual and/or in-person gathering for professionals in the international business and consulting realms—sourced by my LinkedIn connections and colleagues I have worked with in development. It provides a space for:
Reconnecting with peers and identifying new opportunities.
Discussing changes in consulting and navigating uncertainty.
Building a network for independent consultants and fractional work.
The Future of Consulting
Traditional consulting models are evolving, shifting towards localized solutions and private-sector partnerships. At G Group, we are responding to these changes by:
Expanding fractional consulting, offering expertise without full-time commitments.
*Launching MVP collaboration services, helping organizations develop scalable information management solutions.
*Rolling out MVP+ services, guiding professionals transitioning into consulting.
Leveraging AI-driven knowledge management for better efficiency and decision-making.
Strengthening partnerships through the monthly virtual (and in-person) Bangkok Happy Hour and professional networks.
Affiliating with premium freelance consulting platforms such as Outsized (https://www.outsized.com), Movemeon (https://www.movemeon.com), Talmix (https://www.talmix.com), and Consultport (https://www.consultport.com) expanding access to high-quality engagements and global opportunities for independent consultants.
The future belongs to those who can adapt, build solutions, and leverage strong networks.
What’s Next?
✅ Expanding networking events to connect professionals.
✅ Launching the Fractional Consulting Services series to support organizations in transition.
✅ Growing MVP collaboration services for structured consulting solutions.
✅ Enhancing MVP+ services to help professionals move into consulting.
✅ Strengthening G Group’s impact, helping professionals thrive in a shifting landscape.
✅ Expanding access to top-tier opportunities through premium consulting platforms: Outsized (https://www.outsized.com), Movemeon (https://www.movemeon.com), Talmix (https://www.talmix.com), and Consultport (https://www.consultport.com).
📢 If you are considering options, let’s connect.
Whether through Bangkok Happy Hour, associating with G Group’s network, or exploring the MVP services, we can build the next chapter—together.
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Let’s move forward. 🚀
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