Alex Y.
Studied at Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
Worked at McKinsey & Company
Available tomorrow at 4:00 PM UTC
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About Alex
I spent 4 years at McKinsey, where I advanced quickly and was elected Associate Partner after just 3 years — an accelerated path that reflected both strong client results and firm leadership. In my time there, I recruited and interviewed candidates, coached associates and engagement managers, and built a reputation for helping people succeed in high-pressure environments. Since leaving McKinsey, I’ve served as a President and C-suite executive across retail, consumer, and tech-enabled services, giving me a unique perspective on how consulting skills can be applied and scaled in industry. Having sat on both sides of the table — as a McKinsey interviewer and later as a senior executive hiring former consultants — I know exactly what it takes to stand out in recruiting and thrive once you’re in.
Why do I coach?
I coach because I’m passionate about helping people break into consulting — especially those with diverse backgrounds and experiences who may not always see themselves reflected in the industry. I know from experience that consulting firms value problem-solvers from all walks of life, but the recruiting process can feel intimidating and opaque. What I enjoy most is helping candidates build confidence, find their authentic story, and show firms the unique value they bring. Once inside, I love supporting consultants as they navigate their early projects, grow their toolkit, and set themselves up for promotion. For me, coaching is about opening doors and helping people thrive in a career that can be both transformative and challenging.
Work Experience
Advisory Board Member
Workstep
April 2025 - Present
Advisory board member for a mature start-up focused on using AI to drive employee insights, front-line engagement and retention
Advisory Board Member
Rotman School of Management
April 2025 - Present
Chief Strategy and Stores Officer
Fielmann Group
2024 - 2025
Hiring Manager
Drive sales, margin and store profitability for Fielmann USA. Lead retail and professional services for ~230 stores and 1,500+ optical professionals across the Midwest.
Chief Growth Officer
Aventiv Technologies
2023 - 2024
Hiring Manager
Took on long range strategy and strategic planning for the entire enterprise, in addition to existing GTM and product responsibilities.
Chief Revenue Officer
Aventiv Technologies
2021 - 2023
Hiring Manager
Recruited as a direct report to the CEO, my mandate was to transform the company into a technology and consumer-focused powerhouse. I have transformed the revenue and product teams, with accountability for $700+ million in revenue. Successfully restructured the sales team, renegotiated commercial terms with top customers, and identified revenue opportunities through innovative product analytics. Developed a long-term product and partnership strategy, paving the way for $50+ million in new revenue growth. Business Strategy, Go-to-Market Strategy and +3 skills
President Canadian Retail
The North West Company
2018 - 2021
Hiring Manager
Transformed the stable Canadian retail business unit which accounted for $900+ million in revenue. I developed a 5-year strategy that identified additional avenues for growth, reimagined the pricing and talent approach for the organization, and drove a step change in business and people results. Led 3,500 staff across 200+ stores in Western and Northern Canada, implementing transformative pricing strategies and launching new lines of business. Created a nimble, collaborative team that delivered record-breaking results during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategic Initiatives
Associate Partner
McKinsey & Company
2014 - 2018
Interviewer
Developed expertise in delivering digitally-enabled, consumer-centric transformations across industries, achieving significant cost reductions and improved customer experiences. Promoted to Engagement Manager in 1 year and Associate Partner in 2.5 years. Led the LGBTQ affinity network for McKinsey Canada
VP Restaurant Solutions (China)
McDonald's
2010 - 2012
Hiring Manager
Spearheaded a growth strategy to double the number of restaurants in 5 years, optimizing operations, supply chain, menu, and IT strategy for 1,300 restaurants. Launched online ordering for McDelivery, drove significant growth in breakfast and lunch revenues, and revamped the supply chain model to deliver efficiencies.
Managing Director, Singapore
McDonald's
2007 - 2010
Hiring Manager
Managing Director Managing Director McDonald's SingaporeMcDonald's Singapore 2007 - 2010 · 3 yrs2007 to 2010 · 3 yrs Took on full P/L responsibility for the Singapore market, achieving remarkable double digit growth in sales and profit while enhancing corporate culture and reputation. Launched initiatives based on consumer needs, such as value lunch and online ordering for delivery, resulting in substantial sales growth.
Alex was also given offers to work at
Bain & Company
Boston Consulting Group
Education
Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
Master of Business Administration (MBA), MBA
2012 - 2014
Activities and societies: Graduate Business Council Management Consulting Association Academic : Dean's List (Top 10%) Awarded Dean's Fellowship (top entrance award) Extracurricular : Graduate Business Council President, 2013-2014 Graduate Student Representative, Rotman Dean's Search Advisory Committee