Consulting Magazine - December 2015

Navigate is a management consult-
ing firm focused on helping clients
solve their business problems. “We
provide solutions in the areas of
strategy, business operations, tech-
nology and risk,” Robert Kathol,
CEO of Navigate. “Effective project
management, organizational change
and leadership flow through every-
thing we do.”
Regardless of the particular ser-
vices a client might need—from strat-
egy definition or business process opti-
mization, to mobile computing or risk
remediation—Navigate incorporates
three key principals into everything
it does: effective project manage-
ment, change management, and lead-
ership. “Our project management
approach, based on experience and
industry knowledge, will direct our
efforts; change management will flow
throughout to ensure success; and
clear leadership from seasoned profes-
sionals will be your constant guide,”
Kathol says. “Objectivity, practical
advice and regionally located consul-
tants offer our clients a better consult-
ing experience. We deliver outcomes.”
With 124 percent revenue growth,
Navigate settles in at No. 27 on
Consulting’s list of Fastest Growing
Firms. Consulting caught up with
Kathol to discuss the Wayne, Pa-
based firm’s future.

Consulting: What were the main factors that contributed to your exceptional growth?

Kathol: Four things: One, focusing on culture and bringing on professionals that believe in our vision, mission, and core values. Two, focusing on our region. Our understanding and deep relationships in the communities we both live and work gives us an edge. Three, focusing on several industry areas—not becoming dependent on one industry, rather a focus on sustainable industries in our region, thus reducing our firm’s risk. Four, focus on our five service areas. We do not want to be “everything to everybody”, but we also want to bring enough capability to have meaningful impact to large companies in our area.

Consulting: How is 2015 shaping up for your firm?

Kathol: 2015 has been a very strong year for the firm. Revenue growth rate is expected to be around 50 percent, our team expanded in both size and depth, significantly increasing our ability to drive impact for our clients. We have also added numerous strategic clients creating a greater foundation for the firm’s continued success.

Consulting: How would you describe your firm’s outlook for 2016? Where do you see the most opportunities?

Kathol: Macro and micro indicators
point to continued strong momen-
tum in our industry. Health care, life
sciences, and manufacturing are in-
dustries that are thriving in our re-
gion and where our service areas/
offerings align with their industry
challenges and opportunities.

Consulting: What do you see as the biggest challenges for your firm in 2016?

Kathol: With a tightening of the professional labor market, employee retention will be critical for our firm’s stability and growth. With the emphasis we place on our culture, employee satisfaction is paramount.