Consult, connect, change.
The motto of c3/consulting – the company Beth Chase founded in 2005 – has really been Chase’s mantra during more than three decades as a trusted advisor and change agent.
What launched as a small, local consulting firm is now nationally recognized for assisting Fortune 1000 and growth healthcare companies. Though c3 works across multiple industries, the healthcare practice represents the largest portion of their business. From shifts in the regulatory landscape to new ownership structures to changes in market demands, today nearly 130 associates help clients across the country navigate transformational change.
A personal inflection point for Chase came with her decision to attend college at Vanderbilt. Middle Tennessee became home when she landed her first job here after finishing her degree in math and economics. “I started my career at IBM Corporation and was fortunate to be assigned to work with several large healthcare companies in Nashville,” she recalled. “I was in awe of the work they did and the impact they were having on the U.S. healthcare system and on individual’s lives.”
Although she started in sales, Chase was selected to facilitate a discussion on Six Sigma for a conference. Afterward, an attendee remarked Chase should be a consultant. “Someone saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.”
Not only did the comment start her on a new career trajectory as a member of IBM’s Global Consulting group, it also underscored the gift of perspective, which the inveterate problem-solver and her team routinely put into action. “We see things our clients don’t because we’re looking at it through a different lens and from a different vantage point,” she explained.
Like an intricate math equation, Chase relishes breaking down complex issues while keeping an eye on the end goal. She said the best part is working with her “smart, dedicated and creative team.”
Chase continued, “I enjoy the challenge of the ever-increasing pace and complexity of change. We live in a world of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity – VUCA for short. Moving confidently forward in the face of that reality is the most challenging aspect in any organization and any industry.”
Chase knows from first-hand experience that ‘moving confidently’ can be difficult at times. “Like many women, I have struggled with self-confidence throughout my life. When people learn this fact, they are often surprised since I typically project confidence in my work and in my interactions with those around me.”
She said a number of dynamics worked in concert to encourage boldness and change her outlook. She credits a number of role models for setting the bar high. “They each, in their unique ways, model the value of long-term relationships, the importance of courage, and the criticality of giving back to our community.”
Giving back has been a hallmark of Chase’s service to clients, the city, and others hoping to address challenges through innovation. As chair-elect of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, Chase noted, “Many people helped me along the way so I’m committed to paying that forward by helping others.” Beyond the pure business aspect, she added, “I am also passionate about people – learning from them, supporting them and leading them.”
Of course the people she is most passionate about are those in her family including Chase’s twin sons, now 24, husband Randy, and his two children who are both in college. “My husband wholeheartedly supports me and encourages me to be ‘me’ in all that I do. My family grounds me,” Chase said. As empty nesters, the couple loves to travel and to explore Nashville’s food and wine scene. “We have to try every new restaurant,” she said with a laugh.
Finally, Chase said she looked inward to overcome doubts. “I simply decided one day to completely shift my mindset,” she recalled. “I believe I started saying to myself things like: ‘I am smart. I have something to offer others. I can make a difference through my behaviors and actions.’ This mindset shift freed me to be bold and brave and to keep moving confidently forward … always.”
Moving forward with courage and conviction is the most important piece of advice she shares with others. After all, she pointed out, “Big problems can’t be solved with meek efforts.”
