Bain & Company

Jana Lam, Bain Alum, SF “I was deciding between working at Bain and a law firm. I think my whole life trajectory would be completely different if I had gone to work at the law firm. Working at Bain gave me the push I needed to figure out what I really wanted to do. I was surrounded by so many motivated and intelligent people, and I felt like I wasn't living up to my full potential. I decided to pursue a second bachelor’s degree in interior design. When I told my manager that I was leaving Bain, his support validated my decision. I was devoted to my interior design studies, but when I took an applied textiles elective class midway through my time at the Academy of Art University, I fell in love. Shortly after I graduated, I won the grand prize at the Surtex Design Next surface design competition and that also gave me validation that I was on the right path. When I moved home to Honolulu in 2010 during a market downturn, there were no interior design jobs, so I created a textiles and fabrics portfolio. I thought, “I don't know what I'm going do with this portfolio, but I'm going to carry it, and if I ever come across someone, I'll have it to show them.” And that’s how it happened. A shop owner complimented my portfolio and invited me to make something to sell on consignment. I went home and learned how to sew a tote bag and made my first sale. For over a decade, I’ve been crafting lifestyle products and accessories from my own vibrant textile designs. I thrive on collaborations that allow me to explore different mediums and expand the Jana Lam brand. From a fun collaboration with Beer Lab HI to designing washable paper bags for Foodland's 75th anniversary, each project is a testament to my love for what I do. This month, we launched an aloha shirt collaboration with Tommy Bahama. As a local, Asian woman and proud business owner in Hawaii, I am dedicated to creating quality products that embody the spirit of aloha. In my life, I think all these very specific things had to happen for me to become an artist/business owner and being at Bain was one of them. I feel like if I had chosen the law firm, I would still be bouncing from job to job trying to figure myself out.”

Every colleague's journey is unique #atBain. Rachel's 20-year tenure highlights the strength of our exceptional culture—cherished by current and alumni Bainies alike. Learn how you can be more supported #atBain: https://atbain.co/3UGi3xU

We’re proud to be the Principal Consultant Sponsor of SuperReturn International 2024, taking place in Berlin from June 4-7. The largest gathering of its kind, SuperReturn International brings together more than 5,000 decision-makers from private capital for three days of tailored content and networking. Discover more about the event and connect with our team members on site. https://atbain.co/4aYuElI

Connie K., an Expert Partner in our Singapore office, was taught practicality early on and made career decisions based on this approach. After studying at Oxford and the London School of Economics, she joined Bain as an associate consultant in 2004. She’d later gain experience outside of the firm working with world-renowned restauranteur, Alan Yau, and Amazon before returning to Bain to lead in our Retail practice. Embodying our Operating Principle, “Practical and at Cause,” Connie joins us to share how she’s applied this principle throughout her career: https://atbain.co/3UoT0hz

Happy Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month from us #atBain! With roots across Asia and the Pacific Islands, this community is diverse, spanning 50+ groups, 100+ languages, and various religions. Swipe to see the Bainies you'll hear from this month as we honor this year's theme of advancing leadership across this community by celebrating the innovative contributions of today and exploring what is needed for the leaders of tomorrow. #AANHPIHM #AANHPI

Our recent survey reveals that only one-third of executives with high #sustainability ambitions believe they have the necessary technology to deliver on them. To leverage sustainability as a competitive advantage, leaders and disrupters alike must act quickly. Learn more: https://atbain.co/3UpSoZ3

On the latest episode of the Dry Powder #Podcast, host Hugh MacArthur joins Holden Spaht, one of Thoma Bravo’s leading enterprise software investors and a rare voice of optimism in the tech space. In this episode, Hugh asks Holden how he remains bullish on tech and the two also explore how he developed a playbook for profitable growth and why margin expansion is foundational to every one of his deals, regardless of the company’s size. Listen here: https://atbain.co/3UEwxy3

The BASE Program is for all Black, Hispanic/Latin American, and/or Indigenous pre-MBA students entering a full-time two-year MBA Program in the fall who want to explore what it’s like to be a consultant, design a career with intention, cultivate a supportive network and experience Bain’s culture. Last chance to apply: https://atbain.co/3JCtErx

Spiking interest rates derailed dealmaking in 2023 and left the capital flywheel sputtering. In this edition of The Bain Brief, we’re unpacking our annual Global Private Equity Report, including the game-changing disruption brought by generative AI and the market outlook, while also offering a glimpse into what it’s like to work in our #PrivateEquity group.

The Americas region and the technology sector are consistently wowing shareholders. How does your industry stack up? https://atbain.co/4bionAT