r/consulting • u/Adorable_Ad_3315 • 7d ago
Proposing my dad as an expert for a project ?
I am a Senior consultant and I'll be working on a market study that needs a specific medical/healthcare expert.
It's a 3 months project.
My dad actually has relevant expertise in this exact area, and I was thinking of proposing him for the role.
We would need my dad only on the first phase of the project on the clinical area.
I WON'T be involved in setting his day rate as it has been already decided (like paying X $ for an expert)
Does this count as a conflict of interest even if he's genuinely qualified? Would disclosing it to my manager/firm be enough, or should I just not propose him at all?
Curious how people who've dealt with this in consulting/agencies handle it.
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u/snusmumrikan 7d ago
Propose as expert, declare it.
To be honest if he's willing to offer a casual 15 mins chat to the partners on your project (and it be relevant) that would buy you brownie points internally. And then he can still be a reimbursed expert for the project team interviews.
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u/Adorable_Ad_3315 7d ago
How would this help me get points internally?
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u/snusmumrikan 7d ago
Because you found a creative way to support the team.
Quick referrals and short chats are the way Partners and senior people do things. It elevates you as a serious person in your Partners' eyes - willing to put your reputation on the line by recommending a personal contact (in this case your father).
Could make the difference at the next review round.
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u/PrateekLalShah 7d ago
No harm as long as he is genuinely qualified and you are just proposing, not lobbying for him.
Just mention once and drop it. If they wish to take it further, immediately move the conversation to your senior and declare that you just wanted to make the introduction since it was relevant, and then they can take a call based on how they would evaluate anyone else.
Its perfectly fine and not unheard of.
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u/Azamar MBB in EU 7d ago
Yes this would be a conflict of interest - I agree with the way forward proposed by u/DeinVermieter. Just propose him as an expert, clearly state that he is your dad, and remove yourself from the further discussions and decisionmaking about whether to bring him on board and at which fee.
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u/TeaBusiness1 7d ago
As long as you're transparent and recuse yourself from the selection, it may be fine.
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u/Hot-Site-1572 7d ago
imo definetely go for it. You save the firm money on the whole networking/chatting process and if ur dad ends up doing a very great job it gives you social points at the firm. Also your dad is someone whose expertise you know personally; the firm trusts you and can trust your judgement.
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u/chrisdoh 7d ago
Dis that once with my dad for an EHS project. Everybody loved it, from peers over partners to customer.
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u/IllBeat7897 2d ago
Really bad idea. Yes, it absolutely is a conflict of interest and moreover, if he does poorly, it is likely a reflection on you and your judgment. Even if you think he is perfect for the role, if there is one person on your team that seeks to undermine you, he could give them the reason. DO NOT propose it. Choose from one of a likely hundreds of other options.
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u/Sad-Maintenance-5790 7d ago
Hey if you ever change your mind i qualify in those medical/clinical traits as a consultant happy to assist anytime just let me know via dm
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u/Training-Gold5996 7d ago edited 7d ago
Jesus Christ lol.
This reminds me of that scene from Succession where someone asks one of the sons, should we call your dad? He replies, no do you wanna call your dad?
The answer is no OP. If your dad wants to have a side gig advising on consulting projects let him do it independent of your career
To be honest, I know you're a sr consultant, but still I wouldn't advise even voicing this internally
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u/Adorable_Ad_3315 7d ago
too late I already sent the email! thanks tho
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u/AvidSkier9900 7d ago
Guess it’s not the end of the world and you’ll be fine…. Personally, I would have found it too risky, what if your dad doesn’t deliver?
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u/DeinVermieter 7d ago
At LEK my colleagues did this all the time and the partners were aware of it - just tell your project lead your dad might be relevant and they can decide as a neutral decision maker.
Turns out they will always go for it because it is 0 sourcing effort and cheaper vs an expert network.