Join the Movement: Finding Connection in Consultancy 

Losing Touch in a “People-First” World 

Having been in consultancy my whole working life, I know a thing or two about consulting and consultancies. I have experienced first-hand what it means when a company says they “are” or “do” people first, but you don't really notice that in practice.

I've also experienced how hard it can be to stay engaged with your employer and colleagues in a consultancy where you’re free to decide when and where you work. Freedom is great, but it often means working from home or for clients far away, making true connection harder to find.

Even though I appreciated the flexibility and variety consultancy brings, I started missing the human connection that makes work meaningful.

A Sceptical Start with Xebia

When I first heard about Xebia through former colleagues who had joined, I was intrigued but sceptical. I heard the familiar “people-first” promise and thought, here we go again.

What caught my attention, though, was the Xebia Knowledge Exchange (XKE), a bi-weekly knowledge-sharing event. My first thought? “How do they have time for that and still maintain a healthy work-life balance?” It didn’t sound sustainable. But as it turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

More Than Knowledge: The Heart of Connection

I soon discovered that the Xebia Knowledge Exchange isn’t just about sharing knowledge. In fact, that’s almost secondary.

The XKEs are how we stay engaged and connected as colleagues. They’re the moments we come together, face to face, to talk about whatever inspires us, often not client projects. Sessions can be about anything, from deep technical dives to beer and wine tastings.

And between sessions, we share drinks, good food, and conversation. Xebia makes sure everything, from the stocked fridges to the shared meals, reflects the same quality we deliver to clients. That attention to detail makes coming to the office something to look forward to.

Leaders Who Join the Table

What also stands out to me is that Xebia’s leadership doesn’t sit in ‘an ivory tower’. They’re right there with us, talking, laughing, and being part of the same community. It makes leadership approachable, authentic, and human.

Choosing Connection Every Two Weeks

Sure, attending an XKE means giving up a few personal hours every two weeks. But after 2.5 years, I can confidently say it’s worth it.

Those shared moments have helped me stay engaged and connected, not just to the company, but to the people who make it special. Seeing colleagues choose to show up makes every gathering more meaningful.

Just remember: when you join, you’ll need to drink the Kool-Aid and go all in 😉. I promise, you won’t regret it.