Q&A Alumni Spotlight
5 Questions
Deloitte Retired Managing Director Lawrence Blank-Cook
Tell us about your career journey at Deloitte.
I started in Deloitte Consulting LLP, where my main role was helping to build the methodology for new service lines. This led to me accepting a role leading operations for Systems and Technology Services. I left Deloitte for a few years to focus on my family. When I returned, I helped lead the creation of DeloitteNet 2.0 and the early collaboration tools.
It’s hard now to imagine any business without collaboration tools but it was new ground at the time to help ensure all the teams were aligned and the training and processes were in place.
What were some of your top moments at Deloitte?
For DeloitteNet 2.0, we developed a seamless process where one team prepared the page content and another team developed the corresponding web layout overnight. We created sixty thousand pages of content over nine months. It was one of the first collaborations of its kind and it was exciting to be a part of it.
Another top moment was being selected as the Hermitage Office Managing Director, a role I held for four and a half years. It was a real honor to be able to represent the people in that office. Visiting the office now and seeing the completed construction is exciting. The new trail is the icing on the cake.
Lawrence was passionately dedicated to our people’s well-being. The newly completed walking trail around the Hermitage campus was inspired by her vision and commitment to building a strong sense of community at our Hermitage office. Naming the trail in her honor reflects the lasting impact she has made at Deloitte.
Anissa Nelson-Carlisle, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP
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Looking back, what stands out about Deloitte’s culture?
Deloitte’s commitment to well-being was important to me because I am a strong believer that you need to take care of yourself to do your job well. I’m also a breast cancer survivor so prioritizing health is really important to me.
I was the Information Technology Services well-being leader for several years. A highlight was visiting a technology walkup center to lead a short yoga session. I loved being able to help the dedicated, hardworking IT professionals unwind and feel supported in prioritizing their well-being.
How did you decide to transition to teaching?
Once the new construction plans were set at the Hermitage office, I thought I should either commit to staying for the entire construction or leave before it was too far under way. I decided the timing was right for my next chapter.
I’m now teaching math at a local public high school and am really enjoying it. There’s a great need for teachers right now and I’m happy to be able to be there. The transition seemed natural since I taught at the college level before starting at Deloitte. While I was at Deloitte, I facilitated training courses every chance I could get. I guess there has always been a little bit of teacher in me.
What advice do you have for other professionals?
Take care of your well-being. Take time to meet people and be with people. The friendships and networking are good for your soul but can also be good for your career. Enjoy the ride.
I loved working at Deloitte the whole time I was there. Even when working through challenges, I felt I was with smart, caring, compassionate, ethical people and really felt lucky to be there and to be a part of the community.
This article is part of an ongoing series of interviews with alumni. Lawrence Blank-Cook's participation is solely for educational purposes based on their knowledge of the subject, and the views expressed by them are solely their own. This article should not be deemed or construed to be for the purpose of soliciting business.
This article contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this article, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional services. This article is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. Deloitte shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this article.