Traveling the Consulting Road

Career Wisdom for New Consultants, Candidates, and Their Mentors

Consulting / Professional Development

Traveling the Consulting Road

A complete newbie to pro guide to a successful consulting career

Traveling the Consulting Road is a book about consulting for new consultants, students investigating the field, and for more senior consultants who find themselves coaching newbies. These are the funny stories, lessons-learned-the-hard-way, and tools and methodologies used, from Alan Culler’s thirty-seven year consulting career. The book traces the trajectory of a consulting career with information about the evolution of the industry, and specific advice about getting hired, succeeding inside a firm or as an independent if you choose.

Alan’s stated purpose to help others “avoid the mistakes I made. “I succeeded in spite of myself, but it wasn’t always the best path.” Alan’s ability to poke fun at himself makes for easy reading and the insightful descriptions will help candidates evaluate the field and new consultants be successful. Alan often says, “Don’t do what I did! This is what I wish I understood at the time.”

His advice: “Be authentic! You are the product — help clients change results in their business.”

Traveling the Consulting Road: Career Wisdom for New Consultant

“Reading Traveling the Consulting Road feels like waiting in an airport with a consulting veteran as he shares his accumulated wisdom. Anyone in our profession will find pragmatic insights worth bookmarking for future use.”

– Bob Frisch, Founding Partner, Strategic Offsites Group; former Managing Partner at Accenture and alumnus of Gemini Consulting and The Boston Consulting Group

Reviews

★★★★★

A Must-Read for Anyone Entering the Industry

Offers practical, “in-the-trenches” wisdom on how to actually succeed once you’re on a project. It covers everything from managing client relationships to navigating firm culture and mentorship.

Desiree

December 2025

★★★★★

An excellent reference source for success

Alan’s book is an excellent reference source, and a must-have not only for those contemplating a consulting career but for anyone in business.

Linda

February 2024

★★★★★

Insightful and practical

An insightful and practical guide that illuminates the often complex world of consulting with clarity and wisdom. Blending real-world experience with actionable advice, it serves as both a roadmap for newcomers and a valuable resource for mentors guiding the next generation.

Tessa

December 2025