At GEP, we celebrate the incredible women who drive our success and inspire the next generation of leaders. In our She Shines Series, we spotlight remarkable women at GEP.Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to May XuXu Zou, a dynamic consultant whose journey from college to career exemplifies resilience, curiosity, and a passion for making an impact.
From Uncertainty to Clarity
May XuXu Zou’s path to procurement and supply chain consulting wasn’t a straightforward one. She candidly shares, "Right out of college, I had no idea what procurement entailed. My focus was on finding a career in consulting, which allowed me to be involved with both strategic thinking and practical execution."
Her journey began in high school at a magnet charter school with a strong business focus. "I realized early on that I was not a STEM girl. I wanted to pursue something in business, but it wasn't until I explored various internships that I found my passion for consulting," she explains.
A Journey of Exploration
During her college years at NYU Stern, May XuXu Zou didn’t follow the recommended path, with the promise of a job offer, by securing a third-year internship at a big firm. Instead, she explored diverse opportunities related to her interests. From a tech publishing startup to a French fashion company's wholesale operations, and even an ad agency brand consultancy, she gained a wealth of experiences.
"I knew I couldn’t be doing the same thing over and over again. Consulting, especially at GEP, offered me the variety and continuous learning I craved," she says. Her advice to young women starting out? "Don’t put blinders on and follow what everyone else is doing. Explore as many things as you can; it will lead you to elements of the job you truly enjoy."
Making an Impact at GEP
May emphasizes the importance of leveraging resources and seeking feedback, at school and at work. "Talk to alumni, join clubs, and seek internship opportunities. So many people let these unbelievably valuable resources go untouched. Once in a job, your future will be what you make of it. Talk to people, find mentors, and always ask for feedback. It’s crucial for personal and professional growth."
Male allies and mentors have been an important part of May’s career. “They have access to spaces and meetings harder for a woman to break into. Walk into those spaces with them to make sure opportunities are not being blocked from you".
She also highlights the unique environment at GEP, where reaching out to managers and VPs is encouraged. "At GEP, it’s easy to talk to anyone, including the founders. This openness helps in finding mentors and navigating your career path."
Building a Personal Brand
Beyond excelling in her role, May XuXu Zou is passionate about firm building and thought leadership, she is the leader of Women@GEP USA and an active member of GEP’s LGBTQIA+ affinity group. She believes in continuously reflecting on her experiences to carve out her future. "Think about your personal brand and what you care about in your organization. Align your work with your interests and strengths."
Her strategic approach to career development is inspiring. "I didn't come up with this myself. It’s from talking to mentors and peers, and continuously learning from them," she says.
Join Us in Celebrating May XuXu Zou
May XuXu Zou’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to explore. At GEP, we’re proud to have women like her who inspire and lead by example.
Follow our She Shines Series to learn more about the incredible women at GEP who are making a difference. Together, we can inspire the next generation of leaders and create a future where women thrive in their careers.
