How Being an EFM Prepared Me to Be a Better Management Consultant

As a Foreign Service spouse (officially called an Eligible Family Member or EFM) for close to 20 years, I have learned that the skills I have developed in this role translate well into consulting success. 

On the surface, these two experiences seem worlds apart—one involves supporting diplomatic missions abroad while the other focuses on solving complex business problems. But after years in both roles, I understand the unique connection that bridges these worlds. 

As a team composed almost entirely of Foreign Service and military spouses, our character and skills have uniquely prepared us to help business, nonprofit, and government leaders reach their next level through advisory, consulting, and staff augmentation. I recently asked some of my fellow LVL-Uppers to share exactly how our EFM lives prepared us for our consulting lives, and I share some of those insights with you below.

We Are Adaptable

Life as a Foreign Service spouse means embracing constant change. Every 2-3 years, you're packing up your life, learning new customs, navigating different systems, and rebuilding your professional and social networks from scratch. Whether it is figuring out how to get internet installed in Kathmandu or understanding the nuances of business culture in Stockholm, adaptability isn't just helpful—it is essential for survival.

This skill translates directly to consulting, where every client presents a new industry, culture, and set of challenges. 

“Jumping into a new community every couple of years has taught us how not to shy away from the unknown,” says Monika Nordlander, Client Manager. “We have learned how to dive in and figure things out—from where to get groceries to how to find a dentist. When we are told where we are moving next, many of us dig into researching the post, country, and culture. We then take that knowledge and apply it as we begin our new life there. These are all skills we apply regularly with our clients. We dive into our client's business or pain point, do the research, and find solutions.”

We Have Built Resilience

Foreign Service life rarely goes according to plan. Coups, natural disasters, medical evacuations, and sudden policy changes are all part of the territory. I've learned to stay calm under pressure, think creatively when resources are limited, and find solutions even when the situation seems impossible.

Management consulting thrives on similar uncertainty. Clients come to us because they're facing challenges they can't solve internally, often under tight deadlines and with incomplete information. The same resilience that helped me support embassy operations during a political crisis now helps me guide clients through organizational restructuring or market disruptions.

“EFMs and military spouses are working overseas or domestically, and moving around from assignment to assignment every few years. You must build a level of resiliency to do this and maintain progress during and between every tour,” says Laura Jennings, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer. “LVL-Up has tapped this talented and resilient workforce to do the consulting and implementation of client projects that deliver growth and results. We keep ‘progress’ as our number one priority, which allows our EFMs and military spouses to progress in their careers alongside the clients they support.”

We Are Expert Networkers

As an EFM, success often depended on building relationships quickly and maintaining connections across vast distances and time zones. I learned to be genuinely curious about people, to find common ground despite obvious differences, and to nurture relationships that might prove valuable years later.

Consulting is fundamentally a relationship business. Whether I'm building trust with a skeptical company executive, collaborating with teams across multiple offices, or maintaining relationships with former clients, those networking skills I developed while living abroad serve me daily. I've learned that people work with consultants they trust, and trust often begins with genuine human connection.

“It’s amazing that most of our very first clients are still LVL-Up clients. We are so good at building strong relationships quickly by establishing trust, delivering on our promises, and connecting them to the resources they need most,” says Morgan Province, Director of Marketing. “As their business grows, we are here to help them solve the next obstacle or build the next system. We are part of their team, and our work enables them to continue progressing.”

We Have Developed Cultural Intelligence

Foreign Service life taught me that success depends on understanding not just what people say but how they communicate, make decisions, and build relationships. In some cultures, direct feedback is valued; in others, saving face is paramount. I learned to read between the lines, pick up on subtle cues, and adjust my communication style accordingly.

This cultural intelligence has proven invaluable in consulting. Whether I'm working with a family-owned business where relationships matter more than efficiency or a tech startup where rapid iteration is king, I can quickly assess the organizational culture and tailor my recommendations accordingly. I've learned that the best solutions aren't just technically sound—they're culturally viable. To keep our people intelligence (PQ) sharp, LVL-Up maintains GiANT Worldwide certifications and consistently uses GiANT training internally and with clients.

Hire an EFM If You Want A Skilled and Agile Problem Solver

Don’t make the mistake too many companies make; don’t overlook Foreign Service and military spouses for your next project. We have been preparing to solve your complex business problems for decades, and we are killing it as consultants — driving real results and helping organizations progress and reach their next level. Let’s do the same for you.

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