Fast-paced projects, early responsibility, and a strong team culture: for Luca Lippkau, these have defined the start of his consulting career at Simon-Kucher. In this interview, the senior consultant from our Cologne office shares the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shaped his start in consulting.
What made Simon-Kucher stand out to you when you were choosing where to start your consulting career?
Luca: What stood out to me early on was the combination of topics I was genuinely interested in and a culture that felt very open and welcoming. I first got to know Simon-Kucher during the Symposium Oeconomicum in Münster and another recruiting event in Cologne, and that impression was reinforced during my internship in the Cologne office. What I experienced there, both in terms of work and the way people collaborate, made the decision feel very natural. It simply felt like the right place to start my consulting career.
What’s something about the Cologne office culture that people wouldn’t expect but should know?
Luca: One thing people might not expect is how easy it is to settle in from day one. I remember how quickly I felt part of the team within the first few weeks. Small things like having lunch together regularly really make a difference. The office at the Kranhaus also creates a great atmosphere, and events like our monthly after-work evenings bring everyone together outside of project work. It’s a very welcoming and social environment.
What’s been one moment here that really changed how you think or work?
Luca: What changed my perspective early on was realizing how much I could learn from the people around me. The level of expertise at Simon-Kucher is impressive, and colleagues are very willing to share their knowledge and experience. Whether it is during project work, feedback sessions, or even informal conversations, there is always something to take away. That has made me more open to asking questions, actively seeking feedback, and seeing every project as an opportunity to learn.
Is there a project or experience that pushed you out of your comfort zone and helped you grow the most?
Luca: What has helped me grow the most is being trusted with responsibility early on in projects. I really enjoy taking on these challenges because they give me the opportunity to learn quickly and test myself in a positive way. At the same time, I always feel supported by experienced colleagues, which makes it easier to take the next step. For me, that balance of trust, challenge, and support is one of the things that makes working at Simon-Kucher so valuable.
What’s an unexpected skill you’ve picked up here but now use it all the time?
Luca: One skill I use all the time now is creating and presenting clear storylines. Before joining Simon-Kucher, I did not fully realize how much effort goes into making a complex topic feel simple and intuitive. I learned that a good presentation is much more than a set of slides. It is about guiding people through logic and making the key message clear and memorable. That has helped me a lot, both in client work and in everyday team discussions.
If you look a few years ahead, what kind of consultant (or person) do you want to become?
Luca: In a few years, I would like to be the kind of consultant people trust when things become complex. Someone who brings structure, stays calm, and helps the team move toward a clear solution. At the same time, I do not want to lose curiosity and openness. Both of these qualities are so important when you are still learning. Ideally, I want to become someone who not only delivers strong work but also makes working together enjoyable and motivating.
What’s your favorite “consulting cliché” that’s actually true?
Luca: A classic cliché that I’ve found to be true is that consultants work hard but also know how to celebrate. Project phases can be intense, but there’s a strong culture of coming together afterwards, whether it’s team dinners, office events or our World Meeting, where we last came together in Amsterdam in February. It creates a nice balance and makes the hard work feel even more rewarding.
If your start at Simon-Kucher were a slide title, what would it say?
Luca: “It’s lights out and away we go.” As a Formula 1 fan, this would be the perfect slide title for my start at Simon-Kucher. It captures the excitement, pace, and energy I felt when beginning my consulting career. At the same time, it also reflects the feeling of entering a fast-moving environment where you learn a lot from day one, but always as part of a strong team.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself on your first day?
Luca: Looking back, I would tell myself not to be too nervous and to trust the process. You quickly realize that you are in a very supportive environment where people want you to succeed. It is okay not to have all the answers from day one; you will learn along the way. So, I would say, stay curious, ask questions, and enjoy the journey from the start.
