Given the uncertainty generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including potential adjustments to the way the industry is going to operate, we wanted to find out how our team fared through the COVID-19 situation and how they see the world evolving in the coming months. We’ve asked 7 questions to 7 of our consultants from all around the globe. Today, we interview Feroz Khan, who is a Team Leader in our New York office.

What has your experience been like during the COVID-19 outbreak?

Well it has definitely been interesting. Having just moved to New York and then being caught in the epicenter of virus has definitely been a shock to my system. Couple that with all the other recent events such as the protests and it definitely makes you question some of your life choices! However, not everything is doom and gloom. I’ve taught myself how to cook and bake – just in case the situation went Armageddon, I need to be prepared! I’ve also taught myself how to ride a skateboard, which I frequently do in Central Park and it’s sometimes the highlight of my day! Took up Spanish as well as started reading a lot more which has been enlightening! My only concern is now going back to the office, having worked in my boxers for the last 3 months, not sure how I would ever wear a suit again.

How do you think Delta Partners has handled the situation? What would you highlight?

Change is at the core of DP’s culture and it was no surprise that they handled the situation pretty smoothly. The highlight for me was the fact that when people around the world were fearing the loss of their jobs as the economies around the globe started feeling the heat of the virus, the CEO of DP got on a global call to let us know that not a single person’s job will be affected by this pandemic. To me, that was highly admirable given people were unsure and providing that security definitely made a difference to most!

What are you most looking forward to when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted?

I suppose the most cliché answer would be to travel again. Being a Delta and being a consultant, traveling is basically part of our DNA! However, I would also say just being social again and not worrying if you a health risk to someone!

Are there any skills you have learnt or habits you have developed during the pandemic that will benefit you in the post-COVID-19 work environment?

WFH dynamic has definitely taught me to be a lot more patient. Having to deal with people who are either having webcam or audio issues has definitely tested my patience levels! I also believe we can be a lot more efficient and WFH has highlighted that.

How much of a change do you expect in the way mgmt. consultants operate in the post-COVID-19 world? If you expect there will be change, in what way(s)?

I think the misconception of whether it is possible to work from has definitely been debunked post this pandemic. I do not believe that there will be a need to continuously fly to client location as well if a meeting can be done digitally. I do believe there would be a change to current modus operandi especially with consultants who have young kids at home, they now have proof that they are able to execute their mandates without leaving their house. Therefore, the need to spend 5 days a week at a client might be reduced down to 2/3 giving people the opportunity to spend more time with their loved ones.

What kind of priorities do you think will be important for telecom, media and/ or tech players in this post-COVID-19 context?

The relevance of TMT firms has definitely been amplified during COVID. The need for faster connectivity, lower latency has never been more relevant than it has recently. With this in mind, I do foresee telecom companies expediting their roll-out of faster technologies such as 5G bringing to reality the tons of use cases and applications that come with the technology. I believe the same holds true for media and tech players, who will increase the content as well as applications as 5G reaches critical mass.

Any advice or recommendation you would give to new Delta Partners joiners, in this new context?

Welcome to the family! If I could give one advice, I would say do not feel afraid to reach out to anyone. I know joining a new company can be nerve wrecking at times and then not meeting your respective work colleagues face to face can be equally daunting. However, Deltas are usually pretty easy going! If you have any issue, need any help, have a question which you feel is stupid but you really need an answer then I suggest you go on to Teams and ask the first person who has a green tick next to their name. I guarantee you, they would reply and be more than happy to do so 🙂

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Feroz Khan
Team Leader