Today we talk about You, the Consultant, a book by Vladimir Lazarevik published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author Vladimir Lazarevik to get to know him better, what prompted him to the writing of his book You, the Consultant, as well as what messages he wants to send out with his book.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- Is there a particular moment in your life that led you to the writing of your book? What was it?
When I first joined the consulting industry as a Senior Expert at McKinsey & Co., I was puzzled by how my colleagues worked and what exactly they were working on. There was no structured guide to help me understand the methodologies, frameworks, and thinking patterns that define a top-performing consultant. That was the first time I realized something crucial was missing in the book market.I thought about how valuable it would be to have a practical management consulting guide, but it took time for the idea to fully take shape. The real trigger came last year when I felt that I had accumulated enough hands-on knowledge and structured techniques that I wanted to share with younger colleagues. At that point, I envisioned establishing a Leadership and Management Consulting Academy to train aspiring consultants. And any serious training program requires a curriculum—a structured roadmap for learning. That’s when I realized that my idea could serve two purposes: creating a comprehensive consulting guide while laying the foundation for the Academy. That’s how You, the Consultant was born, and now it’s a reality.
- What would you like to hear from your readers?
When I started writing the book, my main goal was to make the reader feel like a real consultant from day one. I wanted to go beyond theory and immerse them in real consulting challenges, structured problem-solving, and decision-making processes. To achieve this, I included real-life stories, hands-on exercises, and practical case studies that mirror the consulting world. I’d love to hear from my readers about whether I succeeded in this:
- Did they feel like they were on a client engagement?
- Did the book help them structure problems and think like a consultant?
- Was it actionable? Could they apply the methods immediately?
- Does it increase their curiosity to become a consultant?
Their feedback will mean a lot to me, as this book is designed to be practical, not just theoretical.
- Could you briefly describe why your practical guide can be a supportive tool?
This book is 100% practical and structured—it’s designed to help the reader learn by doing. It’s not just about explaining consulting; it’s about putting the reader in the consultant’s seat and giving them the tools and frameworks to navigate real-world challenges. Unlike other books that focus on broad theories, You, the Consultant takes the reader step by step—from the first day on the job to successfully delivering a project. It’s structured in a way that mirrors the consulting lifecycle:
- Understanding the problem
- Defining the approach
- Analyzing data
- Developing options
- Presenting recommendations
- Delivering impact
Everything in the book has been tested in practice, refined through years of working with younger consultants. This is why it’s more than just a guide—it’s a toolkit that consultants can carry with them and apply in their day-to-day work.
- Is there a book you are particularly attached to and that has taught you something?
I love reading, and I always try to find time to explore new ideas and perspectives. Some books have had a profound impact on my thinking, particularly intellectually stimulating works. One book that truly shaped my mindset is The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn—a fascinating exploration of how paradigm shifts drive progress in science. It made me think about how new ideas challenge conventional thinking—something very relevant to management consulting. From fiction, I would highlight The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams—an extraordinary book that makes you think, laugh, and expand your imagination. Consulting sometimes requires you to look at problems in unexpected ways, and Adams’ book is a brilliant reminder of how a different perspective can make all the difference.
- Are you working on a new writing project you can tell us about?
Not yet. To be honest, I never expected to write a book. I’ve always enjoyed writing short-form content—commentaries, reflections, and insights—but writing a full-length book was never part of my plan. It just happened naturally. Right now, my focus is on seeing how You, the Consultant resonates with readers and how it fits into my broader vision of training the next generation of consultants through the LMC Academy. But I do believe there’s more to explore—perhaps a follow-up book that delves into specific consulting challenges, case-based learning, or even something outside the consulting space. I’ll let the response from readers shape what comes next.
Europe Books thanks the author Vladimir Lazarevik once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside him on the editorial path that led to the publication of his book You, the Consultant. We wish him the best of luck for his book and for his future works.
To you, my dear reader, may this very interesting and practical book provide you with tips, tools and new perspective about the role of the consultant. I really hope it will provide you with food for thoughts to apply in your professional and personal life!
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your Editor!