From her early days as an administrative assistant to her last role as Senior Director in the Employee Experience practice, Jo Acker’s 31-year story at WTW is a powerful example of how a career can evolve when opportunity meets passion.
As she steps into retirement, Jo reflects on the path she’s taken, the lessons she’s learned and the culture at WTW that made it all possible.
From admin assistant to senior director: a career built on opportunity
When Jo Acker joined WTW in 1994 as an administrative assistant, she never imagined she’d retire in the same company three decades later.
Early on, Jo’s background in communications and her natural editing skills stood out.
Though she was hired for an admin role, her ability to refine and improve written materials quickly caught the attention of her team. That recognition led to a shift into the professional track, where she began her journey as a consultant.
“I worked my way up from being the most junior person on the team to now one of the most senior. WTW saw something in me and gave me the chance to grow”.
What kept Jo at WTW for 31 years? The variety, the challenge and the people. “I’ve never been bored here. We work with hundreds of companies, each with unique challenges. That means every project is different, and every day brings something new”.
Flexibility that supports life’s journey
Jo’s career wasn’t just shaped by professional milestones, it was supported by WTW’s culture of flexibility.
As a single mother for several years, she adjusted her schedule to balance work and family, often starting early and finishing in the evening to be present for her children.
“I’ve always been a full-time employee, but WTW gave me the flexibility I needed during the most demanding times in my life”.
One of her most memorable experiences was leading a user design team for a client in the Netherlands, flying to The Hague every other week for a year and a half.
“It was one of the highlights of my career. I got to collaborate with consultants from around the world and explore Europe while doing work I loved”.
Jo attributes her longevity at WTW to the mentorship she received and the culture of fairness and recognition. As a former leader herself, Jo emphasizes the importance of building a personal brand based on reliability and excellence.
“Say yes to opportunities, but don’t overcommit. It’s about doing what you say you’ll do and being someone your team and clients can count on”.
Advice for future consultants
Jo’s experience reflects WTW’s commitment to supporting employees through life’s ups and downs. From flexible schedules to international assignments, she found that WTW’s culture allowed her to grow while navigating personal challenges.
And for those considering a career in consulting, Jo offers clear advice: “Be curious, be smart and be open to feedback. Consulting is demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding if you’re willing to grow and work hard”.
Life beyond work
Outside of work, Jo enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, playing pickleball and traveling.
She’s also a fan of reading fiction and has a unique interview question she loves to ask:
“Do you think you’re a lucky person?”. She believes the answer reveals a lot about someone’s mindset and attitude toward life.
Now that she is retired, Jo is enjoying her time with family, traveling and reading for pleasure.
“I’ve worked hard for 31 years and I’m proud of the career I’ve built here. WTW gave me the space to grow, the flexibility to thrive and the opportunity to do work that matters”.
Ready to build a career that moves you?
If Jo’s story inspires you, consider joining WTW. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, WTW offers support, flexibility and opportunity to help you grow.
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