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Katy Spencer

Partner, UK

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Katy Spencer

Partner, UK

Connect on Linkedin

1 What’s different about Berkeley for you?

What’s different about Berkeley for me is how deliberately people-centred it is – both in how we work with clients and how we operate as a team. There’s a genuine belief that great outcomes come from understanding people, not just solving problems, and that shows in the depth of our client relationships and the way we support each other. 

There is also a strong sense of doing the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest path. Decisions are guided by integrity and long-term impact, rather than short-term gain, which builds trust internally and with clients. 

What really stands out, though, is the balance between intellectual rigour and emotional intelligence. At Berkeley, EQ is as important as IQ – we value curiosity, empathy and self-awareness just as much as technical excellence. This feels particularly prominent in the AI-era. 

2What types of engagements excite you the most?

I’m most energised by engagements where the stakes genuinely matter – where the outcome will shape the future of an organisation, not just optimise the here and now. There’s something uniquely motivating about working alongside leadership teams when the decisions are consequential, complex and often time-critical. 

I’m also drawn to situations that require bringing multiple groups together. Many of the most important transformations sit at the intersection of different perspectives, priorities and agendas. I find real satisfaction in creating alignment – helping people navigate complexity, build shared understanding, and move forward with confidence and momentum. 

Finally, I value engagements where I’m learning as much as I’m contributing. Whether it’s a new industry, a different operating model, or an emerging technology, I’m at my best when I’m stretching my own thinking. That curiosity keeps the work fresh – and ultimately helps me bring more insight and perspective to my clients. 

3What are you passionate about in life?

I am passionate about anthropology and love to people-watch! What makes people tick, how they interact with each other and how people interpret and digest things is fascinating to me. This interest has played a huge part in my career – when delivering change across multiple groups of people, understanding and taking an interest in how they think and feel has been fundamental. I am also passionate about food, travel, art and fashion. I love cooking at home as well as trying out London’s restaurant scene. I am also a huge fan of exotic holidays, which often include a good mix of hiking (for a few days) and relaxing on a sandy beach (for the remaining 10 days).