Overcoming Obstacles to Success: From Inner City to Big Four Managing Director Meet Edmond Green
What is your personal and professional story?
I grew up in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, navigating the unconventional path of finishing high school at the age of 15 in an experimental school known as a school without Walls during the 1970s. The unique educational approach provided me with a solid foundation, earning me enough credits to graduate early. However, upon relocating to New Jersey, my academic achievements faced an unexpected challenge as the new jurisdiction did not recognize my previous credits. Consequently, I found myself back in a traditional high school setting, which, compared to my previous experience, felt rather mundane.
At the age of 16, eager to contribute and find a sense of purpose, I attempted to enlist in the Air Force, passing both the GED and the Air Force exam. However, my age became a hurdle, and I had to wait until I turned 17 with my parents' permission. During the interim, I experienced a period of homelessness, adding an unexpected layer of complexity to my journey. When I finally underwent the physical examination at age 17, aiming for a career in electrical work, my colorblindness altered my trajectory. Instead, I embraced a role in law enforcement within the Air Force.
Post-military service, I embarked on my educational journey at LaSalle University in Philadelphia. Balancing a full-time job during the day and a full academic load at night, I completed four years of college in an impressive three years and 11 months. This dedication earned me recognition, as some jokingly predicted I'd be the "smartest man in the graveyard," given the usual seven years it takes to finish night school.
My professional journey commenced when one of my professors, Joe Schwartz, offered me a role at Penn Mutual Life Insurance upon completing my undergraduate degree. This marked my entry into the corporate world, and I began my career as an affirmative action hire in internal audit. Subsequently, while working at Penn Mutual, I pursued my MBA, furthering my education.
With an MBA in hand, I transitioned to Arthur Andersen, a prominent player in public accounting and consulting. The years spent there, during the era when it was part of the Big Eight, significantly shaped my career trajectory. Despite initial challenges and being told they were not hiring, my persistence led to an unexpected job offer, opening the door to a transformative phase.
After four years with Arthur Andersen, I explored the realm of corporate banking for a decade before taking on the role of treasurer at Cigna, a multi-line insurance company. The subsequent acquisition of MBNA by Bank of America presented a new opportunity, leading me to KPMG, where I have devoted almost two decades to date.
Currently, I am proud to lead KPMG's private company board advisory services practice nationally, working closely with corporate boards, particularly at private companies. Additionally, I oversee key accounts such as Under Armour, USAA, and others.
What are Key Moments that Shaped your life?
One pivotal moment occurred during a snowstorm when I was the only student to attend class at LaSalle University. Despite the 21 inches of snow, I was determined not to miss any class. To my surprise, Professor Joe Schwartz, the instructor, also showed up. We waited for about 15 minutes, but no one else arrived. Undeterred, Professor Schwartz proceeded to teach the class to just the two of us. I believe this moment demonstrated my dedication and resilience, which left a lasting impression on Professor Schwartz and ultimately led to him offering me a job at Penn Mutual Life Insurance.
Another significant moment was when Professor Schwartz encouraged me to pursue public accounting during my MBA studies. He introduced me to Tom Reek, who then connected me with Jack McKay, a senior partner at Arthur Andersen. Despite initially being told they weren't hiring, I persisted and eventually secured a meeting with Jack McKay. Our two-hour conversation, during which I shared my life story and aspirations, led to him offering me a position on the spot. This moment taught me the importance of persistence, networking, and seizing opportunities.
These key moments not only opened doors for me professionally but also instilled valuable lessons that continue to guide my approach to life and career.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
My passion stems from recognizing the role of luck in my success and empathizing with those facing challenges. Having experienced homelessness, I understand the importance of giving back and supporting others through their journeys.
How can GlobalMindED help you achieve your goals?
I've had the pleasure of collaborating with ConSol, a company I've been involved with for the past three to four years, focusing on growth and strategy initiatives. I perceive substantial synergies between ConSol's endeavors and GlobalMindED's mission. ConSol operates within the realm of workforce development but with a unique approach emphasizing the demand side. Traditionally, workforce development strategies were based on predictions of future skill demands, directing individuals toward specific educational paths. However, the rapidly evolving landscape of today's world renders this approach insufficient. ConSol, therefore, prioritizes skills over degrees, actively engaging with employers to ascertain their specific skill needs. This information is then utilized to connect individuals possessing the requisite skills with job opportunities through collaborations with organizations like GlobalMindED. By aligning ConSol's skills-based approach with GlobalMindED's talent pool, we can create impactful opportunities that bridge the gap between job seekers and employers. This partnership holds immense potential in addressing the evolving demands of the modern workforce.
