PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.

NATALIE BATTEN

managing director | Accenture

Raleigh

Batten leads the 900-plus employee Raleigh office of Accenture, the Ireland-based consulting firm that has 738,000 staffers in more than 120 counties.

Her job involves managing the state of North Carolina account, helping the government make efficient use of its computer networks. An example is a project to move more than 60% of the operations of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services to cloud-based technologies by 2025. The shift is aimed at providing the agency easier access to data from its Medicaid program and other initiatives.

Batten chairs the N.C. Technology Association's board of directors and helps encourage more students to enter science and technology careers. She's also a longtime volunteer and former board member with Dress for Success Triangle NC, which helps women achieve economic independence for themselves and their families.

The North Carolina native has degrees in political science and communications from UNC Chapel Hill. She's fond of biking and running on Raleigh's extensive greenway system.

Favorite N.C. place to visit: I don't love running, but running on the Wilmington boardwalk by the river on a sunny day will almost convince me that I do. That and an ice cream afterward.

What do you listen to on your commute: What I listen to depends on when: "Start Here" in the morning to catch upon key news stories; midday maybe a bit of an audio book (I'm alternating between "Give and Take" and "How Women Rise"); and to close out the day, anything that makes me laugh.

Major inspiration: My teams. Watching them come together, do the right things for our clients, and support each other along the way inspires me every time.

Favorite hobby after work: Cooking dinner at home while catching up with my family on how the day went. I love to cook and to tryout new dishes across all cuisines--it's my creative outlet.

Best advice for industry newcomers: Consulting is all about learning fast, adapting to change, and making an impact; that can be overwhelming at times. My advice is to remember the knowledge you're bringing with you, soak up the new pieces like a sponge, and give yourself grace as you're combining the two. Inevitably, you'll think back on your past self and be blown away by how much more you know. Trust the process.

TRIPP BEACHAM

managing principal | BB+M Architecture

Charlotte

With degrees from UNC Charlotte, Beacham leads an architectural group with partners Brian Bunce and Roger Manley that employs more than 70. Beacham joined in 2005 after working for Jenkins-Peer Architects. The group has a focus on mixed-use housing and office buildings.

Favorite family tradition: Traveling to new places with my wife and kids.

Favorite N.C. place to visit: Wrightsville Beach

What do you listen to on your commute: My Apple Music Playlist on Shuffle.

Major inspiration: My father for his selflessness and my mother for her tenacity.

Top career highlight: The talented team we have built at BB+M. Never in my wildest dreams would I have guessed we would have worked our way into partnering with such great clients on such great projects. Every once in a while we pause to look back at the last 18 years. It is just humbling.

Favorite hobbies after work: Glass of wine, good music in the kitchen, and figuring out howto make a great meal out of whatever is in the refrigerator. Anything outdoors, preferably with family--boating, hiking, golf, fishing and beach chair.

JOSEPH BUDD

CEO | The Budd Croup

Winston-Salem

In 2001, Budd bought the janitorial and facility services business from his father, Richard Budd. His brother is U.S. Sen. Ted Budd. The Wake Forest graduate started in the company's sales department after college. It now has 4,000 employees and operates in 12 states and Washington, D.C.

TOM CALLOWAY

principal | CJMW Architecture

Winston-Salem

One of nine principals at CJMW Architecture, Calloway leads on projects throughout the Twin City. An N.C. State University graduate, most recently he's been a leading force behind YWCA Gateway, Hilltop House and Forsyth County Public Safety Building.

JIM CANFIELD

president, CEO | WithersRavenel

Cary

The N.C. State University graduate was hired by civil engineering firm

WithersRavenel in 1990, just four years after the company hired its first employee. Now the firm is 100% employee owned and has nine locations across the state.

MALCOMB COLEY SR.

Central Region private leader, Charlotte managing partner | EY

Charlotte

The 30-plus year Ernst & Young veteran has been an active civic leader since his move to Charlotte in 2013. The UNC Wilmington MBA graduate is a trustee...