In 2018 Eric Twelker took a leap with Lions & Tigers CEO Brea Starmer, drawn by her unique vision to build a company around flexible, high-impact consulting. As one of the first consultants, Eric has been instrumental in shaping the company’s trajectory, witnessing firsthand how it has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of modern businesses.

From navigating remote work during a global  pandemic to championing blended workforce models, Lions & Tigers has stood at the forefront of innovation when it comes to the future of work. Through it all, Eric has remained a key figure, helping clients   their strategic potential while redefining his own career on his terms.

In this Q&A, Eric reflects on his journey, the evolution of Lions & Tigers, and what the future holds for consulting and the independent workforce.

L&T Consultant Eric Twelker

Why did you say yes to Brea when she first approached you about joining her company?

I witnessed Brea’s consulting superpowers in action when we supported the same client while working at different marketing companies. I rebooted my freelance business in parallel to Brea’s launch of a business venture that I expected would succeed wildly. And here we are seven years later.

Reflecting on seven years with Lions & Tigers, what has been the most rewarding part?

Our clients sometimes struggle with finding their creative spark, finding time to develop strategic ideas, and managing workloads.

Lions & Tigers is a shortcut to impact. I can do what I do best—focus on exceptional and barrier-free delivery of content and communications that I’ve loved doing for decades, with a profound sense of pride in successful delivery. It’s been a win-win for both myself and my clients.

You’ve been part of Lions & Tigers since the very beginning. How has the company grown and changed over the years?

From the start, Lions & Tigers was built to adapt, helping companies thrive amidst constant change. The company has helped clients rapidly shift remote workforces during COVID lockdowns, stay on track during reorgs and restructuring, and advocate for fair and equitable workforces and work-life balance—all while keeping critical programs and business initiatives moving forward. Lions & Tigers has fostered a new way of working and structuring teams within organizations, and it’s been amazing and empowering to be integral in bringing this vision to life.

Lions & Tigers champions the concept of “Highest & Best Use.” How has working in this model shaped your approach to client projects and your career as a consultant?

The “Highest & Best Use” model has completely changed how I approach my career path and goals. I can practice and grow the skills that I’m passionate about by focusing on impactful delivery that moves business forward AND helps my clients thrive.

As I continue to grow my career and skills, it’s just as rewarding to know that I’ve been integral to achieving both organizational goals and the career objectives of the people I work with every day. I’m enjoying the most liberating and validating phase of my career.

You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in tech, gaming, and entertainment. What makes consulting through Lions & Tigers different from your past experiences?

I’ve loved working on high-profile projects, albeit sometimes at the cost of work-life balance. As a consultant, the pace is much more sustainable—work is no longer defined by my ability to stay in constant motion at breakneck speed. That was fun for years, but would be less rewarding these days. Today, I’m in the driver’s seat, in control of how I create and innovate for clients, and much more efficient. That translates to higher-value and more meaningful work. A win-win for my clients and me.

What’s a project or moment in your Lions & Tigers journey that stands out as a personal or professional highlight?

I’m always thrilled when a project or campaign is well-received and drives value for my clients. However, these moments are just stepping stones to times I’ve directly contributed to moving big rocks, whether an org-wide business goal or even contributing to a client’s career moves. Success can be measured in many ways, and I believe the POV of a consultant opens more doors to unexpected life-affirming moments.

The future of work is constantly shifting—what trends do you see shaping the next 5-10 years in the consulting and blended workforce space?

Accelerating change is the only constant in business. Whatever macro-force or technology is driving efficiency and productivity, competitive differentiation will ultimately be defined by providing a space for human-driven creativity, critical thinking, and inventiveness. I believe finding the right equilibrium will continue to require fresh perspectives and agility from skilled pros in a variety of roles, both inside and outside the company. Whoever can access those skills the fastest, in the moment they are needed, will have the competitive edge. That’s why blended workforces have been and will continue to provide the fluid structure that defines agility and adaptability—no matter the forces driving the latest workplace trends.

What advice would you give to professionals considering a transition into consulting?

I could write an essay on the subject, but first and foremost—create a business plan. Nothing fancy—just a document of your differentiated approach, value, and objectives for client engagements. Revisit it every 6-12 months, and be open to adapting your approach as you gain new perspectives. Consulting can fast-track your business acumen if you can stay focused on the big-picture value you bring to your clients, rather than the day-to-day deliverables.

If you could describe your experience with Lions & Tigers in just three words, what would they be?

Wildly transformative journey.