Craig Miniter
Break into consulting and thrive as an experienced professional
Yale School of Management
McKinsey & Company
Available Monday
Starting at 1:00 PM UTC
Coaching sessions are available by appointment, with flexible scheduling Monday through Friday. My published calendar reflects my standard availability, but I can also arrange early morning and evening weekday appointments upon request. If you don't see a time that works, please reach out and we'll find a mutually convenient appointment.
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Work with Craig
About
Craig also coaches for Executive Coaching, Leadership Coaching, Career Coaching, General Management, Life Coaching, Business Operations & Strategy, Project Management, and Transitioning from the Military. View all.
Craig’s Management Consulting Qualifications
Coaches professionally
Experience level: Associate
Welcome! Breaking into management consulting—especially as an experienced professional—requires more than a strong résumé. It requires understanding how to position your experience, communicate your value, and demonstrate the structured thinking and leadership capabilities consulting firms look for. I'm an Associate at McKinsey & Company, hold an MBA from the Yale School of Management, and bring extensive leadership experience from senior corporate roles and military command. Before joining McKinsey, I led complex operations and multimillion-dollar capital portfolios, worked across utilities and aerospace, and served as a Commander and Commanding Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Having personally navigated the transition from industry leadership into management consulting, I understand the challenges experienced professionals face when repositioning their careers. I bring firsthand knowledge of consulting work, including structured problem-solving, executive communication, stakeholder management, operational strategy, and translating analysis into actionable recommendations. I'm also a Certified Executive Coach with more than 500 hours of coaching experience, 125 hours of ICF Level 2 coaching education, and the Navy's Level 4 Certified Coach qualification (AQD 298). My coaching focuses on helping experienced professionals evaluate consulting opportunities, position their backgrounds effectively, prepare for interviews, and navigate the transition into consulting. I also work with consultants seeking to strengthen their leadership effectiveness, executive communication, and ability to deliver impact in complex client environments. Whether you're considering a move into consulting or looking to advance within the profession, my goal is to provide practical guidance grounded in real consulting experience and structured coaching methodologies.
Craig can help with:
Behavioral Interview Prep
Case Interview Prep
General Exploration
Job Search Strategies
Networking Strategy
Presentations
Promotion Strategy
Resume Review
Salary Negotiation
Skill Building
Work Experience
Associate
McKinsey & Company
August 2025 - Present
Advise senior leaders on operational strategy, organizational effectiveness, and execution of complex business initiatives. Partner with cross-functional leadership teams to improve performance, strengthen accountability, and translate strategic priorities into measurable results across industries including utilities, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Bring firsthand experience working with executives on organizational challenges, stakeholder alignment, change management, and leadership decision-making.
Principal Engineer, Project Engineering - PWES
Collins Aerospace
June 2025 - July 2025
Led complex engineering and project execution activities within the aerospace and defense industry, coordinating multidisciplinary stakeholders to achieve technical, operational, and business objectives. Applied strategic planning, risk management, and cross-functional leadership to navigate demanding technical environments and competing organizational priorities.
Senior Manager - Gas Major Projects
Avangrid
March 2023 - February 2025
Hiring Manager
Led a portfolio of more than 53 major capital projects across six business units and three states, with annual budgets exceeding $75 million. Directed cross-functional teams, managed complex stakeholder relationships, and drove improvements in operational performance, project execution, and organizational accountability. Developed practical expertise in leading through complexity, influencing without direct authority, making consequential decisions, and aligning diverse teams around shared objectives.
Manager - Programs/Projects (Technical Systems)
Avangrid
September 2019 - March 2023
Interviewer
Led strategic technology and operational improvement initiatives across utility operations, partnering with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to drive organizational performance. Managed complex programs involving technology implementation, process improvement, and strategic planning, including serving as the U.S. lead for nine global initiatives. Worked across organizational and geographic boundaries to align stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and translate strategic objectives into measurable results. Developed extensive experience in organizational change, stakeholder influence, and leading teams through complex business challenges.
Lead Advisor - Gas Training & Operator Qualification
Avangrid
July 2017 - August 2019
Led workforce training, professional development, and qualification programs supporting more than 430 employees in a regulated utility environment. Developed and implemented training initiatives focused on employee competency, operational readiness, and continuous improvement. Partnered with organizational leaders to identify capability gaps, strengthen workforce performance, and support professional development. Built a strong foundation in adult learning, employee development, performance assessment, and helping individuals develop the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in demanding operational environments.
Commanding Officer / Commander
U.S. Navy Reserve
July 2016 - Present
Serve as a Commander and Commanding Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, with previous assignments as both Commanding Officer and Executive Officer. Lead teams in complex, high-stakes environments where sound judgment, clear communication, accountability, and effective leadership are essential. Responsible for organizational readiness, personnel development, operational execution, and building high-performing teams. Extensive experience mentoring and coaching military officers and emerging leaders, with an emphasis on strategic thinking, leadership effectiveness, influence, and professional development.
Gas Quality Control Specialist
Consolidated Edison,
July 2016 - July 2017
Supported quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and operational performance within a highly regulated utility environment. Collaborated with field personnel, technical teams, and management to evaluate work quality, identify performance gaps, and ensure adherence to established standards and procedures. Contributed to continuous improvement initiatives, corrective action planning, and operational risk reduction. Developed a strong foundation in analytical problem-solving, effective communication, accountability, and working across organizational levels to improve performance. This experience strengthened my understanding of frontline leadership challenges, organizational effectiveness, and the importance of building a culture of quality, continuous improvement, and shared accountability.
Certified Executive Coach
Self Employed
March 2010 - Present
Experienced executive and leadership coach with more than 500 hours of coaching experience and 62 leaders coached. Formally certified as an Executive Coach in 2023 through the Center for Executive Coaching, with 125 hours of ICF Level 2 coaching education and the U.S. Navy's Level 4 Certified Coach qualification (AQD 298). My coaching experience predates my formal certification and draws on years of developing leaders in military and corporate environments. I specialize in leadership effectiveness, strategic planning and execution, executive influence, and professional advancement.
Surface Warfare Officer - Manager and Director-Level Assignments
U.S. Navy
September 2008 - June 2016
Held progressively responsible leadership positions as a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, leading personnel, operations, and mission-critical activities in complex, high-pressure environments. Directed multidisciplinary teams, managed operational readiness, and coordinated complex missions requiring strategic planning, decisive leadership, and effective communication. Developed and mentored junior officers and enlisted personnel, emphasizing professional growth, accountability, teamwork, and leadership development. Built a strong foundation in organizational leadership, decision-making under pressure, conflict resolution, and influencing diverse stakeholders. These experiences continue to shape my coaching approach, particularly in helping leaders navigate uncertainty, build high-performing teams, and develop the confidence and judgment needed for greater responsibility.
Education
Yale School of Management
MBA, Sustainability and Management Science
U.S. Naval War College
MA, Defense and Strategic Studies - Information Operations
Southern Connecticut State University
BS, Physics
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Craig also coaches for Executive Coaching, Leadership Coaching, Career Coaching, General Management, Life Coaching, Business Operations & Strategy, Project Management, and Transitioning from the Military. View all.