So far in our RiseTalent series, we’ve heard two perspectives on the journey from classroom to consulting.
We began with the RiseAgents themselves, early-career professionals stepping into consulting through RiseNow’s onshore talent model. Then, we met the teacher behind the training, Gina Van Bemmel, whose classroom mindset helped build the foundation that prepared the first cohort to succeed.
Today, we turn to the perspective of a leader who mentored and oversaw the transformation of this group of individuals. Mark Monroe, Senior Director at RiseNow, guided the first cohort through six weeks of daily coaching and then helped them transition into their first client assignments. His approach is hands-on and deeply personal, focused on building confidence, judgment, and real-world readiness.
Coaching from the Start
Mark’s involvement in the RiseTalent program began long before day one. He helped review applications and joined the final selection process for the inaugural cohort. When it came to differentiating between the applicants, Mark looked for strong interpersonal and customer service abilities.
“I was looking for soft skills and customer service experience,” he said. “Help desk roles, for example, teach you to ask deeper questions because ‘it doesn’t work’ might mean five different things. You have to dig to uncover the real issue.”
That curiosity and communication focus shaped everything that followed. Once training began, Mark met with the group daily, learning who they were, what they cared about, and how they learned best.
“During the program, I had a session with them every day for six weeks. I got to know them individually, their interests, where they live, and their passions. That helped us align them with client engagements where they could really use their skills.”
Those conversations built trust. Apprentices began opening up about goals and challenges, and Mark used that insight to guide them toward roles that matched both their abilities and ambitions.
Learning in Real Environments
As the program progressed, the cohort transitioned from structured lessons to live client settings where learning became real.
Each engagement demanded adaptability. The group had to interpret communication styles, adjust to team cultures, and understand that systems are shaped by the people behind them. That, Mark said, is the heart of consulting: reading situations, not just following steps.
“It’s not just about training them on the system,” Mark explained. “Every customer has their own acronyms, their own culture, their own way of doing business. The RiseAgents had to learn how to navigate that, who to nudge every two days and who to wait five days to follow up with.”
Through this process, the apprentices built a different kind of confidence, one grounded in understanding people as much as technology.
Building Confidence in the Unknown
When client work began, hesitation was common. Many in the cohort worried about saying the wrong thing or not knowing enough.
“We taught them that it’s okay not to know everything,” Mark said. “What matters is being an empathetic listener who cares about the problem and will go find the answer.”
That mindset shift became a turning point. RiseAgents started asking better questions, approaching challenges with curiosity instead of fear. They learned to listen deeply, surface unspoken details, and think like consultants.
“The best part is when I see them light up because they’re finding it fun and rewarding to solve problems,” Mark said. “They struggled to figure something out, then they solved it. That’s when you know it’s working.”
One standout moment came from Wrigley Ferguson, who pursued advanced sourcing training independently and became RiseNow’s only consultant certified in JAGGAER’s Advanced Sourcing Optimizer, expanding what the firm can offer clients.
“It’s a combination of aptitude and initiative,” Mark noted. “He’s already helping clients answer tough questions and building capabilities we couldn’t offer before.”
Contributing Sooner Than Expected
By the end of training, the RiseAgents were already delivering measurable impact.
“One weekend, Chris Jones needed data validated, and an apprentice logged in to double-check everything,” Mark recalled. “That kind of eagerness has been huge.”
Their initiative quickly turned training into collaboration. Team members across RiseNow began reaching out for help with analysis and project work. With guidance and oversight, the apprentices were adding value far sooner than anticipated.
Meeting an Industry Need
Mark has seen firsthand how difficult it is for organizations to fill procurement and technology roles.
“I’ve seen customers try to fill a position like a JAGGAER system administrator for nine months or a year and still not be able to hire,” he said. “They want someone with experience, but they don’t have the time or resources to train them. That’s where we step in.”
He added that the past few years have underscored the strategic importance of supply chain careers.
“If the pandemic showed us anything, it’s how critical supply chain is. It can be strategic, tactical, or analytical. RiseTalent opens doors across all of it. Participants are building the foundation to grow anywhere.”
This is where RiseTalent makes a difference. It creates a bridge between potential and performance, giving companies the talent they need and professionals the chance to grow into careers that are crucial to the supply chain and procurement spaces.
A Foundation for the Future
Mark’s perspective illustrates that RiseTalent isn’t just a training program; it’s a process of transformation shaped by coaching, experience, and reflection.
I expected to hear more of the technical side from him, but his story from the beginning was focused on people: how curiosity, empathy, and guidance can turn early potential into consulting readiness.
The first cohort proved that with the right support, learning doesn’t end when training does. It continues through every project, every question, and every conversation.
Next, we’ll hear from Bill King, who helped design many of the courses and the client-facing phase of RiseTalent, exploring how feedback and real-time collaboration turn early progress into long-term capability.
For Employers
RiseTalent professionals are guided by experienced consultants, immersed in real client scenarios, and taught the professional habits that make teams succeed. By the time they join your projects, they’re confident, prepared, and ready to deliver results from day one.
Explore hiring a RiseTalent cohort →
For Job Seekers
If you’re looking for your first real step and want guidance from leaders like Mark along the way, RiseTalent is for you. This program combines structure, coaching, and live project experience so you don’t just learn the skills, you learn how to thrive in a professional environment.
Learn more and apply to join the next cohort →
