We work seamlessly with our clients to help see things others may miss.

"I've always been terribly skeptical of consultants, but Bain & Company played a key role in our cost-reduction plans when I took over the reins again at Schwab a year ago. Consultants can see things you're too close to and point out the redundancies and inefficiencies, but then it's up to a company's key managers."

We give practical advice.

"I like the fact that Bain provides action-oriented work where you can take it and implement it. And Bain people are not shy of implementing it themselves either."

We deliver results-not reports.

"We knew by now that there were areas where we were making money, and areas where we weren't. But we hadn't yet evolved enough to know exactly where, company-wide, nor did we know the magnitude of the disparity. So we called Bain & Company, with whom we'd successfully worked before, to help us out again."

We are willing to put our money where our mouth is.

"The bottom line is equity investing in our business, so we don't give it away lightly... Bain adds enough value that it is appropriate. It makes our interests perfectly aligned."

We tell it like it is.

"Bain & Company have played a bigger role in the reforms at De Beers than is usual. I claim credit for appointing them. I said we must have Bain, because they'll give us the more uncomfortable ride. They have given us an uncomfortable ride, but one that's been fun as well. There's been a phenomenal momentum that has gathered pace."