Level5 Spotlight: Maicky Meijberg

What made Level5 stand out in your journey back to consulting?

My journey to Level5 has been anything but ordinary. I immigrated to Canada about three years ago to work for a renewable energy developer. As that chapter was winding down, I felt a strong pull back to consulting. The dynamic pace and camaraderie were things I missed from my time at KPMG’s Global Strategy Group in the Netherlands.

When I started my job search in Toronto, I was booking coffee chats with both big and small consulting firms. What stood out to me when I talked to Level5 was how much it reminded me of my small-scale strategy team at KPMG. During a chat with one of the Managers at Level5, he talked about how close everyone was and how easy it was to connect with anyone, whether they were an Analyst or a Partner. This sense of openness stood out to me, especially compared to the big firms I talked to, where I didn’t get that same feeling at all.

Even though I was at a big firm before, the experience I had felt more like working in a small firm, which I was really looking forward to finding again in another opportunity.

How did your industry experience shape the consultant you are today?

In my role prior to joining Level5, I developed pitches and proposals for infrastructure projects. The skills I built in consulting at KPMG, like structured thinking and the ability to deliver high-quality work quickly, set me up for success in the work.

We closed two deals with a large public investor and a private equity firm. It was fascinating because, unlike consulting, I was working directly with people personally invested in the company’s success. I was also challenged to develop my business development skills through hosting lunch and learns, doing cold outreach and conducting pitches. These are skills that I might have not developed this early on if I hadn’t had this experience working in industry.

Over time I found industry work often meant completing solitary tasks, and I started to miss the collaborative environment of consulting. The energy of brainstorming with colleagues and tackling new challenges together was exciting to me – and yes, it can be demanding work and long hours, but the bonds you build and the satisfaction of solving problems together are worth it.

Having worked for both consulting firms and industry employers, I believe you become a better consultant once you’ve walked a mile in your clients’ shoes.

What has surprised you most about the firm since joining our team?

The biggest surprises at Level5 have been the genuineness of the relationships you build and the breadth of responsibility you can take on. The way we staff our teams is more agile than larger consulting firms. This means that regardless of your career stage, you get the chance to contribute meaningfully and build relationships with both clients and colleagues early on in your career.

One thing that really stood out to me was my ‘Beer with DK’ where on my first day, I had a beer chat with the founder of Level5 (a tradition of the firm). The ability to build these kinds of relationships are unique to Level5 and something I really value about the firm. From day one, there was a sense of openness and camaraderie made me feel at home.

I also appreciate the strategic nature of our projects and how impactful they are. You’re trusted with real responsibility, which opens the door to quickly earn trust and lead workstreams that add value for clients. Early in my Level5 career, I presented consumer research to a senior audience which was a workstream I led from start to finish. It was empowering to see my work make an immediate impact and to have gained the trust to make it happen.

Another thing I am proud of is that I was able to bring in a project of my own late last year, drawing on my prior experiences and business development skills to close a deal in a sustainability-related industry that I am passionate about and feel comfortable in.

How did you go about rebuilding your network and community after moving to Canada?

Moving to a new country meant rebuilding my network from scratch. Typically, your network grows gradually with people you meet locally through friends, school, and work. After moving I realized I was starting fresh, and I needed to be proactive in creating a new ecosystem of connections.

One way I did this was by leaning into my expertise in ESG and joining a volunteer-led organization for sustainability professionals (Connecting Environmental Professionals Toronto). As president of CEP for the past two years, I’ve helped organize five events that brought together diverse groups of industry professionals, students, and thought leaders. It’s been incredibly rewarding to work with such a great team and build meaningful connections. Leading in a volunteer setting also gave me early opportunities to hone my leadership style, skills that have helped me grow into my current role at Level5.

Beyond CEP, I’ve made a point to attend networking events myself, even when I didn’t know anyone there. My advice: look for events centered around common ground you share with others in the room. This could be professional factors (industry events, university alumni gatherings) or personal factors (shared background, interests, or community). This makes it easier to talk to others and foster meaningful connections. I stay connected with both the sustainability community and the Dutch community in Toronto, thanks to great events put on by organizations like the Dutch consulate.

Most importantly, I try to invest time in the people around me, clients, ex-colleagues, or even the barista at my local coffee shop. Sometimes a quick chat leads to a meaningful connection, both personally and professionally.

What’s your best advice for someone who is new to Level5?

In my view, two things matter most at Level5: doing your job well and being yourself.

On the first point, it’s crucial to be prepared, have the right skills, and deliver on expectations. Level5 offers plenty of opportunities for growth, both formal and informal. For example, as part of the training team I organize monthly sessions and quarterly workshops to help everyone sharpen their skills. Informally, mentorship is part of our culture as team members at all levels dedicate time to helping each other learn and grow.

Secondly, being yourself is just as important. The team values people who are genuine and comfortable sharing their perspectives, so bring your authentic self to work. For me, adapting my Dutch directness to Canadian work culture has been a learning experience, but staying true to myself has served me well.

Building a genuine personal brand through authenticity is something many successful team members at Level5 have done. That’s what I love about Level5 – diverse personalities and values, all committed to doing things right.

Looking back at my journey to Level5, I’m so glad I followed my heart back to the industry I love. I’m grateful for those who helped me find my footing and excited to have more opportunities to pay it forward by mentoring others in my current role. The last two years have flown by, and I can’t wait to see what the next two bring!