When ZSers describe Emily Reynolds, one word consistently rises to the top: Authentic. Whether she’s mentoring a new joiner, championing mental health awareness or navigating high-stakes client work, Emily brings clarity, compassion and commitment to everything she does. This year, that dedication to authenticity earned her one of ZS’s highest honors—the 2025 Prateek Bajaj Legacy Award.
This annual award recognizes one associate or associate consultant ZSer who exemplifies ZS’s cultural hallmarks and values: Get it right, treat people right and do the right thing. The award also honors the memory of Prateek Bajaj, a beloved colleague known for his mentorship, collaborative spirit and principled leadership. In keeping with tradition, a charitable donation will be made in both Emily and Prateek’s names to the National Brain Tumor Society.
Building community through mentorship
A strategy, insights and planning associate consultant based in Philadelphia, Emily is known across ZS for her approachability and investment in people. She makes time to connect with colleagues across tracks, offices and time zones, ensuring that even the newest ZSers feel empowered to thrive.
“Mentorship isn’t a task to check off for Emily,” one nominator wrote. “It’s the lens through which she approaches every project and person.”
Her work with the Philadelphia Women@ZS group is one example of this in action. Emily has helped organize events that foster inclusion and connection, and she’s often the first to step up for new joiner welcome sessions or community-building initiatives.
Modeling excellence and balance
Emily’s commitment to excellence is equally apparent in her project work. She consistently takes on complex, high-stakes projects, often stretching beyond her comfort zone to deliver thoughtful, exceptional work. This commitment was especially evident during her contributions to ZS’s Customer-First CRM beacon initiative, where she juggled demanding timelines, early mornings and late nights without losing momentum or focus. What sets Emily apart isn’t just her technical skill or strategic thinking, but the care and accountability she brings to every task. She holds herself to a high standard, not for recognition, but because she genuinely wants to drive meaningful outcomes for her clients and her teams.
Yet Emily is quick to share the credit. “The consulting industry can be demanding,” she says. “But those challenges feel more manageable because of the people I get to work with and the culture we’ve built together at ZS.”
She also leads by example when it comes to balance. Emily talks openly about prioritizing her well-being through therapy, fitness and time spent with loved ones—normalizing these conversations for others and reinforcing that showing up fully for clients starts with showing up for yourself.
Where passion changes lives
In receiving the Prateek Bajaj Legacy Award, Emily was both humbled and reflective. “I’m able to bring my authentic self to work because of how supported I feel by those around me,” she says. “So really, I feel like this isn’t just an award for me. It’s for every ZSer who’s embraced me, mentored me and helped shape my journey.”
And in that spirit, Emily carries forward the legacy of Prateek Bajaj, reminding all of us that impact doesn’t require a title. It requires heart.
If you’re inspired by Emily’s story and the culture that helped shape her journey, ZS is the right place for you. You’ll find a community here that values authenticity, collaboration and growth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, ZS offers the support, mentorship and opportunities to help you thrive. Explore open roles and discover how you can improve life and how we live it.
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