Why DWS

Built by Subject Matter Experts who have done the work.

DWS was founded by Carol Hirsch — a two-decade financial services executive who has successfully led workforce transformation from the inside.

Principal, Carol Hirsch

Two decades of real-world
workforce leadership

For two decades, Carol served as a senior operational and strategic leader at TIAA, functioning as the internal equivalent of a Chief Administrative Officer for a 450-person workforce across the US and India.

She has delivered $37M in cost savings through operating model redesign, led a $26M enterprise PMO across seven workstreams, and managed an $84M annual operating budget, while keeping people at the center of every decision.

Carol's philosophy is simple: smart workforce strategy doesn't have to choose between financial results and the people who generate them. The best outcomes happen when both are designed together.

DWS was created to bring that philosophy and analytical rigor to organizations that need it most: those navigating AI disruption, restructuring, post-merger integration, or the hard work of organizational transformation.

Certifications & Credentials
Strategic Human Resources Business Partner (SHRBP) Academy to Innovate HR, 2024
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Process optimization and operational excellence
Project Management Professional (PMP) Project Management Institute
By the Numbers
$37M
Cost savings delivered through workforce redesign at TIAA
450+
Associates across the US and India managed
$84M
Annual operating budget managed as Director, Business Management
$26M
Enterprise PMO led across 7 workstreams for TIAA Next Generation
137K
IRA participants migrated in major platform transformation
18+
Years of executive leadership in financial services
Why DWS

What sets us apart

Real Data, Real Models

We work from your actual workforce and financial data — not industry averages or generic benchmarks. Every recommendation is grounded in your organization's specific reality.

People-First Approach

Restructuring doesn't have to mean losing your best people. DWS is built on the principle that smart workforce strategy protects talent while delivering the financial results leadership needs.

C-Suite Credibility

Led by a two-decade financial services executive with a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP, and SHRBP. DWS delivers the analytical rigor and executive communication that boards and leadership teams expect.

Boutique Speed, Enterprise Quality

No Big Four overhead. DWS delivers sophisticated, customized workforce strategy faster and more cost-effectively than large consulting firms without sacrificing depth or quality.

Let's put this experience to work for your organization.

Every DWS engagement starts with a conversation about where you are and where you need to go.

Schedule a Consultation