I’m Erin Halper, founder and CEO of The Upside, where I’ve dedicated my career to empowering independent consultants to break free from traditional corporate constraints and build thriving, purposeful practices. After more than seven years as a successful independent consultant working with private equity and real estate clients—and helping clients generate billions in value—I saw first-hand how meaningful work and flexibility can transform careers.

In 2017, I launched The Upside out of a de...