Speed! Service! Challenge! Results! Rewards!
Pros
1. Being a private company, decisions are made for the long term, not the next earning call. 2. Senior management are not professional managers. They do the same thing I do - work with clients and help them improve their businesses by being that trusted advisor on risk management issues. Why is this so important? Investments are made in tools and resources that help me do my job better. 3. Lots of local autonomy - the folks making the decisions are the same folks that you see at the water cooler and interact with everyday. Not some bean counting geek who has no idea who you are or what you do. 4. Work hard but play hard too. 5. Very talented colleagues. Some of the brightest in the industry. 6. You get rewarded for the work you do, not who you know. 7. Challenging but rewarding. 8. Culture - breeds success.
Cons
There aren't many. The speed with which work gets done and is expected to be done can be exhausting at times. Not for everyone. You have to be willing to work and put forth the effort. There are lots of type A personalities who can b e challenging to please and work with.