Michael Axelrod’s competitive drive began at a young age. As an avid tennis player, he graduated as the all-time-wins leader at Ithaca College for varsity tennis and started a t-shirt business while he was an undergraduate. After Axelrod graduated from law school, he commenced his career with a traditional firm but swiftly recognized the potential to harness his law degree with the innovative landscape of a technology-driven enterprise.
This inaugural step beyond the legal practice led him to a boutique consultancy. Motivated by a desire to control his own destiny, Axelrod launched his first full-scale business venture, e-Brilliance, a full-service technology solutions firm. After 10 years, the firm was acquired by a global technology consultancy group, prompting growth to more than 2,500 employees. This venture led to many successes, but Axelrod found himself yearning to bring back his entrepreneurial spirit, ultimately leading to a partnership and the launch of Nimbl Consulting.
Nimbl Consulting targets both highly-regulated industries due to the pent-up demand for technology modernization as well as consumer-facing industries that are at the forefront of innovative thinking. The firm’s uniquely tailored client solutions are delivered with speed, accuracy, and at scale with a team of seasoned industry consultants that seamlessly integrate human-centered design, technology and industry expertise to help clients maximize their value from their transformational initiatives.
Under Axelrod’s leadership, Nimbl Consulting has achieved a 95% employee and client retention rate. “For Michael, the pursuit of entrepreneurship goes beyond mere financial gains; it embodies a profound commitment to nurturing thriving communities and fostering workplace happiness,” said his staff. “He remains steadfast in his belief that the greatest rewards stem from empowering individuals and cultivating a culture of fulfillment and innovation.”
Axelrod’s accomplishments have led to recognition as a 40 Under 40 winner and he was presented with the MS Society Leadership Award. His dedication to entrepreneurship and embracing risks has led to satisfaction he never imagined, said Axelrod. “Ultimately, the decision to take this leap was driven by my inherent desire to challenge myself, pursue new opportunities and carve out a path that aligned more closely with my aspirations and values,” he said. “I was motivated by the fulfillment of building something meaningful, the satisfaction of making a tangible impact and the freedom to chart my own course in the professional world.”
If he could provide his younger self with advice, it would be to embrace risks that seem challenging. “Take more risks and don’t be scared to fail, but fail fast,” said Axelrod.
