When Status Quo Isn't Enough; Visionary: Jay McGonigle proves moving from big to small reaps large rewards.(LEADERS & SUCCESS)

Byline: MARILYN ALVA

Jay McGonigle was on the fast track to a partnership at McKinsey & Co. consulting firm in 1995 when he did something that seemed a bit rash: He quit.

"I was the last person at McKinsey that people thought would leave," McGonigle said.

His colleagues couldn't figure out why he gave up a partnership at a major player to run a division at a tiny consulting company in Washington, D.C., that they'd never heard of.

McGonigle was a little surprised himself. He wasn't looking for another job. "I thought I'd keep my head down and make partner," he said.

But after agreeing to meet with execs from the company -- called the Advisory Board Co. -- he had an epiphany.

"I remember sitting in the Plaza with (the chief financial officer) and saying, "Wow. This is a great business model,' " he said.