The biggest challenge is bridging the gap between ambition and implementation. While awareness of sustainability is growing, systems and tools are still catching up. For me, this work is personal, as I want to help address Uzbekistan’s environmental issues. With rising public awareness and climate becoming a national focus, I believe consulting firms like Civitta play a key role in turning ambition into action.
Behind the scenes series – Mamur Tukhtamatov
May 2, 2025
Mamur is a Senior Consultant from Uzbekistan, specializing in the public sector. He was one of the first to join our Uzbekistan office and has helped build Civitta’s presence there.
Hi Mamur! What motivated your transition from working at a public institution to joining the consulting field, and what were your initial impressions of Civitta?
I previously worked in Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investments and Ministry of Innovation, where I saw firsthand how policies are developed and implemented. Over time, I became interested in how external consultants could bring strategic, data-driven solutions to recurring challenges.
That’s what drew me to consulting, I wanted to help shape better policies from the outside with a more structured approach. Joining Civitta in 2023, I was impressed by the collaborative, cross-office culture. The openness and teamwork reassured me I made the right choice!
As one of the first team members at Civitta Uzbekistan, how have you seen the office grow and what has it been like to be part of that journey?
Being part of Civitta Uzbekistan from the start has been both rewarding and challenging. We began by supporting international projects, then shifted focus to the local market, built client relationships, and started leading projects. Last year, we gained visibility and began working with public sector clients.
The team’s growth has been exciting! We started with just 4 people in the Public stream and have grown to over 10, including a new Associate Partner. We’ve also expanded into the Digital stream. The overall Uzbekistan team is now around 30 and it’s been incredible to be part of this growth in just over a year!
What’s most rewarding or challenging about sustainability in Uzbekistan, and where do you see the biggest progress or gaps?
What’s most rewarding for me is seeing our work drive real change. In a recent OSCE project, we mapped open climate data in Uzbekistan and linked it to national climate commitments, work that’s now informing the foundation of a new climate data system. Even though it’s still evolving, it’s already sparking important discussions, which is incredibly fulfilling.
How has your ESG specialization from the Corporate Finance Institute shaped your consulting work?
The ESG specialization was a great starting point, giving me a strong foundation in assessing climate risks and adopting an ESG mindset. Though not fully applied yet, we’re bidding on ESG projects, and I hope to use the knowledge soon.
I still see a lot of potential for growth in this area, both for myself and for our market. ESG is becoming increasingly relevant, and I’m confident that with more hands-on experience, I can continue building expertise and contributing meaningfully to ESG-driven work in Uzbekistan and beyond.
Is there a project that had a lasting impact on you, and why?
One standout project is the RECP assessments for 20 companies in Uzbekistan’s special economic zones. We’re helping improve resource use and reduce waste, and it’s rewarding to see some changes already being implemented, showing that sustainability is becoming a business priority.
This project gave me hands-on experience in industrial settings, deepening my understanding of sustainability challenges. It shifted my perspective, highlighting the critical role of the private sector in driving sustainable change, and I’m excited to contribute further!
What has stood out to you most in terms of working styles, communication, or team culture across the region?
“Civitta’s ability to connect different regions and ideas is something I truly appreciate — it’s a big part of what makes the firm unique and one of the most rewarding aspects of my work!”
Despite time zone differences, working with other Civitta offices has been great. For example, collaborating with the Estonian team was seamless, and I adjusted my schedule to fit project needs, ensuring smooth and supportive teamwork.
What stood out most was the diversity of perspectives, especially learning from European solutions in sustainability and innovation that are becoming increasingly relevant in Uzbekistan.
And lastly, what advice would you give to someone starting out in consulting? Any key lessons from your journey?
My advice is to stay curious, ask questions, and keep learning! Don’t underestimate “technical” tasks like research — they’re the foundation of good consulting. Collaboration is key: great consulting is about listening, adapting, and evolving with your team and clients.
Consulting can also be intense, but it’s this intensity that drives growth and makes the work rewarding. Be collaborative, tackle all tasks and build resilience to grow and make your work impactful!