In today’s fast-moving and complex business environment, professionals are increasingly turning to expert networks for up-to-date insights and industry-specific guidance. One of the most prominent platforms in this space is the GLG Expert Network. If you’ve ever wondered how top consulting firms, hedge funds, and corporate executives gain insider perspectives quickly and efficiently, chances are GLG was involved. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what the GLG Expert Network is, how it operates, and how it adds value for both clients and experts.
What Is the GLG Expert Network?
GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group) is a global platform that connects professionals seeking expert insights with qualified specialists across various industries. Founded in 1998, GLG began as a publisher of industry reports but soon transitioned into an expert network, revolutionizing how companies gather market intelligence.
Today, GLG boasts a network of over 1 million professionals, including CEOs, financial analysts, former government officials, scientists, and other subject matter experts. These individuals provide first-hand, real-world perspectives that help clients make better business decisions, conduct due diligence, or validate investment theses.
Who Uses GLG and Why?
GLG serves a wide range of clients, including:
- Management Consultancies – Firms like McKinsey and BCG use expert insights to refine strategies or understand niche markets.
- Investment Firms – Private equity firms and hedge funds leverage GLG to perform commercial due diligence or understand the competitive landscape of an industry.
- Corporations – Companies in healthcare, tech, and industrials turn to GLG for product development and market entry strategies.
- Law Firms and Government Bodies – Seeking unbiased, expert opinions on specific industries or policy impacts.
These clients often rely on fast, direct conversations with experts who have firsthand knowledge. GLG’s platform enables these connections on-demand, typically through phone consultations, surveys, in-person meetings, and group roundtables.
How Does GLG Work?
The process behind GLG’s operations is both sleek and meticulous. Here’s a break-down of how it works from start to finish:
1. The Client Submits a Request
A client initiates the process by submitting a request describing the expertise they need. For example, a consulting firm advising a healthcare provider might need insights from someone who has managed large hospital systems.
2. GLG Finds a Suitable Expert
GLG’s internal team—often called research or client solutions professionals—uses databases and sophisticated algorithms to identify relevant experts who match the client’s needs. These experts are contacted and asked about their availability and willingness to consult on the specific topic.
3. Compliance and Vetting
Differentiating GLG from other platforms is its rigorous compliance and vetting process. Before any interaction, experts must undergo a compliance check to ensure no confidential or non-public information is shared. This is especially important for clients like investment firms that need to avoid insider trading violations.
4. Scheduling a Consultation
Once vetted, the expert is scheduled for a consultation with the client. These are often 30–60 minute phone calls, but they can also be arranged as video meetings, workshops, or in-person sessions.
5. Feedback and Payment
After the call, both parties can provide feedback, and the expert is paid for their time, usually on an hourly basis. Rates vary based on experience, seniority, and niche expertise but can range from $100 to over $1,000 an hour.
What Kinds of Experts Are in the GLG Network?
GLG prides itself on having a robust and diverse network of experts, including:
- Physicians and Scientists – For health care innovation, drug development, or medical device evaluations.
- Former Executives – Offering experience-driven opinions on operations, product launches, and leadership challenges.
- IT and Tech Professionals – Advising on software systems, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
- Retail and Consumer Insights Experts – Helping companies understand buying behavior and market positioning.
- Policy Analysts and Legal Advisors – Explaining regulatory frameworks and legislative changes.
This diversity enables GLG to offer value across industries and around the globe, making it an attractive resource no matter the scope of your project.
Benefits of Using GLG
Organizations choose GLG for many strategic advantages, including:
- Speed – GLG can connect clients with vetted experts in as little as a few hours.
- Quality – Experts are selected based on precise relevance to the client request.
- Confidentiality – Every interaction is governed by strict rules to ensure legal and ethical safety.
- Flexibility – Clients can opt between one-time consultations, long-term engagements, or large panel surveys depending on project needs.
Additionally, GLG has developed tech tools and data platforms that further streamline access to expert knowledge, including video archives, whitepapers, and analytics dashboards.
How to Join as a GLG Expert
Being an expert on GLG not only allows professionals to monetize their knowledge but also to stay engaged with evolving trends. Here’s how to get started:
- Nomination or Application – Experts can be nominated by existing users or apply through the GLG website.
- Profile Completion – You’ll need to provide professional experience, qualifications, and availability.
- Screening – GLG rigorously screens for credibility, legal history, and conflict of interest.
- Onboarding – After acceptance, experts are trained on compliance rules and what information can and cannot be shared during client engagements.
Experts typically receive invitations to consult based on how well their background fits with client inquiries. They can accept or decline based on their availability and comfort with the topic.
Is GLG the Right Fit for You?
If you’re a business looking for quick, reliable, and high-quality insights, GLG can be a powerful tool in your decision-making arsenal. Its platform offers immense value in areas where time is short and specialized knowledge is crucial.
For experts, GLG offers a flexible way to supplement income, expand networks, and continue sharing expertise even outside of a traditional full-time job. That said, it’s important to understand and follow the platform’s strict compliance protocols to maintain professionalism and avoid issues.
Conclusion
GLG represents a modern solution to an age-old business challenge: how to get the right information from the right person, right when you need it. By enabling one-on-one access to knowledgeable professionals across every conceivable field, it empowers clients to make smarter, faster, and more informed decisions.
Whether you’re an investor conducting due diligence, a consultant seeking client insights, or an executive vetting your next strategic move, GLG can connect you with the expertise that makes the difference.
