Podcasts about consultancy

Kaitlin Lee is a Quandamooka and Kaanju Aboriginal woman, and Managing Director of Yura Consultancy. Her business partners with organisations and communities to embed cultural leadership and foster generational change. Listen as she discusses what it means to feel empowered - to have freedom of choice, freedom of being, and a strong connection to culture.

Not every color works for every person — and the difference often comes down to clarity. Image consultant and stylist Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy defines clear color in color analysis, why it is also known as true, and what it means when your natural features have high contrast. The wrong shade does not just look off — it works against you entirely.#ClearColor #ColorAnalysis #WhatIsClearColor #TrueColor #ColorTheory #PersonalColorAnalysis #ColorAndSkinTone #ImageConsultant #PersonalStylist #GlossaryAtMIIEN #DressWithIntention #ColorInFashion #PersonalStyle #FashionIdentity #colorseason

Secondhand fashion is not just about saving money — it is about access. Image consultant and stylist Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy defines secondhand fashion and what it means for the buyer who knows how to shop it well. One of a kind pieces at a fraction of the cost is not a compromise — it is a strategy.#Miienconsultancy #SecondhandFashion #WhatIsSecondhandFashion #ThriftedFashion #PreOwnedFashion #SecondhandStyle #ThriftShopping #ConsciousFashion #ImageConsultant #PersonalStylist #GlossaryAtMIIEN #MikaraReid #MIIEN #SlowFashion #SustainableFashion #FashionIdentity

Luxury fashion is about more than price — it is about what it communicates and who it places you among. Image consultant and stylist Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy defines luxury fashion, what separates it from every other segment in the industry, and why the brand you choose says more than you may realize.#WhatIsLuxuryFashion #LuxuryFashion #LuxuryStyle #HighEndFashion #LuxuryBrands #FashionIdentity #ImageConsultant #PersonalStylist #GlossaryAtMIIEN #MikaraReid #MIIEN #FashionBasics #StatusSymbol #LuxuryCraftsmanship #DressWithIntention

In this episode of Thriving Matters Podcast , Carrie interviewed Jason Pascoe, currently Director of The Enactive Solution, discussing his transition from being Director of Consultancy Services at Growth Coaching International to running his own Consultancy that specialises in Solution Focused approaches for leadership and meaningful change as well as recently opening a Mediterranean-inspired cafe called Little Gozo with his family. Listen in as Jason shared how his approach to leadership and solution-focused coaching has been applied both in organizational settings and now in managing his cafe, emphasizing the importance of crafting interactive spaces and listening for what's being called for rather than focusing solely on problems. They explored how organizations and individuals can adapt to AI by starting with clear understanding of the work required, identifying what's already working, and then determining how tools like AI might support those goals rather than outsourcing thinking. Jason explained his framework for working with AI through Haesun Moon's dialogic orientation quadrants, focusing on understanding why conversations are happening where they are and how to shift them toward solutions and possibilities. A number of practical text resources were discussed including The Solution Focus by Paul Z Jackson and Mark McKergow and Host Leadership by Mark McKergow and Helen Bailey; Coaching Leadership 3rd Edition by Jan Robertson as well as Towards Solution Podcast by Jason Pascoe and Dion Sing. If you enjoyed this episode with Jason Pascoe, share with family, friends and colleagues   To connect with Jason: LI: linkedin.com/in/jason-pascoe-b5327922 URL: enactive.com.au Email: jason@enactive.com.au   To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com  Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com  

Most people assume they know their body shape — but assumption is not measurement. Image consultant and stylist Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy defines the circle body shape, also known as the round or apple shape, and breaks down exactly how it presents from the shoulders down. Knowing your body shape is where intentional dressing begins — and it starts with getting your accurate measurements.#CircleBodyShape #AppleBodyShape #RoundBodyShape #WhatIsCircleBodyShape #DressForYourBodyShape #BodyShapeInFashion #KnowYourMeasurements #ImageConsultant #PersonalStylist #GlossaryAtMIIEN #StyleTips #FashionIdentity #DressWithIntention #BodyShapeStyling #fashionbasics

Samantha Fowlds is an authority on change and knowledge management. We discuss the numerous disruptions in which we are living and working. Listen to her advice about how to support employees in this environment by helping them feel psychologically safe in order to perform.Samantha is a Principal Consultant, Executive Coach, and Change Leadership Advisor who partners with senior leaders in Financial Services and Technology to lead complex human capital development and enterprise transformation initiatives.Her work connects psychology, leadership, and change to help organizations build real capability in their people. Samantha holds a Master of Science in Knowledge Management and Consultancy with graduate studies in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, and has worked inside organizations like Oracle, DXC, KPMG, Deloitte, RBC, TD Bank, Scotiabank, Toronto Stock Exchange, Sunnybrook Hospital, and Cadillac Fairview.

Redundancy, restructuring and uncertainty have become familiar conversations across food manufacturing and retail. Behind every organisational change are real people trying to navigate what comes next, often while questioning their confidence, identity and sense of purpose. In this episode, I'm joined by Dahlia Stroud, commercial consultant and host of the Stressed But Well Dressed podcast, to explore what happens when work changes and how we can find stability during uncertain times. One of the strongest themes throughout our conversation is identity. Many of us spend years building careers, relationships and routines around work, so when that suddenly changes, it can feel like we've lost more than just a job. Dahlia shares why getting dressed became an important daily ritual during periods of uncertainty. It's not about fashion or appearances. It's about taking a few minutes to reconnect with yourself and create a sense of control when everything else feels unpredictable. We also explore how different clothes often represent different versions of ourselves. Our work wardrobe, our home clothes and what we choose to wear during periods of transition can all influence how we feel and how we show up each day. Another important part of the conversation is the BANI framework, which describes today's world as Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear and Incomprehensible. It's a useful reminder that many of the challenges we're facing aren't personal failings. They're a reflection of the complexity of the environments we're working in. Throughout the episode we discuss practical ways to rebuild confidence during career transitions, including creating small daily routines, letting go of clothes or habits that no longer serve you, remembering that purpose doesn't have to come from work alone, giving yourself permission to pause and make decisions at your own pace, and building confidence through networking and new experiences. This conversation is a reminder that confidence isn't something you either have or you don't. It's something we build through small, consistent actions, especially during the moments when life feels most uncertain. Timestamps 00:00 – Why confidence and identity matter during uncertain times 01:00 – Meeting Dahlia Stroud and her commercial career 02:24 – The meaning behind Stressed But Well Dressed 05:35 – Redundancy and the loss of professional identity 07:18 – How clothing influences confidence and mindset 09:05 – Understanding the BANI framework 11:57 – Small daily habits that help during difficult times 15:03 – Workplace expectations and confidence 16:41 – Creating a wardrobe that works for you 20:25 – Rebuilding confidence after redundancy 24:06 – Finding purpose during career transition 30:46 – Practical advice when facing redundancy 33:54 – Consultancy, networking and what's next Connect with The Fearless Foodies The Fearless Foodie Newsletter straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam. https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast Connect with me here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/ Useful Links & Support If this episode resonated, especially around confidence, resilience and navigating career change, here are a few places to continue the conversation. Connect with Dahlia Stroud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dahliastroud/ Stressed But Well Dressed Podcast https://dahliastroud.com/podcast/ Work with Fearless Foodies Leadership development and team support tailored to food manufacturing and retail environments. https://fearlessfoodies.co.ukA Big Thank You to Our SponsorsIFP Labs Specialist laboratory services supporting food businesses with fast, reliable testing and technical expertise. https://www.ifp-labs.com/

A matching set does more work than most people give it credit for. Image consultant and stylist Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy defines the matching set and breaks down why the smartest way to wear one is not always together. From travel to workwear to lounging at home, this is one piece of your wardrobe that earns its place across more areas of your life than you think.#WhatIsAMatchingSet #MatchingSet #MatchingSetOutfit #CoordinatedOutfit #TravelOutfit #WorkwearStyle #LoungeWear #PersonalStyle #ImageConsultant #PersonalStylist #GlossaryAtMIIEN #FashionBasics #DressWithIntention #StyleTips #FashionIdentity

You know your turnover down to the nearest thousand, but if a buyer called tomorrow wanting to buy your cybersecurity consultancy, would you know what they'd actually be paying for? In this episode, Deirdre Martin explains why revenue answers the wrong question, using 64 real cybersecurity acquisitions where the price ranged from 8 times profit to 23 times profit for firms of a similar size. Before she coached cybersecurity business owners, Deirdre spent years assessing lending inside a bank, and she brings that exact lens to your business here: the four numbers a buyer actually prices, from client concentration to how many days you could take off without anything breaking. You'll leave this episode knowing exactly what to count tonight, on the back of an envelope, to find out what your business is really worth. For the full list of timestamps, key takeaways, and all resources mentioned, visit the full episode page here: https://youtu.be/tohu9g9AV88

Most people pin what they love without knowing what it means for how they actually dress. Image consultant and stylist Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy defines the style board and what it looks like when it goes beyond inspiration — a hands-on process between client and consultant built to develop a fashion identity that aligns with your lifestyle and the direction you are moving toward. #WhatIsAStyleBoard #StyleBoard #PinterestStyling #FashionIdentity #ImageConsultant #PersonalStylist #MikaraReid #MIIEN #MIIENConsultancy #StyleDevelopment #PinterestInspiration #DressWithIntention #PersonalStyle #BrandIdentity #StyleDirection

Jeff is back for Part 2 — and this time he goes even deeper.After the clip of a prisoner boiling faeces in a kettle went viraland took over the internet, we got Jeff back in the studio to talkabout what really happened that day, and the stories he never gotto tell first time round.As a former prison officer, Jeff saw things most people will neverbelieve: the man who covered himself in his own mess seven times toavoid deportation, the inmate knocked out cold with a frozenchicken, blades carved out of soap, full meals cooked behind adoor, and the men on the wing everyone learned not to test.Honest, funny and completely mad from start to finish.

Do you want to be right or do you want to be helpful? Choose carefully, because insisting on being "right" usually just makes you poor! On this week's episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey tackle the classic consultancy challenge: dealing with boneheaded clients. Join us to learn how to use the LEAP method (Listen, Empathize, Agree, Partner) to find common ground, ship workable results and keep your consultancy clients playing you! Links: - “I'm Right, You're Wrong, Now What?” (The LEAP Method) by Dr Xavier Amador's https://www.xavieramador.com/books - “I am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help!” by Dr Xavier Amador: https://www.xavieramador.com/books - LEAP Institute: https://leapinstitute.org/ -------------------------------------------------- You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email us at info@agileconversations.com -------------------------------------------------- About Your Hosts Douglas Squirrel and Jeffrey Fredrick joined forces at TIM Group in 2013, where they studied and practised the art of management through difficult conversations. Over a decade later, they remain united in their passion for growing profitable organisations through better communication. Squirrel is an advisor, author, keynote speaker, coach, and consultant, and he's helped over 300 companies of all sizes make huge, profitable improvements in their culture, skills, and processes. You can find out more about his work here: douglassquirrel.com/index.html Jeffrey is Vice President of Engineering at ION Analytics, Organiser at CITCON, the Continuous Integration and Testing Conference, and is an accomplished author and speaker. You can connect with him here: www.linkedin.com/in/jfredrick/

Everyone talks about being "data-driven," but many professional services businesses are drowning in data, not actually using it. Rich Brett is back for episode three of our mini-series from inside The Missing Finance Course, the free FinOps course presented by Rich and Harv Nagra built to close the gap between finance and delivery. This episode leans into the delivery side of the business – the day-to-day decisions that end up written into your numbers, whether you meant them to or not.Here's what we dive into:Why utilization and capacity are two sides of the same coin, and why utilization should never be a surprise at month endWhere delivery leads go wrong on scoping, and how a duplicated quote can set a project up to fail before it startsWhy over-servicing to keep clients happy is often a decision nobody actually made, and how to take back controlWhat revenue recognition really means (it's simpler than it sounds), and why doing it once a year isn't good enoughWhat "recovery" actually measures, and why comparing it to an invoice tells you nothingWhat being genuinely data-driven looks like, versus just having a lot of reports nobody readsPlus, Rich and Harv get into why the best businesses are already looking at what's going to happen next month instead of just explaining what happened last month.The Missing Finance Course is free, self-paced, and built for three audiences: leadership, delivery teams, and individual contributors. Head to https://learn.scoro.com to get started.Additional Resources:

In this episode, Bradley sits down with Dave Moudy, creator of Portwood, a completely free, natively built Salesforce document generation app that is now ranked number 12 on the Agent Exchange globally. Dave walks us through the full origin story, from a lead generation idea at a consulting firm to a growing business with over 1,200 installs and 10 to 20 new leads coming in daily. If you have ever thought about building your own app, or if you just need a free, powerful document generation tool in your Salesforce org, this one is for you. Timestamps: 0:45 - Introduction and What Portwood Does 4:10 - The Origin Story: Where the Idea Came From 8:26 - From Passion Project to Business: The Consultancy Chapter 19:02 - Intellectual Property and Leaving the Consultancy 24:22 - Getting Approved on the Agent Exchange 35:08 - Pricing a Free App and the Business Model Behind It 45:00 - AppExchange Amplified and Community-Led Marketing 57:55 - Scaling the Business: Hiring, Mindset, and Thick Skin Links and Resources: Dave Moudy/Portwood LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/portwoodllc Portwood Website: https://portwood.dev/ AgentExchange: https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=5a580bd8-2745-41e5-b62c-c495957857d3 Talent Stacker: https://talentstacker.com/appexchange-amplified-application/ https://talentstacker.com/appexchange-amplified-talent-show-building-a-real-world-salesforce-pdf-solution-with-portwood-docgen/ 

When you look for style inspiration — are you following someone who loves fashion, or someone who is a professional in the fashion business? Image consultant and stylist Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy defines what a style influencer actually is, what they do, and why knowing the difference between an influencer and a fashion professional changes where you take your style advice from.#StyleInfluencer #WhatIsAStyleInfluencer #FashionInfluencer #PersonalStyle #ImageConsultant #PersonalStylist #MikaraReid #MIIEN #FashionIdentity #StyleAdvice #WhoToFollow #FashionProfessional #StyleTips #DressWithIntention #FashionInspiration

The maxi skirt is one of the most versatile pieces you can own — and most people are not using it to its full potential. Image consultant and stylist Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy defines the maxi skirt, breaks down where the name actually comes from, and explains why its range of fabrics and silhouettes makes it a wardrobe asset across spring, summer, and fall.#WhatIsAMaxiSkirt #MaxiSkirt #MaxiSkirtStyle #SkirtFashion #SpringFashion #SummerFashion #PersonalStyle #ImageConsultant #PersonalStylist #MikaraReid #MIIEN #FashionBasics #WardrobeEssentials #FashionIdentity #DressWithIntention

Venture Capital Reporter Julia Hornstein talks with TITV Host Akash Pasricha about Anthropic's JV acquiring Casper Studios. We also talk with Julia about Nvidia's potential investment in Mercor as well as Yueqi Yang about Robinhood-backed prediction market Rothera. Lastly, we get into Fortune 500 AI ROI with PwC's Dallas Dolen.Articles discussed on this episode: https://www.theinformation.com/articles/anthropics-enterprise-ai-venture-buys-consultancyhttps://www.theinformation.com/articles/nvidia-discusses-funding-ai-data-supplier-mercor-20-billion-valuationhttps://www.theinformation.com/newsletters/the-information-finance/hot-new-prediction-exchange-never-heard-designSubscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinformation The Information: https://www.theinformation.com/subscribe_hSign up for the AI Agenda newsletter: https://www.theinformation.com/features/ai-agendaTITV airs weekdays on YouTube, X and LinkedIn at 10AM PT / 1PM ET. Or check us out wherever you get your podcasts.Follow us:X: https://x.com/theinformationIG: https://www.instagram.com/theinformation/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@titv.theinformationLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theinformation/Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:13 - Anthropic's JV Acquires Casper Studios08:12 - Nvidia In Talks for $20B Mercor Round10:25 - Robinhood-Backed Prediction Exchange Rothera19:38 - SEC's First Crypto Token Rule Proposal22:53 - PwC on Fortune 500 AI Model ROI & SaaS Margins

You're running a consultancy doing between £5m and £30m. You're winning work. You're growing. And somewhere in the back of your mind, you're asking a question you probably haven't said out loud yet: is what I'm building actually scalable? In this episode Nick Synnott is joined by Ravi Monteiro, Partner at Growth Capital Partners, to answer that question. GCP has backed 54 specialist businesses over 26 years. Ravi has seen what separates the consultancies that scale well from the ones that just get bigger and harder to run. He's seen positioning decisions that doubled a firm's value. He's seen acquisitions that destroyed it. And he's seen businesses go from 70 to 400 people by doing something most founders wouldn't think to try. This episode is built around the three decisions that have the biggest impact on whether a consultancy grows into something genuinely valuable: where you focus, who you hire, and how you think about growth beyond your existing client base. What we cover: - Positioning and where to place your bets - Hiring for growth, including when experience isn't the most important thing - Organic vs inorganic growth and how to make acquisitions actually work - What to do now if PE could ever be part of your future If you are purely focused on growing revenue and building a stronger business, this conversation will give you a sharper view of how the best firms do it. If you have one eye on investment, acquisition, or an eventual exit, you will leave with a clearer picture of what that path actually requires and what to do about it now. Enjoy the show!

For decades, cholesterol has been positioned as the enemy when it comes to heart disease. High LDL, clogged arteries, cardiovascular risk. But what if we've been focusing on the wrong thing? In this episode, I sit down with Anthony Jay to explore the ideas behind his new book Sugar Beat and why he believes insulin resistance, chronically elevated blood sugar, and glycation deserve far more attention in the cardiovascular conversation.  We unpack what LDL actually does, why Anthony describes it as a "fat taxi," and how the concept of the "starving heart" changes the way we think about fuel and heart health. If you've been told that protecting your heart is simply about lowering cholesterol and eating less fat, this conversation will challenge that model and give you a very different way to think about metabolic and cardiovascular health.  

"I write from a place of scarring instead of being wounded." Professor Hlonipha Mokoena sits down with writer, cultural worker and music industry professional Lulama Mali for a rich, unhurried conversation on her debut memoir Held: A Portrait of the Black Family. They talk about the choice of memoir as a form, the freedom of writing from memory rather than fact, and Lulama's deliberate use of words like "sacred", "quiet" and "silence" to invite the reader into a particular mood. Hlonipha presses on the word "portrait" in the title, and Lulama unpacks how, growing up as a photographer, she came to think of family as a collage, made up of many hands and many households. The conversation moves through township life, mother's union Thursdays, and the raising of black children in community rather than nuclear isolation. Lulama Mali's debut memoir is Held: A Portrait of the Black Family. At its heart, Held is the story of a girl raised by her grandparents in a house where grief and jazz shared the air, where books and politics coexisted with the daily rhythms of survival, and where abundance was measured not in wealth but in ritual, memory, and care. Lulama Mali is a writer, cultural worker and music industry professional. She is the founder and managing director of Round Square Management and Consultancy, working across artist management, A&R, performance photography, and creative activism. Professor Hlonipha Mokoena is a historian and the Director of the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WISER). She is the author of The Nightwatchman: Representing Black Men in Colonial South Africa (Wits University Press) and Magema Fuze: The Making of a Kholwa Intellectual.

Anthony Albanese talks tariffs in a phone call with Donald Trump; Consultancy group KPMG facing questions over whistleblower scandal at Senate inquiry; And in sport, The Wallabies make major changes ahead of their rematch against Japan.

The latest episode of the eVTOL Insights Podcast welcomes Craig Foster, Co-founder and Senior Research Consultant at Valor Consultancy, to discuss the commercial realities shaping the future of Advanced Air Mobility. Drawing on Valor's latest research into both the electric air taxi and commercial drone markets, Foster explores why the industry is entering a new phase where commercial viability is becoming just as important as technological innovation. Throughout the conversation, Foster examines the assumptions that fuelled the sector's early growth, including expectations around battery technology, operating costs and certification timelines. He explains why metrics such as Cost per Available Seat Mile (CASM) are critical to understanding whether passenger eVTOL services can become profitable, while highlighting the challenges posed by battery replacement costs, infrastructure investment, landing fees and pilot availability. The discussion also looks beyond passenger aircraft, identifying defence, cargo operations and regional air mobility as potentially stronger near-term business opportunities. Foster argues that the commercial drone industry provides valuable lessons for AAM by demonstrating that long-term success depends on solving real operational problems rather than simply introducing new technology.

Everyone wants AI to fix their messy data. Andrew McBarnett will tell you straight: it won't. In fact, it'll just help you reach the wrong conclusion faster.Andrew is Group Financial Director at Lucid Group, a PE-backed medical communications agency. He joined in 2020 for what was meant to be a four month contract. Six years later, he's still there, and the numbers tell the story: EBITDA up from £3.6m to £18.1m, revenue more than doubled, legal entities cut from 25 to 15, and a finance team that's shrunk in headcount while transaction volume has nearly doubled.In this conversation, Andrew explains how he diagnosed a business that looked successful on the surface but was being held back by its operating model. Here's what we get into:Why numbers don't explain your business, they just reveal where the pain isAndrew's five pillars of an operating model that can actually scaleWhy "businesses don't fail to grow, they fail to absorb their growth"How Lucid built single sources of truth across accounting, project delivery, and expensesWhy AI was never the goal, it was the reward for doing the foundational work properlyWhat changing the culture of a team actually takes (it's harder than the tech, according to Andrew)Plus, Andrew shares the real reason finance teams get sidelined in the business, and how to fix it.Additional Resources:

We're joined by Isobel Hunt, co-founder of CAM4Animals, the not for profit organisation that highlights the benefits of an integrated approach to pets' healthcare. We chat about how Isobel embraced the ‘CAM' approach with her Jack Russell Terrier named Jack who sadly passed away aged 18 last year.  We discuss raw food feeding as fueling natural health along with how Isobel's conventional Vet Practice, Crieff Vets, were happy to collaborate with Dr Sue Armstrong's Consultancy, Isobel's holistic vet also based in Scotland. And this episode is a tribute to Jack, Isobel's Jack Russel!Find out more at cam4animals.co.ukFor more about Zooomy and Naturaw, including A Dog's Life discounts you can use, go to the 'Anna Recommends' page at annawebb.co.ukMusic and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People ProductionsCover art by JaijoCover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

Marc Jantzen, Founder of The Consultancy Growth Network, joins Guy Bloom to explore what it really takes to build, grow and lead a successful consultancy. Marc reflects on selling Blue Sky, taking time away from work and eventually returning to build something new in The Consultancy Growth Network. He shares how he tested his proposition, launched with only six members and adapted the business when lockdown made its original model impossible. The conversation explores the value of mentors, the importance of testing ideas with the market and why consultancy leaders need people around them who understand the journey. Guy and Marc also discuss the impact of AI on consulting, the move from charging for time to pricing around value and the changing shape of consultancy firms as technology replaces more junior analytical work. They close with an honest discussion about leadership, motivation, transparency, vulnerability and why being a decent human being matters, but is not always enough. There are moments when leaders must step forward, create belief and have the conversations others may prefer to avoid. To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.The link to everything CLICK HEREUK: 07827 953814Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com Web: www.livingbrave.com

Most consultancy owners can tell you their revenue. Very few can tell you their net profit. That gap is where the money quietly leaks out.In this Australia-only episode, Val sits down with Josh Stone, who grew a civil and structural consultancy from £3m to £30m over a decade, sold out, and now coaches 70+ engineering, surveying, architecture and town planning founders on how to build businesses that actually pay them back.We get into the commercial side we rarely cover on the show:Why 30% net profit should be your benchmark, and what to do if you are sat at 12%How to escape the generalist "red ocean" and charge what you are actually worthWhy winning the work is only half the job, and how to stop client relationships living and dying with the founderThe four-stage path from technician to conductor to lifestyle or investorA grounded take on AI in engineering, and why the founders experimenting now will outbid the ones who waitIf you are stuck being the bottleneck in your own business, this is the practical, no-nonsense conversation to fix it.Guest: Josh StoneMore from Project Chatter: www.projectchatter.comFree access, no paywalls. Keep liking, keep sharing, keep paying it forward.

Watch as a full video interview on YouTubeAki Schilz is the Director at The Literary Consultancy (TLC), where she co-ordinates partnerships and programmes. She launched the Editing Skills Training Scheme in partnership with the Publishing Training Centre, which trained over 100 aspiring editors from under-represented communities. She has been named as one of the FutureBook 40, a list of people innovating the publishing industry, and was also nominated for an h100 Award for her #BookJobTransparency campaign, as well as being shortlisted for the Kim Scott Walwyn Prize for women in publishing, and has featured in the Bookseller 150 list of the most influential figures in publishing twice. In 2020, Aki launched the Being A Writer programme at TLC, a membership platform she co-devised with novelist and coach Julia Forster, which focuses on providing a space for writers to cultivate their creativity, and build emotional resilience. She is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.We had a great time chatting with Aki and hearing about her work with TLC, discussing what they can offer, as well as talking about whether such consultancies are right for everyone. We also talk about her support of writers away from the page, and chat about how to take the pressure off querying.Links:Follow Aki on BlueskyVisit The Literacy ConsultancyOur Drafting Notes episode discussing editoral consultanciesSupport us on Patreon and get the podcast early and ad-free, along with other great benefits, including a bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/ukpageonePage One - The Writer's Podcast is brought to you by Write Gear, creators of Page One - the Writer's Notebook. Learn more and order yours now: https://www.writegear.co.uk/page-oneFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramFollow us on BlueskyFollow us on ThreadsPage One - The Writer's Podcast is part of STET Podcasts - the one stop shop for all your writing and publishing podcast needs! Follow STET Podcasts on Instagram and Bluesky Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How should local and regional leaders encourage investment in their communities? Around the world, cities struggle with a legacy of industrial decline. In England, devolution of planning policy to mayoral combined authorities has allowed for regions like Greater Manchester to outpace national growth. But within regions, local areas can themselves fall behind, and require a joined up approach to planning and investment. When this episode was first recorded in September 2024, the focus was on how places can unlock investment by understanding their own histories, strengths and opportunities. Today, as the debate around Britain's infrastructure ambitions intensifies, and the former Mayor of Greater Manchester looks increasingly likely to become the next Prime Minister, the intentions of the government in this area are worthy of speculation. The infrastructure industry is not waiting, an open letter from leading infrastructure and construction organisations, including the Association for Consultancy has called on the next government to prioritise long-term infrastructure delivery and provide greater certainty for investment. Could the principles of Manchester transfer to the nation at large? Will infrastructure be a priority for the incoming government? Can the required investment be funded? The engineering sector waits to see. Guests Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester Susan Hinchliffe, Council Leader, Bradford City Council Tim Newns, MD, Levelling Up, Office for Investment, UK Department for International Trade Richard Robinson, CEO, UK and Europe, AtkinsRéalis John Rayson, MD for Northern Transformation, AtkinsRéalis Resources For the open letter from the ACE to Andy Burnham, click hereThe post #371 Revisited: Place is the Space for Growth first appeared on Engineering Matters.

In this episode my guest is Milda Manomaityte, who stepped into the role of Chief Executive at the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) and its subsidiary, the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) in March 2026.According to publicity at the time, her appointment signalled “a gear change for ACE group” and a strategic pivot for its role leading the sector. Clearly that caught my eye – what indeed has Milda got up her sleeve to drag the engineering sector up the political agenda and into the 21st Century?Well, given that the UK is about to be handed a new Prime Minister in the form of Andy Burnham, it seems a great moment to find out how an organisation like the ACE - which for over a century has been the voice of engineering consultancy - can ensure that this new administration makes the right decisions when it comes to the long-term planning and delivery of the UK's critical infrastructure and for protecting and enhancing the natural environment around us.Milda arrives uniquely equipped to meet these challenges. She spent the last seven years at the Railway Industry Association (RIA) - and we last on the podcast two years ago about driving innovation, performance, and digital transformation into that sector -  so she brings a track record of accelerating technology adoption and navigating complex government-industry relationships across rail.And at ACE, her predecessor, Kate Jennings, successfully elevated the trade body's political profile and established an ambitious three-year business plan. Milda's tenure begins at a watershed moment. The UK infrastructure landscape is being rapidly reshaped by the rollout of the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) overseeing the 10 year infrastructure strategy, and the delivery of an ambitious £720bn pipeline of work across energy, water, transport and of course housing. But the challenges are abundant – project delays due to funding constraints and planning problems, huge challenges meeting our decarbonisation goals, ongoing lack of skills and of course the looming threat of Artificial Intelligence threatening to soak up jobs across the entire engineering design sector. So lots to talk throughResourcesACE websiteEIC websiteMilda on the Infrastructure Podcast June 2024Railway Industry Association EIC Nature as Infrastructure campaign

In this episode of Dawn of a New Era: The Billionaire Brain Podcast, Dawn sits down with Kim Daly, known as America's number one franchise consultant, to explore what it really takes to create wealth through franchising.Most people think franchising is about buying a business.Kim Daly teaches people how to build wealth through one.Kim has spent decades helping people move from employee, operator or overwhelmed business owner into franchise ownership, wealth creation and long-term business growth.But this conversation goes far beyond simply buying a franchise. It is about mindset, identity, leadership and learning how to think differently about money, opportunity and scale.Dawn and Kim discuss the misconceptions people have about franchising, why success is not just about following a system, and how franchisees can move from operating the model to building real wealth.Kim also shares the principles behind her work with franchise owners, including the mindset shifts, performance strategies and leadership habits that help people grow faster, sell better and create more freedom.This is a powerful episode for entrepreneurs, franchisees and aspiring business owners who want to understand how franchising can become a vehicle for wealth, impact and legacy.In This Episode, We Cover Kim's journey into franchising and becoming one of the leading voices in the industryWhy franchising is one of the most misunderstood routes to business ownershipThe difference between buying a franchise and building real franchise wealthWhat separates high-performing franchisees from those who struggleWhy mindset and identity are just as important as systems and strategyThe biggest mistakes franchise owners make when trying to growHow franchisees can increase revenue, referrals and conversionsWhy leadership, belief and accountability matter inside a franchise modelHow to stop simply operating the business and start thinking like a wealth builderThe role of consistency, standards and confidence in long-term growthWhy franchising can be a powerful pathway to freedom, scale and legacyAbout Kim Kim Daly is widely known as America's number one franchise consultant and is one of the most respected voices in franchise ownership, business growth and wealth creation.For decades, Kim has helped aspiring entrepreneurs and franchise owners understand how to use franchising as a pathway to business ownership, financial growth and long-term freedom.Through her coaching, consulting and education, she helps franchisees move beyond simply operating the model and start building real wealth.Kim is also the founder of The Zee Suite and creator of the Franchise Wealth Accelerator, helping franchise owners strengthen their mindset, improve performance and unlock greater growth inside their franchise business.Connect with Kim Daly - https://thedalycoach.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUJB6d4Efu5-DUFXraRdAIAInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thedalycoachLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalykim/Subscribe for more conversations with extraordinary founders, leaders and changemakers.CHECK OUT THE PODCAST & APPLY TO BECOME A GUEST https://podcast.7figureenigmas.com/FOLLOW Dawn McGruer Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dawnmcgruer/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnmcgruerThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podkite - https://podkite.com/privacy

Most leaders in professional services are making decisions every day that come back to the finance – but no one ever actually taught them the numbers. In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the financial foundations that every leader needs to get a handle on, whether you're running a team, managing projects, or sitting in the hot seat at the top.Rich Brett is a FinOps consultant with 15 years in finance, working with professional services businesses to close the gap between finance and operations – and answer that nagging question: why is everyone busy, but we're not making any money?This episode is pulled directly from The Missing Finance Course – a free FinOps course Rich and Harv built to level up everyone from founders to individual contributors at agencies and consultancies. Here's what they get into:• Why cashflow forecasting isn't an advanced topic – it's a survival skill• What the P&L is really for, and why most senior leaders struggle to explain it to their own teams• How a knowledge gap becomes a credibility gap – and why that erodes trust across the whole business• Why so many businesses are pricing based on what they think something costs – not what it actually costs• Why comparing your rates to competitors is a trap, and what to do insteadIf you've ever sat in a finance presentation and felt a bit lost, or if you've been winging parts of your pricing strategy, this one's for you.The Missing Finance Course is free, self-paced, and built for three audiences: leadership, delivery teams, and individual contributors. Head to https://learn.scoro.com to get started.Additional Resources:

Ali Siadatan is a Canadian-Iranian Zionist, CEO of The Consultancy, and a fellow at the Ideological Defense Institute. He focuses on ideological threats to Western civilization and the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East. He also serves as a strategic consultant to Tafsik, a Jewish advocacy organization.In this episode of The Doron Keidar Podcast, Doron sits down with Ali Siadatan – a Canadian-Iranian Zionist, CEO of The Consultancy, and a fellow at the Ideological Defense Institute.Ali focuses on ideological threats to Western civilization, the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East, and the rising battle of ideas shaping our world. He also serves as a strategic consultant to Tafsik, a Jewish advocacy organization committed to strengthening and defending the Jewish people and the State of Israel.Together, Doron and Ali discuss:How ideology is weaponized against the West and IsraelThe shifting power balance in the Middle EastIran, Islamism, and their impact on regional stabilityZionism, Jewish identity, and Western democratic valuesStrategies for ideological defense in a time of global crisisConnect with Ali Siadatan here:https://idicenter.org/experts/ali-siadatanX: @AliSiadatan2Substack: @alispeaksxIf you're interested in the Middle East, Israel, geopolitics, and the war of ideas, this conversation is for you.Support The Doron Keidar Podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/cryforzionn

30 years in tech. Christina got laid off. She didn't sulk. She dusted off her entrepreneur cape and built her own AI consulting company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The latest episode of the Engineers Collective is out now: listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, your usual platform or via the player below. This month's guest is Ben Brittain, director of public affairs at the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE). He told NCE news editor Lee Kenny about his role and how, when he was transportation adviser to Andy Street, the former Mayor of the West Midlands, he spent many years making the case for HS2 and advising on the Midlands Rail Hub and capital programme spending across the West Midlands. He shared his personal experience of congestion on the West Coast Main Line, which creates timetabling issues between Birmingham and Manchester. The poor connectivity between the two cities is symptomatic of the “chronic lack of investment” in Britain's railway. He also expressed concern that sequencing the Birmingham–Manchester rail line behind both HS2 Phase 1 and Northern Powerhouse Rail could delay the route into the 2040s. If that happens, he is concerned it may not happen at all and describes it as a “slow-motion cancellation”. He compared the domestic rail network with services in Europe, particularly the lack of high-speed trains in the UK. “If you do travel in Europe as well, you can see how a high-speed rail network is the norm,” he said. “There are options for high-speed rail and regional or intercity connectivity on conventional rail as well, whereas Britain is hobbled by its Victorian rail infrastructure.” He said HS2 has been an “embarrassment” and a “blemish” on the UK's international reputation. He has concerns that the increasing cost of HS2 may deter governments from embarking on other large-scale infrastructure projects in the future, but that should not be the case. “I think as a result of HS2 and its problems, we've begun to talk ourselves down as a country on our capability of delivering infrastructure,” he said. “And I don't buy that story. We deliver world-class infrastructure in this country, and we at times deliver it well.”

Samantha Shepherd is a Jaru woman with family connections to Halls Creek, Balgo and Wyndham. She grew up in many different towns and remote communities across the Kimberley and Pilbara which left her with a deep love of Country. She has a background in Environmental Engineering but she has primarily worked with Aboriginal communities in ways that serves them best. She works at Kaala Barna, a 100% owned and operated Aboriginal consultancy. They work between Western and Aboriginal spaces to ensure that Aboriginal peoples voices are elevated. She has two daughters and currently live on Nyoongar Boodja (Perth).

Most industrial designers sell drawings and prototypes — and cap themselves at a designer's rate.The shift is repositioning from designer to product commercialisation consultant: now you get paid for the client's win, not just the deliverable.For every client ready to invest in design, there are a hundred more who just need someone to validate the idea and show them the path — and positioned as the consultant, you capture all of them.Patrick breaks down how to run the whole machine solo: productised validation offers, tiered consulting, royalty and finder's-fee deals, all funded by treating marketing as an investment instead of a cost.The result is a seven-figure consultancy run by one person — because the words you use determine what you get paid.Watch our 1-hour free training on how to become profitable and in-demand: profitabledesigner.com/trainingApply to work with me: profitabledesigner.com/applyConnect with me on Instagram: instagram.com/profitabledesigner

We've got 3 upcoming events over the next two weeks – including a live webinar, a breakfast in Toronto, and a conference in NYC. Which one can you attend?Online Webinar – Tuesday 23rd June, 12pm UK Find out how a global, multi-entity consultancy went from spreadsheets, silos and missing timesheets to a 33% uplift in project profitability and 20% uplift in staff utilisation – all within 7 months. Free to attend, register here: https://bit.ly/DGA-webinarThe Handbook: Breakfast Sessions – Toronto, Thursday 25th June Harv is joining Galen Low from The Digital Project Manager to discuss the delicate balance between project pressures and profitability. For ops, finance and delivery folks. Free to attend, register here: https://bit.ly/BreakfastToronto Agency Hackers Operations Conference – NYC, Tuesday 30th June We're gathering in NYC to try to answer the question: what does a more efficient, more profitable, AI-enabled agency actually look like operationally? And more importantly – how are other agencies already starting to make that shift? An excellent line-up including the brilliant Karl Sakas.  More info: https://www.agencyhackers.com/events/nyc/DM Harv for free tickets: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harvnagraHope to see you at one of the above! 

Most businesses will go through some kind of change management challenge – a new tool, a restructure, a rebrand. But what does it look like when you're doing that across eight acquired businesses, each with their own people, systems, culture, and way of doing things?Jonathan Healey is Group Technology Director at IDHL, a 500-person UK digital agency group that has grown through eight acquisitions. He's been at the center of every integration – aligning systems, consolidating brands, and figuring out what actually has to happen, and in what order, before any of it can work.This is a conversation about what M&A integration really looks like on the ground – and why, at its core, it's a change management problem more than a technology one.Here's what we get into:• Why the back office has to move first – and what happens when it doesn't• The "us vs them" dynamic that can derail an integration before it starts• How to decide what to standardize and what to leave alone• Why process is poison – and what good process actually looks like• Build vs buy: when in-house systems become a liability• AI adoption as a change management challenge – and the federated model IDHL is using to scale itWhether you're navigating an acquisition, thinking about one, or just trying to get a new way of working to stick across your team – this one's got something for you.Additional Resources:

An Garda Síochána have announced that their pilot programme for the use of tasers will be extended through the rest of the year and expanded to include Limerick. Is the extension and use of tasers welcome? Joining Anton this morning to discuss was Retired Garda Sergeant and Local Peace Commissioner in Donegal, Christy Galligan, and Dr Lucy Michael, Principal Investigator at Lucy Michael Research, Training and Consultancy.

What are your non-verbal cues saying about you before you even open your mouth? Image consultant, stylist, and visual merchandiser Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy defines non-verbal cues — and why your appearance is one of the most powerful forms of communication you're already using, whether you're aware of it or not. #NonVerbalCues #NonVerbalCommunication #PersonalImage #FirstImpressions #BodyLanguage #ImageConsultant #PersonalStylist #MikaraReid #MIIEN #StyleTips #FashionIdentity #DressWithIntention #PersonalBranding #CommunicationSkills #HowYouShowUp

If you're a consultant and you're not using AI agents yet, your competitors are. No surprise, but they're delivering faster, cheaper, and better than ever.Chris Tabb, founder of LEIT Data, joins me live at Confluent Current London 2026 to talk honestly about how AI agents are reshaping the consultancy model, from billing structures and team rollouts, to building internal tribal knowledge and outpacing firms that are still staffing up the old way.Timestamps:0:33 — How Chris is Going Agentic1:56 — Token Maxing Leaderboards5:26 — AI Agents: Year-Over-Year7:08 — Tagile: Agentic Development9:00 — AI in Consultancy17:22 — Prompt Management & Context Quality

In this episode of Pillars of Wealth Creation, Todd Dexheimer interviews Neil Thubron about his background in coaching and sales training, along with the mindset needed to achieve success in life and business. Neil shares his “7 P's for Success”: Purpose, Preparation, Plan, Pledge, Perception, Pain, and Persistence. He explains how having clear goals, committing to a plan, and pushing through challenges are all essential for long-term growth. Todd and Neil also discuss the importance of both Logos and Pathos in business success — balancing the logical side of dollars and cents with the emotional connection people have to a business or brand. The conversation wraps up with practical advice on goal setting, scheduling time toward goals, using vision boards, and reconnecting weekly with your goals to create a plan for continued progress. Favorite Book/s: Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell Yucan: Achieve any Big Goal using the 7P formula for Success & Whiteboard Value Selling by Neil Thubron Pillars of Wealth Creation 1. Outsource as much as you can 2. Know your net asset value and know what your goal is for your net asset value, and set a goal to get there 3. Be a constant learner Neil Thubron is an executive coach, sales trainer, keynote speaker, and endurance athlete with more than 30 years of experience leading multinational sales organizations and coaching business leaders and teams. Through Neil Thubron Coaching & Consultancy, he helps organizations improve leadership, sales performance, and value-based communication. Neil is also the author of YUCAN: Achieve Any Big Goal, built around his “7P Formula for Success.” His coaching style combines real-world business leadership with lessons learned from completing some of the world's toughest endurance races, including winning the Yukon Arctic Ultra. If you would like to connect with Neil Thubron, visit www.neilthubron.com. YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/PillarsOfWealthCreation Interested in coaching? Schedule a call with Todd at www.coachwithdex.com Listen to the audio version on your favorite podcast host: SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-650270376 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../pillars-of.../id1296372835... Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/.../aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zb3VuZ... iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/.../pillars-of-wealth-creation.../ CastBox: https://castbox.fm/.../Pillars-Of-Wealth-Creation... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0FmGSJe9fzSOhQiFROc2O0 Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/YUP21NxF3kb Amazon/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/.../f6cf3e11-3ffa-450b-ac8c...

Most professional services firms are generating revenue. But somewhere between producing a quote and issuing the final invoice, profit gets eroded. And more often than not, the root cause runs deeper than you'd expect – it's that nobody in the business ever properly understood the numbers in the first place.In this special episode, Harv is joined by FinOps expert Rich Brett to introduce The Missing Finance Course – a completely free resource built for everyone in your firm, from the leadership team, to delivery teams, right down to individual contributors. This conversation, taken straight from inside the course, sets the scene for why financial understanding isn't just a finance team problem. It's everyone's problem.Here's what they get into:Why most firms don't bother with financial education – and why that's a mistakeHow finance and operations working in silos creates blind spots that erode profitWhy storytelling, not spreadsheets, is the real skill your finance team needsHow commercial awareness at every level – yes, including junior staff – changes the way a business performsWhy understanding the numbers is one of the fastest ways to accelerate your career in professional servicesThe Missing Finance Course is free, self-paced, and built for three audiences: leadership, delivery teams, and individual contributors. Head to https://learn.scoro.com to get started.Additional Resources:

An AI expert says politicians and ministry leaders need to embrace the use of AI, before it can be fully adopted in the public service. Mark Laurence, chief executive of AI consultancy Ten Past Tomorrow spoke to John Campbell.

Alex Kaplan is Founder at Bambu Digital. Bambu Digital is a top-tier digital marketing agency in the Philippines, which has helped companies such as Sunnies Studios, BYD Philippines, and The Good Meat, achieve not just reach and aesthetics, but actual revenue growth. In practice, they are a performance-led marketing consultancy built for retail and consumer goods brands in the Philippines. This episode is recorded live at the Bambu Digital office in Makati City.In this episode:00:00 Introduction08:06 Ano ang Bambu Digital? 10:44What is the startup solving? 40:31 What are the stories and vision of the team? 01:16:12 How can listeners find more information?BAMBU DIGITAL:Website: https://www.bambu.com.phFacebook: https://facebook.com/bambu.phTHIS EPISODE IS CO-PRODUCED BY:OneCFO: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onecfoph.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kredit Hero: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kredithero.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Yspaces: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://knowyourspaceph.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twala: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twala.io⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Symph: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://symph.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Secuna: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://secuna.io⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SkoolTek by Edfolio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skooltek.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Red Circle Global: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.redcircleglobal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHECK OUT OUR PARTNERS:Ask Lex PH Academy: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://asklexph.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (5% discount on e-learning courses! Code: ALPHAXSUP)CloudCFO: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cloudcfo.ph⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Free financial assessment, process onboarding, and 6-month QuickBooks subscription! Mention: Start Up Podcast PH)ArkoTech: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arkotechspacesolutions.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DVCode Technologies Inc: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dvcode.tech⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Argum AI: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://argum.ai⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PIXEL by Eplayment: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://pixel.eplayment.co/auth/sign-up?r=PIXELXSUP1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Sign up using Code: PIXELXSUP1)School of Profits: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://schoolofprofits.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Founders Launchpad: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://founderslaunchpad.vc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hier Business Solutions: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hierpayroll.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Agile Data Solutions (Hustle PH): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://agiledatasolutions.tech⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Smile Checks: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://getsmilechecks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cloverly: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cloverly.tech⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BuddyBetes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buddybetes.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hyperstacks: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hyperstacksinc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wunderbrand: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://wunderbrand.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Uplift Code Camp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://upliftcodecamp.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (5% discount on bootcamps and courses! Code: UPLIFTSTARTUPPH)START UP PODCAST PHYouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/startuppodcastph⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6BObuPvMfoZzdlJeb1XXVa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-up-podcast/id1576462394⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/startuppodcastph⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/StartUpPodcastPH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PIXEL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://pixel.eplayment.co/dl/startuppodcastph⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://phstartup.online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Edited by the team at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tasharivera.com⁠⁠

Today I had Jack on the R2Kast

Are you drawn to what you need — or are you drawn to what's on sale? Image consultant and stylist Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy defines the bargain shopper — and why letting the price lead every purchase is costing your wardrobe more than you think. Also covered in her book What's Your MIIEN! ?#BargainShopper #SmartShopping #IntentionalShopping #miienconsultancy #ShopWithIntention #WardrobeValue #PersonalStyle #FashionIdentity #DressWithIntention #ImageConsultant #PersonalStylist #MikaraReid #MIIEN #SlowFashion #MindfulShopping #wardrobeessentials

This is a reset episode. After months of working behind the scenes, Heather and Mike Bayer come together to do something they have not done for a while: reintroduce themselves, take stock of where the Vacation Rental Formula Business School is now, and talk honestly about what they are building next. If you have been a long-time listener, this is your update. If you are new, this is the best place to start. The conversation covers the full VRF ecosystem, from the just-completed first cohort of the AI Ambassador Program and what Heather has already learned from running it, to the newly launched THRIVE Essentials onboarding course, the opening of five consultancy slots, and the decision to build community through Substack rather than another standalone platform.  What comes through clearly is that the focus has sharpened. VRF is no longer trying to serve everyone in the STR industry. It is building specifically for professional operators who are ready to bring AI into their businesses in a structured, responsible way, and who want experienced guidance rather than just another tool recommendation. About Heather and Mike Bayer Heather Bayer spent 20 years managing CottageLINK Rental Management in Ontario, growing it to nearly 200 properties before selling in 2022. She has hosted the Vacation Rental Success Podcast since 2014, making it the longest-running podcast in the STR space, and has spent the last two years building a focused AI education practice for property management professionals. Mike Bayer is CEO and co-founder of the Vacation Rental Formula Business School. He works across strategy, marketing, technology integration, and community, and joins Heather on the podcast periodically to discuss direction and new programmes. Key Takeaways The AI Ambassador Programme just completed its first cohort. Heather is already rewriting Module 2 because the tools she built the course around have shifted in the months since she wrote it. The second cohort launches in May and will include returning members alongside new participants. A knowledge base is the non-negotiable foundation for any meaningful AI adoption. Before touching any tool, operators need documented business context that gives the AI something real to work with. Without it, output is generic. The AI Ambassador role is not a tech job. It is the person in a company who understands the business well enough to see where AI can reduce friction, and who has the trust of the team to guide adoption without creating resistance. Think conductor, not programmer. THRIVE Essentials is a short onboarding course for new STR employees who may have no background in property management. It covers industry structure, operational roles, technology foundations, values, compliance, and a new AI-in-the-workplace module focused on ethics and safe use. The consultancy model is a 90-day intensive followed by nine months of monthly coaching. It is capped at five clients at a time, starts with a free hour-long discovery call, and is specifically designed around AI adoption and integration. It is not coaching in the general sense; it is bespoke problem-solving for a specific business. Community is now on Substack, specifically the Grounded in AI group. After trying several platforms over the years, Heather and Mike landed on Substack because it combines articles, short notes, and a chat forum in one place with a genuine mobile app, which has consistently been what makes community work for people who are managing a business during the day. Resources and Links Mentioned AI Ambassador Programme - vacationrentalformula.com/AI [TBC - confirm final URL] Thrive Essentials - link in show notes [TBC] Grounded in AI Substack community - free subscription, link in show notes Consultancy enquiry / free discovery call - link in show notes Shortcuts - vetted STR trainers, consultants, and coaches [TBC - confirm URL] VR Nation Conference - 28–30 April, Heather presenting on AI foundations Scale UK Conference — Brighton, 9 June, Heather presenting on AI adoption foundations Shortcuts webinar - 23 April, "What You Need to Know Before the Magic Begins" Connect With Heather and Mike Bayer The best place to connect is the Grounded in AI Substack Community, where Heather posts daily and responds to comments. If you are curious about the AI Ambassador Programme, Thrive Essentials, or consultancy, head to the show notes for the relevant links, or reach out directly through Substack. Heather's Substack: groundedinai.substack.com [TBC — confirm handle] Vacation Rental Formula Business School: vacationrentalformula.com ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What does it really take to build a Salesforce consultancy that people actually love? In this episode, Bradley sits down with Joshua Karrasch, founder and CEO of Dynamic Specialties Group (DSG) — a Salesforce partner consultancy that's quietly doing things differently. From going bankrupt and living in a friend's basement, to building a thriving boutique firm with a team of A-players and a growing list of loyal clients, Josh's journey is honest, hard-won, and deeply human. Josh shares the philosophy at the heart of DSG: the win-win-win. The client has to win. The consultant has to win. And the company has to win. You'll hear how that principle shapes everything — from how DSG takes on new clients, to how they hire, to how they handle growth. The conversation goes deep on the "accordion model" for staffing, why boutique doesn't have to mean small, the importance of leading with business process discovery before ever opening Salesforce, and why diverse, non-traditional backgrounds often make the best consultants. Josh also opens up about the mentorship relationship that changed his entrepreneurial career, and the ongoing challenge of learning to step back before burnout sets in. If you're building a consultancy, growing a Salesforce career, or just trying to run a business with integrity — this one's for you. Episode Timestamps 00:01:06 — Bradley Rice introduces his guest Joshua Karrasch Bradley, founder and CEO of Dynamic Specialties Group who discusses how he got started, challenges he faced along the way, to finally finding the footing to launch DSG, and his Win-Win-Win Philosophy DSG's core operating principle. 00:15:41 — The Accordion Model - How DSG found stability by moving to a 1099 contractor model that could expand and contract with the natural ebbs and flows of project-based consulting work. 00:27:44 — The single most pivotal moment in Josh's entrepreneurial career: meeting the mentor who could see what he couldn't — and how that relationship continues to shape DSG today. 00:37:51 —Why so many Salesforce implementations fail: clients know they're in pain but haven't diagnosed the root cause — and some partners are incentivized to oversell. 00:45:57 — The Hiring Challenge - Every company struggles with it. Josh explains why traditional interviews fall short — and how DSG discovered that TalentStacker graduates consistently showed up as A-players. Why diverse, non-traditional backgrounds often produce the strongest Salesforce consultants. 01:04:49 — What Makes DSG Fundamentally Different? The win-win-win, the empathy, the authenticity, the refusal to exploit anyone in the engagement. 01:07:45 — How to Reach Joshua Karrasch & DSG LinkedIn, email, advising services, fractional work, and through Bradley directly. Links, Contact, Resources Companies & Organizations Dynamic Specialties Group (DSG) — dynaspecgroup.com TalentStacker, run by host Bradley Rice — talentstacker.com  Contact Information Email: joshua@dynaspecgroup.com Books Mentioned The Way and the Power — Strategy book referenced multiple times by Josh as foundational to his leadership philosophy; includes the concept of "The Watcher" The Art of War by Sun Tzu — Referenced by Josh as an early strategy text he studied