Podcasts about consultancy

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.

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

In this episode of *Inside Fashion Marketing*, you will discover exactly how artificial intelligence, advanced self-service platforms, and robust first-party data are transforming modern retail media from basic sponsored product listings into a powerful, full-funnel e-commerce growth engine. Host Heike Lari (Director Partner Marketing and Consultancy at Zalando Partner Marketing Services) sits down for a fascinating chat with Diaa Abdallah, VP Tech at ZMS, live from the e-commerce and retail tech hub of Berlin, Germany. Together, they pull back the curtain on how Zalando builds its innovative marketing technology entirely in-house to serve brands across Europe. Diaa brings over a decade of performance optimization and audience targeting experience from his time at Amazon to explain how ZMS slices and dices data from 53 million active customers to deliver highly personalized ad experiences. The duo dives deep into the tangible tools empowering brands today, ranging from flexible MaxCPC steering controls for premium products to cutting-edge AI features that generate creative assets in seconds. They also tackle the massive macro shifts impacting the global marketing landscape, exploring the rise of agentic commerce, off-site AI integrations (like ChatGPT ads), and how retailers are securely guarding their data while building conversational tools like the Zalando Assistant. Whether you are looking to maximize your short-term Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) or understand the downstream impact of long-term brand awareness campaigns, this episode provides a comprehensive playbook for the future of digital commerce. Key Takeaways From This Episode: **In-House Tech & Self-Service Innovation:** Learn why ZMS relies on entirely proprietary, in-house engineering to build highly intuitive self-service tools that give brands ultimate campaign flexibility. **Granular Control via MaxCPC:** Discover how automated algorithms work hand-in-hand with manual controls, allowing brands to adjust what they pay per click based on whether a product is a premium item or a discounted asset. **Unlocking First-Party Data safely:** Understand how millions of daily customer transactions and page views are utilized to build highly tailored audience segments, resulting in significantly higher click-through rates (CTR) and campaign performance. **The Rise of Agentic Commerce:** Diaa shares his expert view on the dual trend of AI commerce, integrating off-site with popular AI platforms while enhancing internal, conversational shopping experiences. **Bridging Digital Tech with Real-World Experiences:** Discover how ZMS transcends traditional retail media by connecting online campaign tech with physical event spaces to build comprehensive, end-to-end consumer memories. **The ZMS "Steerco" Culture:** An inside look at Zalando's collaborative internal environment in Germany, which focuses on inclusion, team consensus, and empowering individual engineers to rapidly prototype natural-language data solutions. **Explore Zalando Partner Marketing Services:** https://partner.zalando.com/services/marketing

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.

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.

When schools stop doing things *to* students and start doing things *with* them, everything changes. Dale is joined by Claire Cannon a national inclusion consultant at Indigo Owl Coaching and Consultancy and Alice Phillips, a Year 11 student currently taking her GCSEs and a neurodiversity advocate with Tourette's. Together, they explore what student self-advocacy really means - and why so many schools are still getting it wrong. Alice speaks with remarkable insight and honesty about her own experiences: fighting for the right to wear a hoodie; being sanctioned for not going to lessons when she physically and mentally couldn't and spending years masking at school. Claire brings the professional lens - unpicking why schools default to rigid systems over individual understanding, and what genuine listening actually looks like in practice.   About Claire Cannon Claire Cannon is an experienced educational leader with 20+ years in education. With extensive experience across both mainstream and specialist settings, Claire has worked in a variety of roles including Assistant Head in secondary AP (SEMH) and SENCO across two education phases. Claire also supports others as an Educational Leadership Coach, INSET day provider (specialising in SEMH and behaviour), and SEND consultant – frequently contributing as a conference speaker. She is an NPQ facilitator and has served as Chair of Governors. Claire holds a degree in Psychology, bringing a research-informed, people-centred approach to her work supporting children, staff, and whole-school improvement. In her downtime, she enjoys taking time to reset – her spaniels happily take her for a walk twice each day. https://www.indigoowlcoachingandconsultancy.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088529101987 claire@indigoowlcoachingandconsultancy.co.uk   About Alice Phillips Alice is 16 years old and getting ready to take her GCSEs this year. She has 2 bunnies and 2 naughty working cocker spaniels. https://www.instagram.com/tourettes_dino26/   B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   The SENDcast is powered by B Squared We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

Your cybersecurity consultancy is technically excellent. So why aren't you the one getting the call when a new regulation lands? In this episode, I get into what the AI executive order signed June 2nd actually means for your pipeline, and why the consultancies getting called first aren't always the most qualified, they're the ones who were already talking about it. I spent 20 years in retail banking in Ireland, watched GDPR, Consumer Protection Code and other regulations land in real time, and I know exactly what happens inside a regulated business when new regulation drops. I'm sharing the 3-part positioning move you can make this week, plus the structural reason why content alone won't scale a founder-dependent consultancy, no matter how good that content is. For the full list of timestamps, key takeaways, and all resources mentioned, visit the full episode page here: https://www.deirdremartin.ie/blog/ai-executive-order-cybersecurity-consultancy-pipeline

We hear from a grown up who's into egging, Marto questions what Cam Smith is bringing to The Broncos and, for Wemember Wednesday, what happened when you snuck out as a kid?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

In deze aflevering blikt Jochen Vankerckhoven terug op een opmerkelijk parcours: van advocaat via de bedrijfswereld naar mede-oprichter van Alongsight, een niche consultancykantoor dat bedrijven begeleidt bij internationale handel. Zijn klanten zitten met complexe vraagstukken rond sancties, vergunningen, tarieven en geopolitieke spanningen — zeker in sectoren zoals defensie is die kennis essentieel. Alongsight groeide in amper twee jaar tijd naar zestien medewerkers, grotendeels op eigen middelen. Zijn sprong naar ondernemerschap was geen uitgewerkt plan. Na zijn vaderschapsverlof stapte hij rechtstreeks het kantoor van de CEO binnen om te zeggen dat hij niet meer terugkwam. Hij had geen klant en vroeg dus meteen of diezelfde CEO niet zijn eerste klant wilde zijn. Die directheid tekent de toon van dit gesprek: buikgevoel, lef en heldere keuzes. Maar Jochen deelt ook ruiterlijk welke lessen hij moeilijk leerde. Expertise alleen is geen businessmodel. Hyperspecialisatie kan je de slimste mens in een lege kamer maken, waarbij klanten zelfs niet meer begrijpen wat je voor hen kunt betekenen. Het kantelpunt kwam toen hij in contact werd gebracht met Kristof, een collega met dezelfde expertise maar een andere achtergrond. Van solo-expert werd hij deel van een partnership, en dat veranderde alles. Tegelijkertijd speelde timing een rol: drie weken na Jochens start als zelfstandige viel Rusland Oekraïne binnen, waardoor sancties plots wereldnieuws werden. Cynisch misschien, maar de realiteit van ondernemen: markten bewegen, en wie goed geplaatst zit, kan mee schakelen. Jochen vertelt ook over zijn verleden als bijna-profwielrenner, en hoe die individuele sport binnen een teamcontext hem leerde elkaar iets gunnen en weten wanneer een ander op kop moet rijden. Hij reflecteert over people management, de impact van AI op consultancy en advocatuur, en waarom hij zich liever niet laat vastpinnen op groeidoelen in cijfers. Zijn definitie van CEO van je leven is duidelijk: verantwoordelijkheid nemen voor je keuzes — professioneel én thuis — en dan het engagement tonen om er iets waardevols van te maken. Trends is een podcastkanaal van de redactie van https://www.trends.be--- --- Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 episode is a re-run. It was originally published in April 2023.Great builders still go broke when they ignore the contract.This episode explains how cash flow, risk, and payment terms decide whether you make profit or lose it, even when the work is done perfectly. It also covers why so many construction companies fail and how smarter contracts can change the outcome.If you want to protect your margin and stay in business long term, this one is worth your time.Listen in.Struggling with unfair contracts or slow payments in construction? With 6,000+ contracts reviewed and $20 billion in contracts managed, Quantum Contracts' proven framework is designed to help you negotiate fair contracts, secure faster payments, avoid disputes, and improve cash flow.Don't let contract issues hold you back—gain the confidence to focus on growing your business. Ready to take control and make more profit per project?Click here to GRAB the FREE Industry Standards Guide: quantumcs.co/ISYtClick here to IMPROVE your contracts using the Quantum Contract System: quantumcs.co/Yt2025Click here to GAIN expert advice weekly for FREE: quantumcs.co/YTNewsOptInTimestamps:(2:24) - What Quantum does is we are a smart contracts management contracts administration solution for construction companies(6:44) - I wanted to help the construction contractor subcontractors with the contract administration process because so many of them were losing money(10:02) - Anything where you're looking at a contract that has fifty to a hundred 200 pages(12:42) - You know what would you say you know makes a good contract and what makes a bad contract(15:06) - Moves that will make a huge difference to your cash flowDISCLAIMER: The content of this podcast does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice, and can not be relied upon as such. You should seek legal advice or other professional advice in relation to any matters you or your business may have.Follow our Socials and let's get connected! ⤵️⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter

Are you truly comfortable with how you show up — or are you still adjusting? Image consultant, stylist, and visual merchandiser Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy defines comfortability and what it really means to feel secure and at ease with your appearance — not just physically, but personally and professionally across every area of your life.

रोटी कपड़ा और मकान. The Ultimate Trio of Survival. एक दौर था जब किसी Individual की समृद्धि नापने के लिए ये मापक थे. लेकिन आज अल्टीमेट मापक है, नौकरी. वही नौकरी जिसके लिए लोग इतना पढ़ते लिखते हैं. इतनी Skills acquire करते हैं. और कई लोग तो इसके लिए दूर देश जाने के लिए तैयार हो जाते हैं. लेकिन हर बार सपना उतना सुनहरा हो जितना चमक रहा है, ज़रूरी नहीं. कई बार बाहर के किसी देश में काम करने गए लोगों के साथ धोखा होता है. Scams होते हैं. शोषण होता है. आज के पढ़ाकू नितिन में हम जिस किताब पर बात करने वाले हैं वो ऐसे ही Scams की कहानी है. वो भी वो Scams जो America में घटे. किताब की मानें तो सालों से घट रहे हैं. लगातार H1B Visa पर भारत से America पहुंचे लोगों के साथ. Padhaku Nitin में इस बार Tanul Thakur हैं. उस दुनिया को उन्होंने बहुत क़रीब से देखा है. खुद भी उसका शिकार होते होते बचे. और फिर सालों की मेहनत के बाद इस किताब में वो सारी कहानियां और इक्ट्ठी कीं. जिसे एक लाइन में Define करें तो कहेंगे. Indian Diaspora's Best Kept Secret.

Are you wearing color by preference — or are you using it with intention? Image consultant, stylist, and visual merchandiser Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy defines color theory in fashion and breaks down how understanding the way colors interact and complement each other can help you build a personal color palette that harmonizes with your skin tone and controls the message you send before you ever say a word.#ColorTheory #ColorTheoryInFashion #PersonalColorPalette #ColorAndStyle #DressWithIntention #ImageConsultant #PersonalStylist #MikaraReid #MIIEN #FashionIdentity #StyleTips #ColorAndConfidence #HowToWearColor #PersonalStyle #SkinToneAndColor

David Steele manages a world-wide consultancy usually involving how to manage relationships with customers.  

What is slow fashion — and what does it actually look like in your personal style? Image consultant, stylist, and visual merchandiser Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy defines slow fashion and breaks down what it means to be intentional with what you own and wear — prioritizing quality, classic design, and deliberate choices over fast consumption.#miien #SlowFashion #WhatIsSlowFashion #SlowFashionMovement #SustainableFashion #IntentionalStyle #QualityOverQuantity #ConsciousFashion #PersonalStyle #FashionIdentity #SlowFashionWardrobe #DressWithIntention #StyleTransformation #AntiFFastFashion #WardrobeEssentials #personalstylist #miienconsultancy

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Inside Data Centre Podcast, Andy Davis is joined by Jim Hart, Co-Founder and CEO of BCS, for his fifth appearance on the show. They dig into the findings of BCS's latest report, Data Center Truths 2026, exploring the growing gap between demand and the industry's capacity to deliver, from a projected 600,000 FTE workforce shortfall to power timelines stretching 8–12 years in parts of Europe. Key Topics: Why data centres must be treated as critical infrastructure, not just tech assets The 600,000 worker deficit threatening the global delivery pipeline How supply chain control is becoming a key competitive differentiator Tier-two markets and Africa emerging as the next growth frontiers The PR problem: why the industry needs to lead with benefits, not billions Rethinking delivery models through prefabrication, automation, and collaboration Tune in for a candid, data-driven conversation on what it will really take to keep pace with demand. Download the report here - Data Centre Truths 2026 | What It Takes to Deliver in 2026Support the showThe Inside Data Centre Podcast is recorded in partnership with DataX Connect, a specialist data centre recruitment company based in the UK. They operate on a global scale to place passionate individuals at the heart of leading data centre companies.To learn more about Andy Davis and the rest of the DataX team, click here: DataX Connect

Five reasons why less in your wardrobe means more in your personal style. Image consultant, stylist, Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy breaks down how a smaller, more intentional wardrobe sharpens your style identity, builds confidence, and creates the kind of clarity that carries over into how you show up every day.#WardrobeEdit #LessIsMore #IntentionalWardrobe #StyleIdentity #QualityOverQuantity #PersonalStyle #FashionIdentity #WardrobeManagement #DressWithIntention #SlowFashion #ConfidenceThroughStyle #MindfulWardrobe #StyleTransformation #PersonalStylist #ImageConsultant

The data is in – and it's not pretty.After surveying 303 agencies and consultancies through the Business Maturity Quiz, we've launched The Maturity Gap Report, revealing just how wide the gap really is between the firms where operations is a strength and everyone else.In this episode, Harv is joined by operations consultant Manish Kapur and FinOps expert Rich Brett to walk through the headline findings – and what they actually mean for the way your business is run. Here are a few of the headlines they discuss:Role clarity is rarer than you think – only 35% of firms have clearly defined roles, and the knock-on effects reach everything from project delivery to decision-making bottlenecksMost operational knowledge lives in people's heads – just 21% of firms have documented their best practices, leaving businesses one resignation away from losing it allAutomation remains an untapped opportunity – only one in eight firms have automated any meaningful part of how they work, in 2026Time tracking data is being wasted – 41% of firms track time accurately, but only 13% are using that data to make decisions or course-correct mid-projectForecasting with confidence is the exception, not the rule – only one in four firms can forecast margins, revenue, and capacity with any real certaintyScale readiness is a widespread concern – just 13% of firms believe their operating model is ready for what's aheadIf you want to know where your business sits against the 303 firms in the report – and what separates the top performers from the rest – this is the episode to start with.This was originally recorded as a live webinar – if you'd prefer to watch with the presentation slides, head to YouTube here: https://youtu.be/GfQ-raYcGQgReady to take action to level up?1) Take the business maturity quiz – https://bit.ly/assess-business-maturity2) Read The Maturity Gap Report – https://scoro.com/blog/maturity-gap3) Subscribe to The Handbook: The Ops Podcast for the upcoming maturity series – https://linktr.ee/handbookpodcastAdditional Resources:

How do you know if a clothing item is actually worth what you paid for it? Image consultant, stylist, and visual merchandiser Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy breaks down cost per wear — the simple formula that helps you calculate the true value of what's in your wardrobe and why it should change the way you shop and invest in your clothing.#miien #CostPerWear #WardrobeInvestment #SmartShopping #HowToShopSmart #WardrobeEssentials #IntentionalShopping #PersonalStylist #ImageConsultant #StyleTips #WardrobeAudit #HowToDressBetter #FashionTips #WardrobeManagement #ClothingValue #shopsmart #miienconsultancy #mikarareid

Craig Hepburn sits at the intersection of enterprise technology and cultural institutions. He spent years as UEFA's Chief Digital Transformation Officer, overseeing its digital ecosystem, OTT platform build, and Innovation Hub. He moved to Art Basel as CDO in 2023. He is now an independent AI strategist, Perplexity Fellow, and prolific writer on the structural implications of AI for organisations and industries. His Substack has become essential reading on the gap between AI hype and implementation reality.Hepburn's central thesis is that most people and organisations are “tourists in someone else's architecture.” He draws a sharp distinction between using AI (prompting chatbots, generating content) and building with AI (constructing proprietary systems, workflows and tools). He argues the latter is what will separate winners from losers — and that the window for making that shift is narrowing fast.Crucially, Hepburn's argument extends beyond sport. His recent writing on “The Builder and the Billion Dollar Lie” contends that entire industries — consulting, systems integration, transformation programmes — were built inside the gap between the person who understood a problem and the person who could build the solution. Agentic AI, he argues, is starting to close that gap. That has profound implications for the agency model in sport.Unofficial Partner is the leading podcast for the business of sport. A mix of entertaining and thought provoking conversations with a who's who of the global industry. To join our community of listeners, sign up to the weekly UP Newsletter and follow us on Twitter and TikTok at @UnofficialPartnerWe publish two podcasts each week, on Tuesday and Friday. These are deep conversations with smart people from inside and outside sport. Our entire back catalogue of 500 sports business conversations are available free of charge here. Each pod is available by searching for ‘Unofficial Partner' on Apple, Spotify and every podcast app. If you're interested in collaborating with Unofficial Partner to create one-off podcasts or series and live events, you can reach us via the website.

What does an image consultant actually do — and how is it different from working with a personal stylist? Image consultant, stylist, and visual merchandiser Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy breaks down the role of an image consultant, why the focus goes beyond clothing, and what it really means to build a first impression that works for you long-term.#miien #ImageConsultant #WhatIsAnImageConsultant #PersonalStylist #ImageConsulting #StyleTransformation #PersonalStyle #FashionIdentity #SoftSkills #PersonalBranding #StyleConfidence #FirstImpressions #StyleIdentity #ImageManagement #PersonalDevelopment #dresswithintention #miienconsultancy

What makes a brand truly stick?In this episode of The Unified Brand Podcast, Chris welcomes back brand strategist, author and founder of First The Trousers, Then The Shoes, Ulli Appelbaum, to unpack the science behind brand associations and why they play such a powerful role in growth.Udi explains how brands are built in memory, why emotion and relevance matter more than most marketers realise, and how strong association networks influence what customers choose in the moment of purchase.They explore:what brand associations actually arewhy memory, emotion and personal relevance drive brand choicehow positioning connects to associationsthe role of distinctive brand assets like packaging, sound and shapewhy consistency beats constant reinventionhow brands like Coke, Nutella, Red Bull, Snickers and Ferrero Rocher create lasting mental availabilitywhy some newer brands hook attention but struggle to sustain loyaltyThis is a practical conversation for founders, marketers and business leaders who want to build brands that are not just seen, but remembered.Connect with Ulli AppelbaumWebsite: https://first-the-trousers.com/ulli-appelbaum/Consultancy: https://first-the-trousers.com/LinkedIn (Ulli Appelbaum): https://www.linkedin.com/in/ulliappelbaumLinkedIn (First The Trousers Then The Shoes): https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-the-trousers-then-the-shoesExplore Ulli's BooksAmazon Author Page (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B09RMLG5BKAmazon Author Page (US): https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09RMLG5BK-----------------

Five events. Eight weeks. Zero excuses.If you're in ops, finance, or senior leadership at an agency or consulting firm – Harv runs through five upcoming events worth getting in your calendar right now.From the Maturity Gap Webinar (where the findings from the business maturity quiz finally get revealed) to the FinOps Conference, two intimate Handbook Breakfast Sessions in London, and – for the first time ever – a Breakfast Session in Manchester.Register as follows:1️⃣ The Maturity Gap Webinar, 15 Apr – https://bit.ly/the-maturity-gap 2️⃣ The Handbook: Breakfast Session 'Multi-Entity Madness', LDN, 23 Apr – https://bit.ly/breakfast-apr263️⃣ The FinOps Conference (50+ headcount businesses), LDN, 21 May – https://bit.ly/finops-conf4️⃣ The Handbook: Breakfast Session 'When Finance Met Ops', LDN, 28 May – Drop Harv a DM on LinkedIn to save you a seat! 5️⃣ The Handbook: Breakfast Session 'When Finance Met Ops', MCR, 3 Jun – Drop Harv a DM on LinkedIn to save you a seat! Hope to see you there! 

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 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Today we're diving into one of the most exciting shifts happening in the toy and game industry right now – the rapid rise of micro brands. We'll explore how small, agile toy companies are successfully competing with, and in many cases outsmarting, the biggest Toy brands and companies. We'll look at what's changed in the market, why agility is beating scale in 2026, and share practical strategies that micro brands can use to carve out profitable niches and build loyal communities. Whether you're running a small brand, working inside a larger company, or simply interested in where the industry is heading, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Let's get into it.   Also check out www.KidsBrandInsight.com for details of how our Toy & Game business Consultancy services can help your business.

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  

Are you shopping with intention — or shopping to feel better? Image consultant, stylist, and visual merchandiser Mikara Reid of MIIEN Consultancy defines compulsive shopping, what drives it, and why the temporary relief it provides keeps so many people stuck in a cycle of debt, guilt, and overconsumption.#miien #CompulsiveShopping #ShoppingAddiction #WhatIsCompulsiveShopping #IntentionalShopping #MindfulShopping #ShopWithIntention #OverspendingHabits #ConsciousShopping #SlowFashion #WardrobeManagement #PersonalStylist #ImageConsultant #FashionIdentity #StopOverspending #shoppinghabits #mikarareid #miienconsultancy

Growing a professional services business often starts the same way: scrappy teams, generalists wearing multiple hats, and a lot of momentum driven by energy rather than structure.In this episode of The Handbook, Harv sits down with Alex Bodini, CEO of Spin Brands, to unpack how Spin evolved from a grassroots social media shop into a multi-entity group of 100+ people. Rather than waiting for a crisis to force change, Alex and his co-founder made a conscious decision to professionalize the business so they could attract bigger clients, better talent, and more ambitious opportunities. They walk through the operational shifts that helped Spin move from “proper scrappy” to a more mature organization – and the cultural tensions that inevitably come with that transition.Here's what we dive into:Why bringing in a proper finance director changed far more than reporting – from pricing and scoping to forecasting and recoveryThe role HR played in moving from informal “touchy-feely” people management to structured career paths, policies, and developmentHow hiring experienced specialists elevated the quality of work – even if not every senior hire worked outWhy investing in senior-level marketing helped Spin build credibility and compete for bigger clientsWhat a chairman can bring to a founder-led business – accountability, perspective, and bigger strategic thinkingThe trade-offs between the fun, chaotic “old Spin” culture and the more structured, scalable “new Spin”Alex is refreshingly honest about the reality of transformation. Some hires didn't work out. Cultural change created tension. And the journey took far longer than expected.But the result is a business with stronger foundations – one that's now scaling through acquisitions and positioning itself for the next stage of growth.If you're navigating that transition from scrappy startup to grown-up, mature organization, there's a lot in Alex's story that will feel very familiar.Additional Resources:

Mastering the Human Side of Leadership: Lessons in Agility with Bobby HumesIn a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sat down with Bobby Humes, Lead Consultant & CEO of BH Consultancy, to discuss the shifting paradigms of modern management. Bobby, widely known as "Coach Bobby," brings a unique perspective to the table, blending his high-level executive experience with lessons learned from coaching youth basketball. Their conversation explores the vital transition from technical expertise to people-centric leadership, the necessity of documenting institutional knowledge in a post-"Great Resignation" world, and how thoughtful leaders can leverage AI to enhance—rather than replace—human potential. This episode serves as a strategic roadmap for founders and executives who want to build resilient cultures that thrive on innovation and intentionality.Bridging the Gap: From Technical Expert to Thoughtful LeaderThe transition from a high-performing individual contributor to an effective people leader is one of the most difficult hurdles in the professional journey. Bobby Humes explains that while technical skills may earn a seat at the table, emotional intelligence and strategic delegation are what sustain a leader's impact. Many founders fall into the "dragon" trap—possessing so much passion and expertise that they inadvertently micromanage their team, robbing them of the opportunity to grow. Thoughtful leadership requires a shift in mindset where the goal is no longer to be the best player on the court, but to be the coach who harnesses the diverse energy of the team and directs it toward a cohesive, long-term vision.Building organizational resilience in 2026 requires more than just reactive hiring; it demands proactive succession planning and the meticulous documentation of critical knowledge. Bobby observes that many organizations were left vulnerable during recent market shifts because they lacked "desk manuals" or structured onboarding processes. When a key team member exits, the loss of institutional knowledge can be catastrophic if it hasn't been documented. By treating onboarding as a strategic priority and creating living documents of core processes, leaders ensure that their teams remain agile and capable of maintaining momentum even during periods of transition or sudden talent loss.Innovation within a company is often a byproduct of what Bobby calls a "culture of play." In this environment, experimentation is encouraged, and "failing forward" is seen as an essential step toward discovery. This spirit of play is where true innovation happens—during whiteboard sessions and open-ended brainstorming where team members feel safe to voice unconventional ideas. Integrating technology, specifically AI, into this culture can serve as a massive force multiplier for human wellness and efficiency. By setting clear guidelines—such as using AI to draft complex communications or automate repetitive administrative tasks—leaders can free up their people to focus on the high-value, creative work that truly moves the needle for the business.About Bobby HumesBobby Humes is the Lead Consultant & CEO of BH Consultancy and a highly sought-after executive coach. Known for his "Coach Bobby" persona, he specializes in helping technical experts transition into world-class people leaders. With a focus on emotional intelligence and strategic agility, Bobby works with organizations to develop leadership pipelines, improve talent retention, and foster innovative work cultures.About BH ConsultancyBH Consultancy is a premier leadership and management consultancy based in Seattle. The firm provides a holistic approach to organizational health, offering services that range from strategic planning and whiteboard innovation sessions to executive coaching and wellness integration. BH Consultancy is dedicated to helping businesses navigate the complexities of the modern workforce through thoughtful, intentional leadership.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeBH Consultancy Official WebsiteBobby Humes on LinkedInKey Episode HighlightsThe "Dragon" Metaphor: Why leaders must resist the urge to take over and instead empower their team to bring their own creativity to the table.Emotional Intelligence in Scaling: The critical need for founders to develop soft skills as they transition from "doing" to "leading."Institutional Knowledge Audits: The importance of desk manuals and process documentation to survive sudden talent transitions.AI as a Wellness Tool: Leveraging technology to reduce administrative friction and prevent burnout among high-performing teams.The Culture of Play: How fostering a safe environment for experimentation directly leads to business innovation.ConclusionThe conversation with Bobby Humes highlights that the most successful organizations of the future will be those that prioritize human connection and intentionality. By evolving from a technical expert into a thoughtful leader, you can build a team that is not only productive but truly resilient in the face of change.More from The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

The work we produce gets all the attention.But the real question is: what's happening behind the scenes that makes that work possible?In this episode of The Handbook, Harv sits down with creative operations expert Nicky Russell, co-founder of WDC, We Deliver Change, and chair of the Creative Operations Summit in London. Together they explore the discipline of creative ops – the systems, culture, and leadership required to help creative teams do their best work. What starts as a conversation about creative teams quickly expands into something bigger: how operations leaders create the environment where great work can actually happen.Here's what we dive into:What creative operations actually is – and why it's becoming a strategic role inside agencies, brands, and consultanciesWhy ops is fundamentally about culture – not just processes, workflows, and systemsWhy happiness and psychological safety matter more than most leaders realise when it comes to producing great workHow creative ops and business ops are converging as technology and AI reshape how work gets doneHow learning to speak the language of different stakeholders is often the key to unlocking real influence.Whether you work in a creative environment or not, the themes in this conversation will resonate with any ops leader trying to build a healthier, more effective organisation.Additional Resources:

Peter Swimm started at a library computer desk. He ended up as a product owner at Microsoft and founder of his own AI security consultancy.In this episode, Peter shares the real path — not the polished LinkedIn version. He talks about why working at startups changed how he thinks about learning, what it actually takes to balance security with user experience, and why conversational AI is opening a security attack surface most teams aren't prepared for.If you're trying to break into cybersecurity from a non-traditional background, or you're already in tech and wondering what's next — this conversation is for you.

In this episode of the Everything Electric podcast, Imogen Bhogal sits down with Tom Hurst, UK Country Director for Fastned, to pull back the curtain on the UK's rapid charging revolution. Tom explains why Fastned is moving beyond simple "parking bays with plugs" to build high-visibility, amenity-first charging hubs that keep you sheltered from the rain and your battery topped up at speeds of up to 400kW. They also dive into the "mammoth" joint venture with Places for London (TfL's property arm) and why legal contracts, not just grid power, are often the biggest hurdle to a seamless charging experience.   00:00 Welcome to Everything Electric 01:40 Who is Fastned? Petrol Stations for the Electric Age 03:50 Hunting "White Whales": Top Priorities for 2026 05:40 Infrastructure Reality: Is Charging Actually Improving? 07:25 Consistency is Key: Beyond Basic Reliability 09:00 The Magic Number: How Many Chargers per Site? 11:55 Newcastle Airport: The Future of Drive-Through Hubs 14:15 The Northeast Advantage: Why Fastned Started in Sunderland 18:40 The Developer's Headache: Landlords, Power, and Law 21:45 Zombie Projects: Clearing the Grid Connection Backlog 23:33 The Places for London Partnership (Joint Venture) 26:33 The Cost of Charging: Breaking Down Energy & Grid Fees 32:53 Tom Hurst: Transitioning from Consultancy to Infrastructure 36:43 The Industry Wishlist: Simplifying Legal Landscapes 41:13 Conclusion: Designing for the Next 30 Years   Why not come and join us at our next Everything Electric expo: www.everythingelectric.show    Check out our sister channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/EverythingElectricShow   Support our StopBurningStuff campaign: https://www.patreon.com/STOPBurningStuff Become an Everything Electric Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fullychargedshow Become a YouTube member: use JOIN button above Buy the Fully Charged Guide to Electric Vehicles & Clean Energy : https://buff.ly/2GybGt0 Subscribe for episode alerts and the Everything Electric newsletter: https://fullycharged.show/zap-sign-up/ Visit: https://FullyCharged.Show Find us on X: https://x.com/Everyth1ngElec Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialeverythingelectric To partner, exhibit or sponsor at our award-winning expos email: commercial@fullycharged.show   EE NORTH (Harrogate) - 8th & 9th May 2026  EE WEST (Cheltenham) - 12th & 13th June 2026  EE GREATER LONDON (Twickenham) - 11th & 12th Sept 2026 EE SYDNEY - Sydney Olympic Park - 18th - 20th Sept 2026

With 4500 customers across every industry creating digital assets inside their platform, Bynder has a bird's eye view of the rapid transformation of the process to make imagery and drive it to market. And how AI is transforming that cycle. Our guest Cliff Crosbie is VP, AI Consultancy at Bynder, and he brings both stories and data that illuminate the strategies and best practices that are working to drive massively greater efficiency and better results on the digital shelf and the agentic shelf.