Podcasts about consultancy

Your numbers might look healthy.Revenue's up. Projects are flowing. The pipeline feels… fine.But underneath? Margins are eroding. Cash is tighter than you'd like. And no one's totally confident in the data they're using to make decisions.In this episode of The Handbook, Harv Nagra sat down with finance and business ops advisor Robert Patin to unpack what's really going on beneath the surface of many professional service businesses right now – and why operational maturity is the difference between surviving and thriving.Here's what we dive into:

Singapore’s prime residential market is tipped to return to growth after a weak 2025, but is this the start of a sustained recovery or just a modest bounce? We speak with Alan Cheong, Executive Director of Research & Consultancy, Savills Singapore about who’s buying, how cooling measures like ABSD are shaping demand, and the key risks high-end buyers should watch in 2026. Produced and presented by Audrey SiekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

In this episode, host Ashutosh Garg speaks with Upasna Dash, CEO & Founder of Jajabor Brand Consultancy, about rewiring public relations for real business impact.Starting her career at just 18 without formal training, Upasna went on to build a growth-hacking consultancy that connects storytelling directly to funding, hiring, and market expansion.In this conversation, you'll discover:✔ Why traditional PR is broken ✔ How storytelling builds credibility and trust ✔ The power of data-driven communication ✔ Why founders must start building their narrative from day zero ✔ The future of integrated and hyperlocal communication ✔ The evolving landscape of women entrepreneurship in India

Singapore’s industrial sector may not make splashy headlines, but it powers everything from semiconductors to AI infrastructure. Despite global trade tensions and rising supply, the market has held firm in 2025 — so how durable is that resilience? We speak with Dr Chua Yang Liang, Head of Research & Consultancy for Southeast Asia at JLL about where the real opportunities and risks lie, and what to watch as Budget 2026 approaches. Produced and presented by Audrey SiekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is moving fast in professional services firms. And while most conversations focus on efficiency gains and new tools, the harder questions are around risk – ownership, liability, and what happens when AI use goes wrong.In this episode of The Handbook, Harv Nagra is joined by Sharon Toerek, a leading expert on IP and legal risk in the creative and consulting space, to unpack what AI really changes for operations leaders – and what needs to be in place to protect your businessHere's what they dive into:

This episode is a conversation with Juan Moreno, an electrical designer at IMEG and a past recipient of the firm's engineering scholarship program. Juan received one of the thirty $10,000 scholarships awarded when the program was launched in 2023. Born in Miami, Juan spent his childhood and teen years in Colombia. In 2021 he enrolled at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, where one of his older sisters, a UNF graduate, was living at the time. Engineering, he explains, was always a likely path as the profession runs in his family. “My dad is a civil engineer and one of my sisters is also a civil engineer. So I always knew I was going to go the engineering route,” he says. His interest in electrical engineering took root after taking an electrician course while still in Colombia. “It really got me into the electrical side of engineering,” Juan says, adding that electrical courses at UNF sealed the deal. “Every lab in college, it was super fun, because it was hands-on.” Juan learned about the IMEG Scholarship Program in 2022 from a friend who was working as an intern at IMEG's Jacksonville office. Juan soon applied, saying the process was “pretty straightforward and simple”—though he had little expectation he would be chosen as one of the recipients. The following summer, while back home with his family in Colombia, Juan and his parents learned he had won one of the scholarships. “It was quite the surprise,” he says. “We were all pretty happy.” While there are no strings or promises of employment attached to the IMEG scholarship, after Juan graduated in May of 2025 with a degree in electrical engineering he decided to apply to the firm. He was hired and now works out of IMEG's office in Broomall, PA, southwest of Philadelphia. A few months later he attended the firm's Consultancy 101 program—a week-long gathering of newly hired graduates from across the country to introduce them to the firm, its services and markets, technology and innovation initiatives, and to get to know each other and have some fun. After that it was back to the Broomall office, where he has been learning from veteran engineers while working with them on various projects, including a large hotel and casino project in New York. “Every day I get to learn a lot,” Juan says. “I try to connect it with stuff from college, but of course, college is really theoretical and just academic.” “Every day I'm learning something new,” he adds. “I think that's great.” To date, the IMEG Scholarship Program has awarded 93 scholarships worth $10,000 each to underserved college students studying engineering. Scholarship applications for the 2026-27 academic year are being accepted through March 13. To learn more and apply, visit the IMEG website Careers section.

The recruitment sector is splitting in two and when this happens, the middle often disappears. Time to choose your side before the market chooses for you! On one side we see a deeply transactional approach: scrape for vacancies, scrape for candidates, repeat and hope something sticks. It's all about speed, volume, automation, tech and of course, AIs. But on the other side, you have something very different: - ✅ Deep understanding of a niche ✅ Genuine advisory capability ✅ Trusting relationships built over years ✅ Emotional intelligence when stakes are high ✅ Consultancy, not commodity supply ✅ An absolute obsession with quality and high service levels. Sure, this faction uses AI to amplify their abilities but it's not at the core of what they are. They use specific AI agents to make them more efficient at those things listed above. In this episode of the #MARShow we'll be welcoming Ed Blogg as our guest. As the CEO of RecruitHub he's seeing the market shift first hand. I firmly believe that that second lane is where recruiters need to be to thrive in the New World. And that is exactly what we'll be discussing. A clear direction PLUS plenty of practical steps you can take to make sure you prosper in 2026 and beyond. This is happening, better to be on the front foot than late to the party.

In this episode, Stewart, Julie, and Chris dive into the pervasive problem of "AI-powered" marketing in 2026. Sparked by observations from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the team discusses how lazy product marketing has reduced AI to a meaningless badge, plastered on everything from battery chargers to computers without explaining actual customer value.Drawing parallels to the "smart" and "connected" buzzwords of 2015-2016, the hosts explore why technology companies struggle to articulate benefits instead of features. They argue that AI actually offers more tangible value than previous tech trends, making it even more frustrating when companies default to shorthand rather than explaining how their products save money, make money, or solve real problems.The conversation takes a personal turn when Stewart shares his reaction to receiving an AI-generated Christmas card, sparking a broader discussion about authenticity, consumer scepticism, and knowing when AI use matters versus when it doesn't. The team emphasises the importance of showing the "messiness" of real progress, admitting mistakes, and being honest about the journey—something AI's perfectionism often obscures.The episode concludes with reflections on the coming AI backlash and predictions about what next year's CES might bring (spoiler: it's robots).About Good, Brand ConsultantsGood Brand Consultants helps B2B organisations turn brand strategy into commercial reality. Based in Scotland and working globally, we partner with clients to tackle everything from foundational brand positioning to practical implementation frameworks. If you're wrestling with brand challenges or want to explore how strategic brand work can deliver real business results, we'd love to hear from you. To learn more about us, visit goodbrandconsultants.com.

I'm Granger Forson and you'll find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn. In this inspiring episode of ScaleUp Radio, I'm joined by Hugh Taylor, CEO of Roadnight Taylor. His story is a masterclass in transformation, determination, and the power of experimentation.   Hugh shares the remarkable journey behind Roadnight Taylor's shift from a struggling generalist consultancy to a globally respected Independent Specialist Grid Consultancy, now recognised in the top 0.1 percent worldwide for client value perception and enjoying 100 percent team retention over six years.   What stands out is the extraordinary turnaround that began with a change in mindset. Hugh talks openly about the early years of intense struggle, working hand-to-mouth and facing burnout before discovering key ideas in books such as Good to Great by Jim Collins and Bounce by Matthew Syed. Those insights triggered bold decisions, including letting go of 80 percent of clients, doubling fees through an auction model, and going deeply niche to become world-leading experts.   Today, Hugh leads a thriving, joyful, four-day-week, self-managing team, working with major global names such as Amazon and Octopus Energy, helping eliminate barriers to the grid connections needed to decarbonise society and support the growth of renewable energy infrastructure.   If you're scaling a business, this conversation is packed with wisdom around focus, courage, culture, generating cash, and the joy that comes from building a business that works beautifully for everyone involved.   To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.   So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of focus, joy and transformation with Hugh Taylor.   Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.   If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin   Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl   You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk   Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/   Hugh can be found here: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/posts/hugh-taylor_roadnightocracy-activity-7255263155122049024-_lUc/   Resources: Good to Great by Jim Collins - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/good-to-great-collins-jim/5255326?ean=9780712676090&next=t Seth Godin podcasts - https://seths.blog/podcasts/ Rory Sutherland podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4DKv6WcFK61l32wXf1S0zv Humanocracy by Gary Hamel - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/humanocracy-revised-and-updated-creating-organizations-as-amazing-as-the-people-inside-them-gary-hamel/7557026?ean=9781647826376&next=t Bounce by Matthew Syed - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/bounce-the-myth-of-talent-and-the-power-of-practice-matthew-syed/3584775?ean=9780007350544&next=t Turning The Flywheel by Jim Collins - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/turning-the-flywheel-a-monograph-to-accompany-good-to-great-jim-collins/c94b83eccba67932?ean=9781847942555&next=t Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned by Joel Lehman - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/why-greatness-cannot-be-planned-the-myth-of-the-objective-joel-lehman/323aa2a67c9e23e3?ean=9783319155234&next=t

Most service businesses don't stall because of a lack of talent or ambition. They stall because the business quietly outgrows the systems it was built on.In this episode of The Handbook, Harv Nagra sits down with Jason Swenk – agency founder turned advisor who's spent two decades helping agencies and consultancies scale with more confidence and less chaos. After building and selling his own eight-figure agency, Jason codified the patterns he kept seeing into an eight-system framework for predictable growth.We unpack why so many leadership teams feel stuck, what actually breaks as businesses scale, and how operators can help reset the foundations before things start to crack.Here's what we get into:Why clarity, positioning, and offering are the foundations everything else depends onHow to move from reactive growth to a more deliberate, scalable operating modelThe difference between prospecting and sales – and why skipping steps causes pain laterHow delivery, ops, and leadership systems protect margins and give leaders time backWhat it really means to transition from founder mode to CEO modeWhether you're an Ops Director, COO, or part of a leadership team trying to break through a growth ceiling, this conversation is a strong reminder that maturity isn't about working harder – it's about building the right systems at the right time.Additional Resources:

In this episode of WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast we speak John Higginson, CEO of Eco Age.Welcome back to WTiN's Textile Innovation Podcast. In our first episode of 2026 we are joined by John Higginson, CEO and founder of Higginson Strategy and CEO of Eco Age. In today's episode we focus on Higginson's work with UK-based Eco Age – a consultancy and media platform focused on transforming the fashion and beauty industries towards greater sustainability. Throughout the episode we speak about the work that Eco Age does, who it works with and how it is informing consumers nation and worldwide. Higginson touches upon his background in politics and how legislation is powered by the consumer, plus how it will change the industry moving forward. He speaks about the power of collaboration and education for brands, manufacturers and consumers. Additionally, we speak about the power of events such as The Green Carpet Fashion Awards (GCFA), which unites creative visionaries and industry leaders to celebrate excellence in innovation and transformative impact on a global scale. There are many companies that Eco Age works with such as Textile Genesis, Sparxell and Healixa, which we also mention throughout the podcast.If you would like to learn more, please visit eco-age.com.

Rebecca Murphy has 20 years of experience in textile design, fabric R&D, and product development across the U.S. and Turkey. She founded RPM Consultancy to help product-focused founders scale through operational, financial, and supply-chain strategy, and is currently launching a wellness venture with a former coworker.In this episode, Julie Coin interviews Rebecca “Bec” for a candid conversation on what it really takes to build and scale product-driven brands. They dig into international production, vendor relationships, hard-won lessons for founders, and what Bec is exploring next in the wellness space.

Quick update moving from Futurepath to Ed Consultancy by Anna Bateman

The Geospatial FM podcast topic profile: 1. Data engineering for geospatial2. GEOSPATIAL FOR WORLD MODELS (foundation models are so last week)3. GEOSPATIAL IN PREDICTION MARKETS (spatial finance is so 2022)4. In this context, stocks, globally5. Human rights outcomes of these stocksItem 5 is always number 1. So we are finishing the year with that focus. Let's look at this BBC article about a murder of a tribal landowner to make way for the world's largest dictator vanity project, The Line in Saudi Arabia: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-52375343. Abdul Rahim Al-Huwaiti spoke in this video before he was murdered: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8Mp_CKbjdE. One thing he predicted was being framed by the government surrounding his dead body with weapons. They did report finding his body in such a state: https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadFile?gId=35599. Another BBC article profiles Col Rabih Alenezi https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68945445. He said he was a security force leader who was asked by the government to, if necessary, kill villages who resisted eviction. He refused and escaped to the UK. Whoever replaced him obviously was not so upstanding, and Abdul Rahim al-Hwaiti was killed. So we have a suitably arresting human rights issue to examine for the podcast. I then used The UN's Communication Report and Search tool (https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/Tmsearch/TMDocuments) to find out about the western companies involved, an issue flagged by the BBC. I found a UN Letter of Urgent Appeal to AECOM: https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadPublicCommunicationFile?gId=28030. The communication search tool shows the CEO, Mr Rudd, does not appear to have responded to the letter. It is significant that AECOM was a recipient, because they're the best international design firm according to Engineering News Record (https://www.enr.com/toplists/2025-top-500-design-firms-preview). Last year it was Jacbos, also a delivery partner on The Line, but they have not received a letter of urgent appeal.In the letter, reference is made to an earlier one about the killing of Abdul Rahim Al-Huwaiti (https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadPublicCommunicationFile?gId=25483). The UN accompanied that letter a week later with a summary for the public: https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/05/1136322. In tying up loose ends, I observed that another recipient of such a letter was Solar Water. They announced in 2019 what they were doing for NEOM: https://www.solarwaterplc.com/company-news/green-technology-in-the-neom-project-and-others-how-will-it-change-the-rules-of-the-game-in-the-gulf/. Five years later, however, after receiving the letter (https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadPublicCommunicationFile?gId=28049), they gave up $100 million by cancelling the project: https://www.businessinsider.com/malcolm-aw-canceled-100m-neom-contract-human-rights-abuse-saudi-2024-5. AECOM has done no such thing. They could not even bear to respond to the letter. Despite being a signatory to the UN Global Compact (https://unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/participants/17780-AECOM-Technology-Corporation).AECOM is in the Consultancy vertical of the World Model 500. The podcast remains faithful to its 5 topics. Topic 5, human rights, is always number 1. Please accept, dear Mr. Rudd, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Parallax, a Leeds-based technology consultancy, reported securing 25 new clients and expanding into international markets, with one third of its revenue now coming from global clients. The company forecasts a 7.5 million pound revenue for 2026, representing a 35 percent increase over previous years. Parallax attributes its growth to international expansion, investments in talent and technology, and partnerships with organizations including Norwegian universities.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Nik Suresh returns to the show to discuss his first year running a bootstrapped services company. And no, he probably will not throat punch or pile drive you.Nik explains why he moved away from hourly billing to fixed pricing, why writing code is often the least profitable part of a project, and how to spot "status games" in the tech industry. We also dive into the current state of AI, why bad leadership is the real problem behind failed tech initiatives, and trade stories about MMA and boxing.We debunk the myth that starting a business has to be miserable, explore the performative nature of "hustle culture" in Silicon Valley, and break down why engineers often struggle with consulting sales.

A short one to close out the year!

Has the rolling out of tasers as part of a pilot programme with Gardaí been a rushed decision, and could it lead to an escalation in the use of force particularly in these busy Christmas weeks, with body cams also being piloted?Lucy Michael is Principal Investigator at Lucy Michael Research Training and Consultancy and a former member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. She has done extensive research into this area, and joins Seán to discuss.

Looking backwards to go forwards: what rowing taught me about big tech and what big tech taught me about rowing with Matt Brittin. Timestamps 01:00 From schoolboy to the Olympics - from a family of ball sport heros. Matt was inspired by Martin Cross to row to a high level - he was his school teacher. Later he was President of his university club where he led the introduction of professional coaching. 04:00 Rowing teaches skills Matt was running Google in Africa, Middle East and Europe for the past 10 years - he tells a lot of anecdotes about rowing. Steve Gunn (a harsh coach) taught how to take responsibility for what you are doing. Are you a piece of sh*t on the end of the oar? When the mindset is right but the self-appraisal was not. The things Matt learned at rowing were the human things - more useful than Business School, Consultancies and University. I wouldn't be where I am in the business world without the rowing lessons. 08:30 Act like an owner The unique side of rowing is that when I'm seat racing, I'm against you. When we are in the crew, I'm with you. Act like an owner at Google - take responsibility for what you're doing and win as a team. We collaborate hard - and sometimes a collaborative competitiveness gives a better outcome. 11:00 High Pressure Situations The start line of a Henley Royal Regatta final is where Matt felt the most intense pressure. Take confidence from the feeling of nerves and the adrenaline surge - this is a sign you are ready for a big performance. Get the attention off yourself - focus on the process is helpful. Know there is someone there who wants you to succeed. 14:45 Henley Royal Regatta Progress Matt is a Henley steward - he marks the progress over recent years. Sir Steve Redgrave asked Matt to help the committee to plan a 10 year strategy. It looks unchanging yet it's always evolving. Three new womens quad scull events were announced - near parity in Open events and Womens events. Since 2015 every race has been on YouTube live and on demand. You Win or You Learn. 20:00 Returning to Rowing It has been a joy and a recalibration too. The gains as you come back are lovely - rediscovering the joy. A lot is about remembering the feelings. How to balance training and travelling for work. How you manage your time at work is important. Matt blocks his diary to take kids to school twice a week - the most important time of the week. He does the same for rowing training. The discipline when traveling of visiting the hotel gym. The more senior you get the more important it is to show up refreshed and feeling great - in good shape. Leaders need to be in the moment and to have time for staff. Matt is planning to mentor people in business, improve his sculling, rowing strength training this year. Masters rowing is "running up the down escalator". It doesn't have to be the same each year - unlike younger rowing years. Choose something fun to plan for your future rowing.

In this episode we're asking the question "Will AI eat consultancy jobs?". There are so many people using their skills to help businesses deploy the latest tech. So what's the future look like for them. Steve Chan is the founder of a new company Stealth Labs. He's worked in Digital Intelligence at BAE and been an AI solutions engineer at Microsoft. Show Links Ben Pearce LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpthoughts/ Tech World Human Skills Home - https://www.techworldhumanskills.com Steve Chance Webpage - https://stevechan.ai Keywords consultancy, inefficiency, business perspective, profit margins, upskilling, training, organizational roles Takeaways Consultancy often operates inefficiently from a business standpoint. Consultants are frequently sold out to organizations for fees. There is overwhelming pressure to maintain profit margins in consultancy. Consultants may spend more time in one organization than intended. The need for training and upskilling is critical in consultancy. Profit margins can hinder the ability to respond to new requirements. Consultants face challenges in balancing multiple organizational roles. The structure of consultancy can lead to inefficiencies in service delivery. Effective training programs are essential for consultant development. Understanding the dynamics of consultancy can improve business outcomes.

Ops Quickies – snackable episodes on tech, tools, and systems.

In this interview, Sarah sits down with Steven, a longtime UX leader who spent 17 years at the same digital agency before an unexpected layoff forced him to re-evaluate everything. With no portfolio, no updated resume, and low confidence, Steven joined Career Strategy Lab, and everything changed.Today, Steven is thriving as a fractional product design director, long-term contractor, and consultant helping companies elevate their UX teams and integrate AI into their workflows. In this conversation, he shares how Career Stratgegy Lab's UX job search accelerator helped him rebuild his confidence, tell a clear story about 20+ years of experience, streamline his job search, and even reinvent himself as a business owner.Whether you're mid-career, coming out of a layoff, or curious about consulting, Steven's story is a grounding reminder that clarity, strategy, and community can completely change your UX career trajectory.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Steven went from 25% confidence to 80% confidence in his job search✔️ The myth he had to unlearn: your portfolio is not the first step✔️ Why clarity + foundational work = faster, less stressful job search✔️ How CSL's community accelerated his progress and kept him motivated✔️ The mindset shift that helped him stop applying blindly to jobs✔️ How he now uses CSL's frameworks to land consulting and contract roles✔️ Why your “career operating system” needs ongoing updates✔️ How knowing your values helps you choose the right opportunitiesTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Sarah Doody and Career Strategy Lab00:38 Episode Overview and Open House Context01:26 Sarah Doody's Background and UX Career Coaching02:31 Steven's Journey and Career Strategy Lab Experience04:13 Building Confidence and Telling Your Story06:25 The Power of Community and Networking09:55 Mindset Shifts and Career Value Criteria13:03 Freelance and Consulting Success Tips16:01 Final Thoughts and Advice18:53 Conclusion and Next Steps

Whether you run an HR software company or an HR consultancy, one thing is always true: big annual revenue targets only work when you turn them into simple weekly actions that actually bring in demos, sales calls, consulting calls, and new clients. In Episode 299 of the A Better HR Business podcast, Ben outlines a clearer, calmer way to think about sales planning for the year ahead. The ideas apply equally to software founders and consulting firms. (Full show notes and resources list here: https://getmorehrclients.com/blog/a-clear-sales-plan-for-hr-tech-and-hr-consultancies/). Here is a taste of what is covered... Start with one number There is one surprisingly simple number that reveals exactly how many demos or consulting calls you need each week. Most HR businesses never calculate it. Once you do, planning becomes far easier. Work backwards from the goal Instead of trying to be everywhere, there is a cleaner way to map your activity. Ben explains how to reverse-engineer your pipeline so your marketing and sales efforts work together rather than in bursts. Get really good at two or three growth activities More channels do not always mean more clients. Ben shares why most HR tech firms and HR consultancies see better results when they master a couple of activities deeply while using the others to support the core engine. Add small moments of wow to your client experience A few thoughtful improvements in onboarding or delivery can increase conversions, retention, and referrals. Ben recommends a book that will reshape how you think about client experience. Lead nurturing is the silent deal-maker You may have heard the old idea of seven touchpoints. Ben explains why that is outdated and why B2B HR often requires many more interactions before someone is ready to talk. He also covers why so many deals are lost long before the sales call or demo. How HR Growth Engine fits into the picture If you struggle to follow up consistently, keep leads warm, or manage all your touchpoints across different platforms, Ben gives a short overview of how HR Growth Engine helps HR firms stay in front of their audience with less manual effort. Stories from inside the HR industry Some firms grew with low-cost ads. Others filled webinars with ideal prospects. Others grew simply by improving their follow-up. Ben shares the common thread behind all these wins. Listen now If you want a straightforward, practical approach to planning your HR business growth for the year, this episode will help you simplify the process. Listen to Episode 299 of A Better HR Business. If you want help building a simple, consistent growth system for your HR business or want to explore HR Growth Engine, visit Get More HR Clients or go straight to www.getmorehrclients.com/hr-growth-engine. About The A Better HR Business Podcast The A Better HR Business shares strategies, tactics, success stories, and more about marketing for HR consultancies and marketing for HR tech companies, and how to get more clients. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don't miss future episodes. For show notes and to see details of our previous guests, check out the podcast page here: www.GetMoreHRClients.com/Podcast HR BUSINESS GROWTH RESOURCES Get the new book - Grow A Successful HR Business Your Way Get More HR Clients Business Growth Kit - Get More HR Clients Kit Launch your own business podcast: B2B Podcast Agency Get the powerful marketing platform -HR Growth Engine™. VISIT GET MORE HR CLIENTS Want more clients for your HR-related consultancy or HR Tech business? Visit the Get More HR Clients website for articles, newsletters, podcasts, videos, resources, and more at www.getmorehrclients.com.

Nah ... AI isn't going to kill consulting. But it'll certainly change the sector ... especially by influencing perceptions and expectations. So, how can firms prepare? Ash and Flo's workshop answers the question of how consultancies can counter clients 'dwindling "willingness to pay" while positioning to capture whatever value can be found in the new, much-heralded AI solutions for themselves. Credits Voices, production, etc. by Ash and Flo Creative and design advice by @calmar.creativ Into, outro voiceover for the unbillable hours podcast by @iamthedakota Music also by @iamthedakota

When your business feels busy but the numbers don't back it up, something's off.Agencies and consultancies often confuse effort with progress – and today's guest has the data to prove it.In this episode of The Handbook, Harv Nagra sits down with fractional CFO and Trimline founder Michael Wark to unpack why so many service businesses hit revenue ceilings, run on thin margins, and stay stuck in that exhausting cycle of over-servicing.If you've ever wondered why more clients and more staff don't automatically create more profit, this one's for you.Here's what we get into:The hidden math behind low profitability – and why over-servicing is usually the real culpritWhy headcount growth can become an ego metric (and why hiring your way out of inefficiency rarely works)How to diagnose your true unit economics and reset your pricing based on reality, not optimismThe operational signals your business is running harder in place rather than growingWhat healthy, scalable service businesses measure – and the benchmarks Michael looks for in top-performing firmsWhether you're firefighting day to day or thinking seriously about scaling, Michael brings a clear, practical lens to understanding your numbers and building a healthier business.Listen to the full episode to hear the data, the patterns, and the playbook that can help you break the cycle.

Lululemon built an empire by obsessing over community, culture, and the women they served. Then something changed. The stores lost their personality. The customer workshops disappeared. The soul got diluted.Sound familiar? It should. Because what happened to Lululemon happens to almost every brand that prioritises growth over identity. The investors start calling the shots. The quarterly targets become more important than the customer. And slowly, the thing that made you special becomes the thing you sacrifice first.In this episode, the team at Good unpacks what went wrong at Lululemon—and more importantly, what it teaches us about keeping brand at the centre when everyone's screaming for more revenue, more stores, more growth. Because here's the truth: most leadership teams don't want to hear: your brand foundations should dictate your growth strategy, not the other way around.About Good, Brand ConsultantsGood Brand Consultants helps B2B organisations turn brand strategy into commercial reality. Based in Scotland and working globally, we partner with clients to tackle everything from foundational brand positioning to practical implementation frameworks. If you're wrestling with brand challenges or want to explore how strategic brand work can deliver real business results, we'd love to hear from you. To learn more about us, visit goodbrandconsultants.com.

In this forward-looking episode of UC Today, David Dungay sits down with Rahul Sawardekar, Global Product Head (UC) at Tata Communications, to explore how the return-to-office trend is reshaping the world of meeting rooms, collaboration devices, and endpoints. With legacy systems under scrutiny and hybrid work here to stay, Rahul unpacks how enterprises can future-proof their digital workspaces—while avoiding vendor lock-in and tech chaos. If your organization is rethinking its collaboration strategy, this is essential viewing.Gone are the days of passive, outdated meeting spaces. Today, they're strategic centers of collaboration—and businesses need more than a single-vendor setup to thrive. In this episode, Rahul Sawadekar outlines how Tata Communications is helping global enterprises reimagine hybrid collaboration.

Ops Quickies – snackable episodes on tech, tools, and systems.

Explore the latest accessible tech offers from Sight and Sound Technology and Aspire Consultancy, including exclusive Sight Village deals, lightweight Savosky canes, Orbit Braille displays, and Feedlot backpacks designed for blind users.This episode is supported by Pneuma Solutions. Creators of accessible tools like Remote Incident Manager and Scribe. Get $20 off with code dt20 at https://pneumasolutions.com/ and enter to win a free subscription at doubletaponair.com/subscribe!We're excited to share an exclusive treat for Double Tap listeners! As we prepare bring you full coverage of Sight Village taking place in London, England on 18–19 November, our friends at Sight and Sound Technology are giving you a special Double Tap discount across a huge range of products.Whether you're shopping Black Friday deals or browsing anything else on the site, use the code DoubleTap at checkouton the Sight and Sound Technology website and you'll receive free delivery on your order — no exceptions, no minimums. Shop now: https://www.sightandsound.co.ukThis episode of Double Tap is packed with insider updates on accessible technology ahead of Sight Village London. Steven Scott and Shaun Preece welcome Stuart Lawler from Sight and Sound Technology to reveal limited-time Black Friday and Site Village deals on products like the Minivision and SmartVision phones, BrailleSense devices, Envision glasses, Ruby magnifiers, OrCam Read, and the Braille Doodle—with a special free delivery code for Double Tap listeners. Graham Longly from Aspire Consultancy then shares his expertise on lightweight Savosky canes, Feeldom backpacks with built-in cane holders and Braille-friendly zips, the versatile Navi-Pal phone pouch for Be My Eyes and Aira calls, and the full Orbit product range including the Orbit Writer, Reader, Speak, and the new Q40. We also discuss the durability of Braille displays, maintenance tips, and the growing interest in affordable Braille technology.Relevant LinksSight and Sound Technology: https://www.sightandsound.co.ukAspire Consultancy: https://aspire-consultancy.co.uk Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most teams treat annual planning like a spreadsheet exercise.Finance builds the numbers. Everyone else nods along. Then the plan gets filed away until next year.But real planning isn't about producing a static budget – it's about creating a rhythm that connects finance, operations, and delivery all year round.In this episode of The Handbook: The Ops Podcast, Harv sits down with Adam Cooper, founder of ACC Finance Solutions and host of The Fractional CFO Show, to unpack how finance can become your business's operating rhythm – one that brings clarity, accountability, and foresight to every decision.Here's what we cover:How to use finance as your sat nav, not your rear-view mirrorBuilding a monthly rhythm that links financials, KPIs, and team accountabilityCreating a planning cycle that goes beyond budgets – with scenarios, reforecasts, and 3 - 5 year goalsManaging cash flow and runway with discipline (and less stress)Why financial storytelling matters – and how it helps the whole business make smarter choicesIf your annual planning still feels like a finance ritual, this episode will help you reframe it as an operating plan for the year ahead – one that helps your team navigate, adapt, and grow with confidence.Additional Resources:

Samantha SmitsFounder & Sustainable Tourism ConsultantSmits SusTour Consultancyhttps://adventuretravelmarketing.com/guest/samantha-smits/Hoi! I'm Samantha Smits, a Sustainable Tourism Consultant based in the Netherlands and Tanzania. My goal? To empower you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to create real change.Originally from the Netherlands, I studied International Tourism Management at Breda University of Applied Sciences and earned a master's degree in Tourism, Society, and Environment from Wageningen University & Research.I'm deeply involved in supporting community-based tourism initiatives, championing local businesses, and preserving cultural heritage. Oh, and I absolutely love dogs!summaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Samantha Smits, founder of Smits Sustour Consultancy, about her journey into sustainable tourism consulting. Samantha shares her early influences, including her experiences in Cub Scouts and her passion for travel and cultural exchange. She discusses her internship in Tanzania, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and the importance of myth-busting in sustainability consulting. Samantha emphasizes the need for practical, accessible solutions for tour operators and accommodation providers to embrace sustainability without feeling overwhelmed. The conversation highlights the significance of storytelling in promoting sustainable practices and the importance of reducing carbon emissions over merely purchasing carbon credits.takeawaysSamantha's consultancy focuses on making sustainability accessible for tourism providers.Her journey into sustainability began with her experiences in Cub Scouts.Education and cultural curiosity played a significant role in her career path.Traveling to Tanzania for her internship was a transformative experience.Living in Tanzania presented both challenges and opportunities for personal growth.Sustainability consulting involves a lot of myth-busting and education.It's essential to empower local businesses to adopt sustainable practices.Reducing carbon emissions is more impactful than just buying carbon credits.Samantha aims to create a relaxed and approachable atmosphere in her consulting work.Storytelling is crucial for differentiating sustainable tourism operators. Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

I don't like to play favorites, but according to the data, one of our most-watched student stories of all time was with Adele and her now-husband Jake (you can watch that original episode right here). The two of them were super kind enough to share what it was like shifting from a completely unrelated job into copywriting—and supporting a loved one during that transition. My favorite part about that episode was that Jake thought the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy was a scam, but once he saw Adele in action bought her a new laptop. Well, that conversation was nearly four years ago (I know, I don't understand time). So, while we've seen Adele since then, it was long overdue for a podcast catch up. You can hear our most conversation on this week's episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast. If you're wondering where copywriting can take you or how you evolve your career as your goals change, Adele's got so much great advice to share. Plus, she's telling us where she's taking her business next, and we couldn't be more excited for her!!! (Yes, she's taking a three-exclamation-marks-worthy next step.) --------------------- Mentioned in the Episode Changing Careers to Become a Copywriter – Adele's Story Related Links What Software Do You Need to Run Your Copywriting Business?Ep. 241: ChatGPT: Friend or Foe? – with Amber Smith --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Blandvertising [https://marketingexperiments.com/copywriting/writing-meaningful-copy].It's a word I coined 13 years ago to describe a wishy-washy marketing claim.The type of words that fill a copy block. They look right. And it's probably sprinkled with words like “scalable,' ‘ecosystem,' ‘user-centric,' ‘best-in-class,' ‘leading,' and on and on. But after you read them or hear them you realize – they don't really say anything at all. So I loved this lesson I read in a podcast guest application, “A brand that says something is more important than saying everything perfectly.”To hear the lesson behind that story, along with many more lesson-filled stories, I talked to Millie Hogue, CMO, Hakkoda [https://hakkoda.io/].Hakkoda is part of IBM. IBM reported total annual revenue of $62.8 billion in 2024. At Hakkoda, Hogue manages an internal team of nine along with an array of 20 vendors and freelancers.Lessons from the things she madeA marketing and sales team divided cannot standA brand that says something is more important than saying everything perfectlyExpertise matters more than everBuild for your audienceThe success of your team is YOUR successJoin us at our next virtual eventAI Executive Lab: Transform billable hours into scalable AI-powered products [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-executive-lab-transform-billable-hours-into-ai-powered-products-tickets-1872389821359] – Tuesday, November 11th at 2 pm EDT. Discussed in this episodeMarketing Experimentation Strategy: Define and differentiate between experimentation and execution in marketing activities (podcast episode #93) [https://marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/marketing-experimentation]Authentic Brand Transformation: To build a brand that lasts, consider rebranding a team sport (podcast episode #137) [https://marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/authentic-brand]Analytics: Driving business value matters more than perfect models (podcast episode #133) [https://marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/analytics]Get more episodesSubscribe to the MarketingSherpa email newsletter [https://www.marketingsherpa.com/newsletters] to get more insights from your fellow marketers. Sign up for free if you'd like to get more episodes like this one.For more insights, check out...This podcast is not about marketing – it is about the marketer. It draws its inspiration from the Flint McGlaughlin quote, “The key to transformative marketing is a transformed marketer” from the Become a Marketer-Philosopher: Create and optimize high-converting webpages [https://meclabs.com/course/] free digital marketing course.Apply to be a guestIf you would like to apply to be a guest on How I Made It In Marketing, here is the podcast guest application – https://www.marketingsherpa.com/page/podcast-guest-application

Author : Andrew Dana Hudson Narrator : Valerie Valdes Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 1017: The Love Pyramid: A Rocky Cornelius Consultancy is an Escape Pod original. F-Bombs and frank discussions of sex. The Love Pyramid: A Rocky Cornelius Consultancy By Andrew Dana Hudson “What do you mean you […] Source

Ops Quickies – snackable episodes on tech, tools, and systems.

AI has stopped being a side project – it's rewriting the rules of how professional services businesses operate – and – stay competitive.Luke Alexander, Chief Digital & AI Officer at Four, has led an ambitious AI transformation in his business. From rolling out Microsoft Copilot across 300+ staff to launching client-facing AI services, Luke's approach to embedding AI is bold, practical, and refreshingly human.In this episode, Luke and Harv unpack what it really takes to move from AI experiments to AI integration – and the leadership, structure, and mindset that make it work.Here's what we dive into:• How Four operationalized AI across teams (and why fluency beats training)• The three categories of AI value – assistive, automated, and transformative• Why senior leadership buy-in is the single biggest success factor• How to overcome the “AI shame” still holding some teams back• The impact of AI on agency structures, staffing, and the future of junior rolesIf you're still just experimenting with AI – but haven't figured out how to truly embed it into the way you operate, this episode shows what that next stage looks like in practice — and what it demands from leadership.Additional Resources:

Dr. Harold Lee III on life in corporate, founding a consultancy, and giving technical presentationsDr. Harold Lee III is the founder of the Preferred Thinking Group, a consultancy that provides services such as soft skill development, career readiness training, and project management. I'm curious to learn more about his work in corporate, his motivation to start the Preferred Thinking Group, and the ways in which becoming an effective communicator has benefited him. To learn more about Dr. Lee, visit https://thepreferredthinkinggroup.com/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

Lisa M. Vasquez is a Licensed Menopause Champion, certified health coach, podcast host, author, and founder of The Modern Menopause Consultancy. After 40+ years in breast health and radiology, she now guides women through hormonal transitions, chronic pain, and identity shifts—blending science, storytelling, and emotional literacy. Her podcast and coaching programs spotlight invisible struggles like […]

Cracker Barrel has ended its relationship with the consultancy that oversaw its brand refresh initiatives. Bruegger's Bagels locations in Cincinnati are being rebranded. And Taco Bell is launching its biggest Taco Tuesday promotion.

In 2025, Savills Impacts thought leadership programme is themed around Adapt, because, now more than ever, it is time for the real estate sector to adapt if it is to thrive. In this second episode of a two-part series, we look at how geopolitical trends in investment, technology and the climate crisis are shifting priorities.Katy Dean, Savills Head of Research and Consultancy for Australia; Simon Smith, Regional Head of Research for Asia Pacific; and Paul Tostevin, Head of Savills World Research, join Guy Ruddle to discuss where and what assets global capital is currently being deployed into. They also explore the risks and opportunities AI and climate challenges present, and how strategies to address these differ globally.For more insights and content unpacking the future of global real estate explore impacts content here.

Boston native Chris Mader shares his journey starting with his Dad coaching him as a youngster to a 4-year career in professional baseball; then transitioning into sales, staffing, and executive coaching. Chris discusses lessons learned from sports, leadership, and personal growth, emphasizing adaptability and self-awareness. He reflects on pivotal career moments, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of focusing on emotional intelligence, relationships, and people over technology. The episode is filled with practical advice for leaders, stories from the baseball diamond, and insights on building a fulfilling, purpose-driven career.   Click here to follow him on LinkedIn  Click here to learn more about MTA Consultancy

In 2025, Savills Impacts thought leadership programme is themed around Adapt, because, now more than ever, it is time for the real estate sector to adapt if it is to thrive. In episode one of our two-part series, we look at how recent changes in the flows of wealth and talent are impacting individuals and real estate occupiers in different regions.  Rachael Kennerley, Director of Research and Advisory for the Middle East; Arvind Nandan, Managing Director of Research and Consultancy for India and Kelcie Sellers, Associate Director of Savills World Research join Guy Ruddle to explore how likely these trends are to become permanent, the new hotspots for living and working, and how occupiers are adapting their strategies to talent shortages and advances in technology. For more insights and content unpacking the future of global real estate, explore Impacts content here. Part 2, examining some of the largest macroeconomic and geopolitical trends around investment, technology and climate change, will be published shortly.

In this episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by consultant psychotherapist, writer, and founder of Stilled Therapy & Consultancy, Monique Thomas. Together, they explore what it means to lead with grace and why this is such a powerful approach for introverted women in leadership.Monique shares her personal journey from teaching and performing to psychotherapy, weaving in lessons about authenticity, stillness, and the importance of connection. She unpacks how leaders can move beyond performance and pressure, create psychologically safe environments, and thrive without pretending to be someone they're not.Key takeaways from this conversation:Grace in leadership means moving away from performance-driven cultures and embracing authenticity.Stillness isn't about inactivity—it's about finding safety, acceptance, and deep connection even in motion.Authenticity is powerful—real change begins when we accept ourselves as we are.Connection is essential—introverts need belonging and safe spaces just as much as anyone else.Challenging performance culture can prevent burnout and help leaders lead with compassion and sustainability.This is an inspiring listen for introverted women leaders who want to thrive by leading with authenticity, compassion, and courage—without losing themselves to performance pressures.Connect with Monique:hello@stlldtherapy.comLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-thomas-ma-5541b429/Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influencehttps://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/

Send us a textAnish Patel takes us on a fascinating journey from his beginnings as a "physics geek" to building and selling a successful consultancy in this candid conversation about growth, leadership, and knowing when to exit.With refreshing honesty, Anish reveals how his scientific background created the perfect foundation for consulting work. "The scientific method was something that really I was interested in," he explains, describing how identifying issues, gathering data, developing hypotheses, and convincing others translates perfectly from physics to business consulting.The conversation delves into the struggles of transitioning from a well-known consultancy to founding Patel Miller. Anish shares a powerful realization that many founders experience: "I thought I was one of the best salesmen of consultancy in the retail industry out there... What I realized when I started my own firm was that I was brilliant at converting opportunities, but I wasn't very good at originating them." This distinction between originating and converting work becomes a crucial insight for anyone building a consultancy.Perhaps most valuable is Anish's framework for success - the "three A's" that differentiated his boutique firm from larger competitors: Availability (being responsive when clients need you), Amiability (maintaining genuine relationships beyond projects), and Ability (delivering excellence beyond methodological competence). This approach helped his firm punch well above its weight in a competitive market.The discussion also covers the eventual sale to Metis, with Anish offering candid reflections on the post-acquisition phase. His advice to avoid becoming overly focused on earn-out terms at the expense of activities that actually drive business success provides valuable perspective for consultancy owners considering an exit.Whether you're contemplating starting your own consultancy, struggling with growth challenges, or considering an exit strategy, Anish's journey offers practical insights and honest reflections on what truly matters in building a successful consulting business.Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com

Send us a textBuilding a consulting firm from scratch requires more than expertise—it demands vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to culture. Edward Beals, founder of Loft9, demonstrates how these principles can transform a startup consultancy into an acquisition target in less than a decade.Starting with just two founders and modest investment, Loft9 achieved remarkable first-year results: 17 employees and $2.2 million in revenue. Beals attributes this success to their cultural foundation, what he calls the "trifecta of awesomeness"—hiring people who are smart, driven, and humble. This cultural emphasis wasn't just internal; it became their market differentiator when competing against established players."Clients are looking for a partner, someone who's going to roll up their sleeves and get in the trenches with them," Beals explains. "Not just someone to come in, tell them what to do, and walk away with a fancy deck left behind." This philosophy, combined with their co-delivery quality assurance model, helped them win business despite never being the lowest-priced option.When SIA Partners acquired Loft9 in 2019, the deal came together with surprising speed—just three months from letter of intent to closing. The acquisition offered strategic advantages for both companies: SIA gained a West Coast presence, while Loft9 accessed complementary capabilities in design thinking and data science without having to build them from scratch.For aspiring consultancy founders, Beals offers practical wisdom: invest in marketing earlier than you think necessary (particularly SEO), surround yourself with critical perspectives that challenge your ideas, and find deep personal motivation—for him, it was providing for his children—that will sustain you through the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship.Want to transform your consultancy's value? Visit equitysherpa.com to discover how we help owners quadruple their equity value over a two to four year period.Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com

Ronan Berder built Wiredcraft to 140 people, then sold to Publicis for a reported 67 million euros. This Exit Story traces the moment he walked away from Techstars and a product dream to double down on services—and why that decision paid off. 

Send us a textRobert Garner's journey from KPMG partner to successful consultancy entrepreneur offers a masterclass in professional services growth and value creation. Drawing on his experience founding Avail Consulting (which he successfully sold) and later serving as Group CEO of Tribal Group, Garner shares the strategic frameworks that transformed his businesses from startups to multimillion-pound enterprises.At the heart of Robert Garner's approach is a disciplined focus on what he calls the "four-by-four matrix" – aligning four specific service offerings with four target markets to create sixteen strategic focal points. This clarity of purpose allowed his team to methodically track progress and avoid the common trap of unfocused expansion. "Too many smaller organisations spend too much time working IN and not enough time working ON," Robert Garner explains, revealing how he and his co-founder limited themselves to 40% utilization to preserve crucial time for business development.For consultancy owners preparing for eventual sale, Robert Garner offers invaluable insights into what buyers truly value. He emphasizes the importance of developing annuity revenue streams where possible, building robust operational systems well before they're critically needed, and cultivating leadership teams that extend beyond the founder. His operational due diligence work with Garwood Solutions has given him unique visibility into the common pitfalls that diminish consultancy valuations.Perhaps most reassuringly, Robert Garner challenges the widespread fear that growth inevitably dilutes company culture. His experience demonstrates that with intentional leadership, strong values can be maintained through significant scaling. The real threat to culture isn't size but rather leadership that fails to create appropriate frameworks – or as Garner puts it, "It's okay to take risks; it's not okay to take uncontrolled risks."Whether you're growing a boutique consultancy or preparing for eventual acquisition, Garner's systematic approach to professional services growth provides a blueprint for building firms that deliver exceptional client value while commanding premium valuations in the market. His insights reveal why some consultancies plateau while others achieve remarkable exits.Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com

Send us a textWhat makes a consultancy truly valuable to potential buyers? It's far more than just impressive EBIT DA figures and client lists.David Blois, a certified accountant with 25 years of M&A experience in the professional services sector, reveals the three critical boxes every successful acquisition must tick: chemistry between the parties, cultural alignment in working practices, and an outstanding combined business proposition. His insights challenge the conventional wisdom that focuses solely on financials."Buyers are fairly simple creatures," Bloys explains, highlighting their preference for straightforward acquisitions that align with strategic objectives without requiring complex restructuring. This reinforces why niche-focused consultancies typically attract more interest and higher valuations than generalist firms.For consultancy owners planning an exit, timing is everything. Engaging with M&A specialists 2-3 years before your intended sale allows you to systematically address value-limiting factors. Common weaknesses include absence of second-tier management, inadequate margins, poor systems, and over-reliance on referral business. By understanding what creates premium factors versus discount factors in your valuation, you can strategically enhance your firm's worth.Perhaps most valuable is Bloys' practical advice on earnouts - keep them to 2-3 years maximum and ensure targets are realistically achievable. The success of these arrangements hinges on that initial chemistry and cultural fit established at the deal's outset.Whether you're running a £5 million or £50 million consultancy, these principles apply. The gap in valuation multiples between smaller and larger firms isn't as dramatic as many believe, particularly when smaller firms find buyers who recognize strong synergistic benefits.Want to maximize your consultancy's value? Focus on building a distinctive, specialized business with robust fundamentals rather than prematurely orienting your strategy around potential buyers. When sale time arrives, work with specialists who can connect you with multiple potential acquirers - finding not just the highest price, but the right match for long-term success.Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com