Podcasts about Professional services

The following article of the Professional Services industry is: “Cartels and Compliance: Why Supply Chain Needs Fast Attention” by Ivan Szymanski, Partner, Vázquez Tercero & Zepeda.

Touch the same piece of information more than twice – fix the workflow. That's the kind of CFO-meets-COO thinking we get into in this episode of The Handbook, where Harv sits down with Lindsey Head to connect the dots between finance, ops, tech, and people – and what really changes when you standardise how the business runs. Lindsey helped scale a PR agency from 5 to 125 people and $750k to $25m in revenue, leading finance, ops, HR, tech, legal and M&A along the way – so she's seen where the cracks form, and how to close them.Here's what we dive into:• The case for “non-billable” hires early – why dedicated new-business and ops roles pay for themselves, and a simple admin-as-%-of-revenue rule of thumb (aim for ~7–8%).• Systems thinking > shiny tools – map the ideal information flow first, then pick tech to automate it. If you're touching the same data repeatedly, the process is broken.• Change management that actually works – phase rollouts, involve users early, test, train, and measure adoption before you “go live.”• Multi-entity without the migraines – standardise what you can across entities, respect local nuance (currency, tax, PTO), and use partners/EORs when expanding fast.• Run the business by the numbers – utilisation, gross margin by client, and labour % tell the truth; AI can accelerate FP&A and reporting, but you still sanity-check the outputs.If you're feeling buried under tools, processes, and hiring questions, Lindsey's final nudge is simple: pause, map “how it's going” vs “how it should go,” and focus this quarter on the single change that unlocks the most leverage.Additional Resources: 

In this episode, Craig Jeffery talks with Garry Capers of Deluxe about what really drives successful treasury implementations. They explore the roles of people, process, planning, and change management, going well beyond the technology itself. How can teams ensure smoother go-lives, user adoption, and long-term impact? Listen in for practical insights and leadership-level strategy.  

Welcome to the flagship episode of the Jeep Talk Show! Join hosts April and the crew as they dive into the latest Jeep news, upcoming Jeep events, and share some hilarious banter about life as Jeep enthusiasts. From CEO updates to DIY repairs vs. professional services, we're covering it all!

The following article of the Professional Services industry is: “The Intuition Paradox: Why Data Complements Trained Instinct” by Víctor Moctezuma, CEO, iLab.

In this Self-Publishing Advice Conference highlight, Martin Cavannagh of Reedsy moderates a panel with editor Rebecca Heyman, designer Danna Mathias Steele, and marketeer Ricardo Fayet. The session examines the role of professional services in the success of self-published books, focusing on how expert editing, design, and marketing can increase sales and long-term profitability. The discussion also outlines how Reedsy's marketplace connects authors with established industry professionals and includes case studies of authors who improved their publishing results through professional partnerships. This is a post from SelfPubCon (The Self-Publishing Advice Conference), an online author event run free twice yearly in association with the Alliance of Independent Authors. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. And, if you haven't already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. You can do that at http://allianceindependentauthors.org.

The following article of the Professional Services industry is: “10 Actions to Transcend, Using Your Corporate Influence” by Adrián Carrillo Hurtado, Growth Business Development Manager (LATAM), Forliance.

In this episode of The PSM Show, co-host Damion Morris welcomes Allison Tivnon, strategic advisor, author, and City Councilor for Beaverton, Oregon. Allison has spent nearly two decades guiding AEC firms through the complexities of marketing, planning, and leadership. Damion and Allison explore why so many strategic plans lose momentum after the retreat and how to create alignment that lasts. They discuss the importance of involving marketing in the process, the role of a skilled facilitator, and how to make sure vision translates into action. Guest Bio: Allison Tivnon has dedicated her career to city and regional planning, partnering with municipalities, DOTs, and regional governments on behalf of urban planners, transportation engineers, economists, and policy analysts. She presents for SMPS, ACEC, and AGC, and is the author of Marketing at Low Tide: How to Recession-Proof Your Marketing Department. She also serves as a City Councilor for the City of Beaverton, Oregon. Learn more about Allison at AEC Pursuit Strategies or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Welcome back to Season Two of the PIE-Cast, where we will be diving into The Growth Engine, A Guide to Building a World-Class Business Development Function in Professional Services. In this episode, TJ Dennis sits down with Andi Baldwin, the CEO of Profitable Ideas Exchange and one of the four authors of The Growth Engine. Andi talks through building a growth culture in professional services and why it should be democratized, gives even MORE sports analogies (we cant help ourselves) and how it pertains to a sales-to-delivery handoff, and the necessity that is a CRM system for your business.If you have feedback about the show or would like to learn more about working with PIE, please contact us at: connect@profitableideas.com. You can also learn more about our previous books, How Clients Buy and Never Say Sell, by visiting our website.Profitable Ideas Exchange - connecting powerful minds, making the world smarter and smaller.

The following article of the Professional Services industry is: “Conscious Leadership Cultivates Thriving Teams” by Jorge Cristerna, Operations Director, Multiled.

On this week's episode, MT's editorial team discusses the impact of AI on professional services and the role of psychological safety in business transformation.Is AI coming for your job? If you're a consultant that question might have been hard to shake in recent months, after a slew of headlines warned of the impact on the profession and data showed that the Big 4 scaled back their entry-level hiring programmes last year – by as much as 33% in KPMG's case (compared with 2023). It's clear that AI is squeezing employment in professional services firms, London Business School professor Michael Jacobides wrote in a recent piece for MT. He suggests, however, that “the death of the firm is greatly exaggerated”. We consider his argument.Humans, famously, are uncomfortable with change - but transformation, by definition, requires us to disrupt what's familiar. That tension is at the heart of many large-scale organisational change projects, and could be one reason why the success rate for such initiatives remains dismally low. In a recent piece for MT, Lesley Cooper outlines the role of company culture in driving innovation, engagement, and in helping employees to get comfortable with the unfamiliar. We discuss how leaders can create a psychologically safe environment.Credits: Presenters: Éilis Cronin and Antonia Garrett PeelProducer: Inga MarsdenArtwork: Jenny Hardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS CB2025-148 — A Resolution Approving a Contract for Professional Services with RDG Planning & Design. CB2025-149 — An Ordinance Amending the Zoning Map of the City of Champaign to Rezone Real Property Located at 2907 and 3101 South Mattis Avenue from the SF1, Single-Family to the MF2, Multifamily Low Density District. CB2025-150 — A Resolution Accepting a Bid and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for Carpet and Vinyl Replacement Services. CB2025-151 — A Resolution Accepting a Bid and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for the Taylor Street Alley Project.

When businesses talk about “productizing,” they often picture cookie-cutter scopes and rigid templates. But according to Brian Kessman, that's missing the point.Brian is the founder of Lodestar Consulting, and he's spent 25 years helping agencies and consultancies scale without burning out teams or eroding margins. His approach isn't about productizing services – it's about productizing value.In this episode of The Handbook: The Operations Podcast, Brian and Harv dig into what that really means, and how it can transform both your client relationships and your bottom line.Here's what we cover:The difference between productizing services (deliverables) vs. productizing value (outcomes)Why improving operations alone won't fix a business model that's not designed to scaleHow to spot patterns in your expertise and codify them into structured solutionsWhy productization doesn't kill creativity – it actually creates more space for itSmarter ways to think about pricing, from fixed fees to value-based modelsBrian also shares case studies from consultancies and agencies that have reframed their offers around outcomes – unlocking higher margins, more predictable delivery, and stronger authority with clients.If you've ever felt stuck between reinventing the wheel on every project or being forced into commoditized work, this episode is for you.Additional Resources: 

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Learn how FastWill went from a simple digital will service to a full-fledged SaaS platform revolutionizing estate planning for financial advisors and clients alike.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene speaks with Zach Tsakiris, founder of FastWill.com. He shares how he expanded his digital estate planning platform into a successful SaaS business that now serves thousands of clients. Starting in the financial services sector, Zach saw the need for an affordable and efficient estate planning solution for mid-tier clients and professionals. He discusses building a SaaS platform for financial advisors, insurance brokers, and clients, offering an easy way to create wills and trusts. Zach outlines the key decisions, partnerships, and strategies that have fueled FastWill's growth and success in a competitive market.   Key Takeaways: → The initial inspiration behind turning FastWill into a SaaS platform. → Key challenges business founders face when scaling and how to overcome them. → The value of a seamless user experience in attracting both clients and professionals. → Why FastWill's SaaS model is a game-changer for estate planning professionals. → The importance of constantly evolving your product to meet user needs and market demands.   Born in Dallas and based in Manhattan, Zach Tsakiris became a top financial advisor in estate planning. He founded FastWill to simplify the process for clients and advisors. As the world goes digital, he envisions estate planning's future online and aims to make FastWill the industry leader.   Connect With Zach: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Enterprises are rethinking go-to-market from the ground up. And the foundation is clean, unified, orchestrated data. In this episode, Brian Aggerbeck shares how leading companies are using Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) to build centralised architectures that fuel GTM at scale, without adding more tools or noise. From composable systems to AI-readiness, this is a masterclass in what's next for RevOps, data leaders, and modern growth teams.

Welcome back to Season Two of the PIE-Cast, where we will be diving into The Growth Engine, A Guide to Building a World-Class Business Development Function in Professional Services. In this episode, TJ Dennis sits down with returning guest Erika Flowers, the Chief Client Officer and Partner at Profitable Ideas Exchange. Erika is one of the four authors of The Growth Engine and she talks through what an Ideal Client Profile (ICP) looks like and why it matters, gives us a few sports analogies that help paint a picture of working as a team in business, and why professional services need to find their niche. If you have feedback about the show or would like to learn more about working with PIE, please contact us at: connect@profitableideas.com. You can also learn more about our previous books, How Clients Buy and Never Say Sell, by visiting our website. Profitable Ideas Exchange - connecting powerful minds, making the world smarter and smaller.

Here's a question that'll drive you absolutely crazy: How do you sell professional services without giving away everything for free? That's the burning question from Laura and Adam, attorneys who are struggling with the classic professional services dilemma. Their intake team and attorneys want to showcase their expertise by giving away everything for free during sales conversations. Meanwhile, they're also trying to figure out what kind of salesperson they need to hire to sell high-value legal services effectively. If you're nodding your head right now, you're not alone. This is the most common trap I see professional service providers fall into, and it's bleeding them dry while their competitors who keep their mouths shut are crushing them in conversion rates. The Professor Problem: Why Being Smart Is Making You Broke Laura nailed it when she described their current approach as "professorial." They show their talents and knowledge, thinking, "How can they not want to hire us because we're so brilliant?" But here's the brutal, kick-you-in-the-gut truth: The more you teach on sales calls, the lower your closing ratio becomes. Period. No exceptions. The less information you give, the higher your closing ratio goes. This isn't just theory—it's what I've learned from years of training consultants and professional service providers. When practitioners get on sales calls, it's incredibly hard not to show all our cards or teach people during the conversation. But you're not running a free consultation. You're running a sales process. Why Information Is Your Leverage—Not Your Gift Here's what Laura and Adam's team needs to understand: Information is your leverage. Are you going to give your leverage away for free? The key is teaching your intake team how to ask questions and bring the person through a process. You're connecting with prospects, learning about them, getting them talking about their fears, helping them articulate what they want, and then building a quick value bridge to why they should sign with your firm. Then—and only then—do you ask for the commitment. When prospects start fishing for free legal advice, you shut it down fast with this exact response: "That's a really, really good question. And that's exactly why we need to get you booked with an attorney so that you can sit down with a professional who can walk you through that strategy. Let's go ahead and get you signed up." The High-Stakes Hire: What to Look for in Professional Services Salespeople When you're selling high-value services instead of products, you need a special type of salesperson. Here are the three make-or-break qualities that will determine whether your hire is a rockstar or a disaster: They Need to Be Street Smart - Not book-smart—street-smart. They need to think on their feet because you've got different types of people coming to you with different cases. If someone is used to just following a script, they're not the right person for you. High Emotional Intelligence with Outcome Drive - This is the tricky balance. They need high emotional intelligence to quickly connect with people and build relationships. But they also need enough outcome drive to ask for the commitment and not let people off the hook. You're essentially running a one-call close. A person comes in, you take them through the journey, and then you ask them to make a commitment. If they don't commit on that call, your chances of signing them as a client go down exponentially over time. The Goldilocks Zone - If you hire someone too far on the outcome-driven side, they'll be pushy schmucks who pressure people, strongarm prospects, and destroy your reputation. You'll end up with buyers' remorse and angry clients. If you hire someone too relationship-driven with too much empathy, they'll have great conversations and make wonderful friends—but they won't convert anybody into customers.

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

Industrial Talk is onsite at Hexagon LIVE and talking to Dilraj Kahai and Eric Shufelt with 21Tech about "Data is gold and key to success". Scott Mackenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Dilraj and Eric from 21 Tech, discussing asset management and AI solutions. They highlight the challenges of integrating AI into asset management due to incomplete and dirty data. 21 Tech's approach involves developing AI point solutions to automate processes and clean data incrementally, making it more manageable for clients. They focus on public sector industries like transit, utilities, and public works, offering pre-built solutions to expand market reach. Eric Shufelt emphasizes the importance of understanding client needs and processes to ensure successful implementations and continuous improvement of systems. Action Items [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Follow up with Eric Shufelt on LinkedIn to discuss 21 Tech's professional services offerings and how they can help organizations improve their asset management processes. [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Connect with Dilraj Kahai and Eric Shufelt to learn more about 21 Tech's approach to leveraging AI and Hexagon's software to solve industry-specific challenges. [ ] Explore opportunities to collaborate with 21 Tech on bringing AI-powered asset management solutions to the transportation, utilities, and public works sectors. Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast Scott Mackenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry innovations and trends. Scott welcomes the audience and highlights the importance of the industrial sector, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and data. Scott introduces the guests, Dilraj and Eric, from 21 Tech, and praises their contributions to the industry. The podcast aims to celebrate industry professionals and their contributions to solving daily problems. Introduction of Guests and Initial Discussion Scott Mackenzie introduces Dilraj and Eric, highlighting their roles and contributions to the industry. Dilraj introduces Eric Schmidt, Vice President of Professional Services at 21 Tech, as a brilliant mind in asset management. Dilraj and Eric discuss the progress and changes in the industry since their last conversation. Scott Mackenzie refers to the current industrial landscape as an "industrial Renaissance," indicating the rapid advancements and changes. Challenges in Asset Management and AI Integration Dilraj discusses the challenges companies face in integrating AI into asset management, particularly the issue of incomplete and dirty data. 21 Tech has developed AI solutions to automate processes and clean up data, making it more efficient and reliable. Scott Mackenzie and Dilraj discuss the importance of clean data in making informed decisions and avoiding bad decisions based on dirty data. 21 Tech's AI solutions help automate data entry and ensure pristine data, saving time and improving efficiency. Addressing Historical Data and Incremental AI Solutions Dilraj explains how 21 Tech addresses the issue of historical data, either by starting clean from now or using AI to clean up old data. The AI solutions provide incremental steps to clean data, making the process less overwhelming and more manageable. Scott Mackenzie and Dilraj discuss the importance of having clean data for accurate insights and decision-making. 21 Tech's approach helps organizations incrementally improve their data quality without...

Have you ever tried running a business like it's a utility function? Today's guest has. CJ is joined by Michaela Lehr, a seasoned FP&A leader and former CFO of ActionIQ, who breaks down how CFOs can pull levers like growth, retention, margin, and cash runway to maximize value without blowing something up. Michaela explains how not all growth is created equal and why how you grow matters as much as how much you grow. She talks about gross margin as the most sensitive area of the P&L and how to communicate with engineers about their impacts on it. The conversation also covers the rise of “experimental recurring revenue” in AI-first products, why investors are obsessed with net dollar retention, the risks of over-servicing customers, looking out for your own finance team, and what it means to budget in the real world when everything changes after board approval.—LINKS:Michaela Lehr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-lehr-2908996/ActionIQ: https://www.uniphore.com/actioniqCJ on X (@cjgustafson222): https://x.com/cjgustafson222Mostly metrics: Loveable: https://lovable.devCanva: https://www.canva.comConcourse: https://www.concourse.co—TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Preview and Intro(02:20) Sponsor – Rillet | Pulley | Brex(07:33) What It Means To Run a Company Like a Utility Function(10:45) An Example of Optimising for This Utility Function Regarding AI Spend(15:36) Sponsor – Aleph | RightRev | Navan(19:35) Less Visible but High-Impact Levers That Drive Revenue(22:15) Gating Headcount Based on Performance Milestones(25:09) Cloud Costs as a Hidden Lever(27:30) Why How You Grow Matters As Much as How Much You Grow(30:08) Professional Services as a Necessary Investment(32:43) What ERR (Experimental Recurring Revenue) Is(36:39) Margin As the Most Sensitive Area of the P&L(38:13) Communicating With Engineers About Gross Margin(41:56) Why Investors Care So Much About Net Dollar Attention(43:53) Making Sure Your Upsells Don't Mask a Churn Problem(44:40) What Over-Servicing Your Customer Looks Like(46:58) Why the “Just Give Me My Budget” Mindset Doesn't Work(49:23) Brokering the Budget With Execs in Real Time(51:38) Looking Out for Your Own Team as a CFO(56:26) The First Sign of an Erosion of Trust(59:50) Finance's Role in Upholding Capital-T Truth(1:01:31) Long-Ass Lightning Round: A COVID-Era Multitasking Mistake(1:02:06 ) Advice to Younger Self(1:04:07) Michaela's Favorite Finance Tool(1:04:17) Craziest Expense Story—SPONSORS:Rillet is the AI-native ERP modern finance teams are switching to because it's faster, simpler, and 100% built for how teams operate today. See how fast your team can move. Book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/metrics.Pulley is the cap table management platform built for CFOs and finance leaders who need reliable, audit-ready data and intuitive workflows, without the hidden fees or unreliable support. Switch in as little as 5 days and get 25% off your first year: https://pulley.com/mostlymetrics.Brex offers the world's smartest corporate card on a full-stack global platform that is everything CFOs need to manage their finances on an elite level. Plus, they offer modern banking and treasury as well as intuitive expenses and accounting automation, bill pay, and travel. Find out more at https://www.brex.com/metricsAleph automates 90% of manual, error-prone busywork, so you can focus on the strategic work you were hired to do. Minimize busywork and maximize impact with the power of a web app, the flexibility of spreadsheets, and the magic of AI. Get a personalised demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runRightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. For RevRec that auditors actually trust, visit https://www.rightrev.com and schedule a demo.Navan is the all-in-one travel and expense solution that helps finance teams streamline reconciliation, enforce policies automatically, and gain real-time visibility. It connects to your existing cards and makes closing the books faster and smarter. Visit https://navan.com/runthenumbers for your demo.#UtilityFunction #FPandA #BusinessStrategy #GrossMargin #NetDollarRetention This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mostlymetrics.com

During the month of August, we will be enjoying some summer weather and taking a break from recording new episodes. To satiate your thirst we will be re-releasing the hottest episodes of the year, every week, for you to enjoy with a Mai Tai by the pool like David will be.In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Roop Kaistha, the head of Asia Pacific at AMS, about the evolving landscape of talent acquisition in Asia, particularly in Japan. With nearly two decades of experience, Roop shares her career journey, insights on the challenges and opportunities in talent acquisition, and the importance of relationship-building in recruitment. The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide In this episode you will hear:The importance of being market ready for Asian markets particularly in communication method choicesThe future of hybrid work vs in office only and the challenge of keeping engagement levels up The role of technology and AI in recruitment and some of Roop's favourite toolsThe future trends in recruitment in AsiaParticipate in our 2026 Salary Survey here: 2026 Salary SurveyAbout Roop:Roop brings two decades of experience working across multiple markets, spending the last 15 years in Outsourcing and Talent Acquisition. She has a proven track record in the strategic management of large scale RPOs and MSPs across Asia Pacific. She has held various roles including Solution Design, Implementation, running the Innovation Centre for Asia Pacific and, most recently, as Regional Head of RPO and Professional Services.Roop was appointed as Regional Managing Director of APAC in 2022. She heads the APAC leadership team, driving APAC's growth strategy and business plan objectives. Roop ensures the firm continues to exceed the expectations of clients across Asia, and to deliver further growth in this vital region.Connect with Roop: https://www.weareams.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/roopkaistha/ Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/ Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/

Before you kick off your next website project, take a beat—because there's a lot you can do ahead of time to make the process smoother, more strategic, and ultimately more successful. To wrap up Season 4 of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons is joined by Kyle Davis and Lauren Jane Peterson to break down the things you should tackle before your website project officially begins.They walk through practical steps like confirming your Google Analytics setup, gathering project descriptions and photos, and doing a little web-stalking of sites you admire. Plus, they emphasize the importance of aligning your brand messaging and having up-to-date photography, bios, and team headshots on hand before you dive into the actual website build.Whether you're just dreaming about a new website or have your kick-off on the schedule, these tips will help you plan more effectively, streamline content collection, and get stakeholder buy-in. Trust us, your future self will thank you for the prep work.CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 2

Why You’re Really Afraid to Raise Your Prices with John Ray (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 141) Are you afraid to raise prices? You’re not alone. Raising your prices isn't just a financial move. It's an emotional decision that can stir up fear, doubt, and second-guessing. In this solo episode of The Price and […]

Why do so many professional services firms,  full of smart, capable people, sound like they're trying to confuse you?In this episode, the Good team dives into the five hard truths that explain why professional services branding so often misses the mark. From overcomplicated language to legacy baggage, inside-out thinking to same-same design, we unpack the traps firms fall into and why clarity is braver than complexity.Expect straight-talking, zero-fluff takes on:Why “you can't express what you haven't defined”How legacy names can become anchorsWhat the “we-to-you ratio” reveals about customer focusWhy looking professional doesn't mean looking the sameAnd how strategy, not design, sets the foundationWhether you're in B2B tech, law, consultancy, or finance, this one's for anyone tired of jargon, vague mission statements, and forgettable brands.

From the outside, M&A can seem like a clean transaction – a new parent company, a logo change, a cheerful announcement.But inside? The reality is messier. Integration. Culture clashes. Reporting headaches. And a long list of decisions that determine whether the deal actually works.Dom Hawes has lived both sides. After his own agency was acquired (badly), he went on to build Selbey Anderson – a marketing services group backed by private equity, designed from day one to scale through M&A.In just 30 months, he led the acquisition of 11 agencies, growing the group to £22M in revenue. In this episode, he pulls back the curtain on how that actually happens – and what too many people get wrong.Here's what we dive into:Why leadership – not just profit – is the #1 factor Dom looks for in an acquisitionThe red flags that make him walk away (including founders who say “I'm not a numbers person”)What makes integration hard – and how to avoid derailing moraleThe systems decision Dom regrets – and how it made integration and reporting harder later onHow to be “sale-ready” in today's tougher marketWhether you're looking to sell or simply sharpen up your ops, this one's a must-listen.Additional Resources:Follow Dom Hawes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominichawes/ Check out Selby Anderson: https://selbeyanderson.com/ Follow Harv on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harvnagra/ Get the key takeaways from the podcast in your inbox. Subscribe to The Handbook: The Operations Newsletter: https://www.scoro.com/podcast/#handbook This podcast is brought to you by Scoro, where you can manage your projects, resources and finances in a single system.

When we talk about the future of enterprise software, AI is front and center. But behind the buzzwords, real transformation is happening in how businesses plan, execute, and deliver professional services. In this episode, I sat down with Raju Malhotra, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Certinia, to explore how AI is shifting from theory to practice in high-scale environments. Certinia, a native ISV on Salesforce, is helping global tech and service firms like Cisco, Siemens, and PwC automate their services operations. With over two million users and six million active projects, the platform isn't just adding AI for the sake of it. It's embedding it directly into workflows to solve tangible business challenges. Raju shares a clear framework for understanding how different types of AI are being implemented. Predictive AI is already deeply integrated into enterprise processes. Generative AI is gaining traction for simplifying content and communication. Agentic AI, the most recent frontier, enables digital agents to complete complex tasks independently within enterprise guardrails. What stood out in our conversation was the emphasis on outcomes over features. Raju makes a compelling case for starting every technology decision by understanding the customer's goals. Certinia's approach avoids chasing trends for the sake of headlines. Instead, the focus is on delivering results like improved margins, higher resource utilization, and smarter project delivery. We also discussed Certinia's early adoption of Salesforce's Agent Force and how their team works closely with Salesforce engineering to align on AI strategy. Rebranding their ERP Cloud to Financial Management Cloud was another move that reflects their sharper focus on services-centric financials, rather than trying to be everything to everyone. There's a clear message in this conversation. Innovation in AI must be matched with investment in performance, latency, scale, and user experience. For any tech leader navigating the AI landscape, Raju's insights provide a grounded, real-world guide. How are you aligning your AI investments with measurable business outcomes?

Alan Whitman challenges firm leaders to embrace uncomfortable questions as catalysts for organizational transformation. His central thesis: we are already advisors, trapped not by capability but by inherited paradigms that no longer serve our evolving purpose.Jason and Alan discuss how advisory and compliance were once integrated, but now we've artificially separated them. Modern firms must position traditional services as support structures for advisory work, not the primary focus. This requires asking: "Is this really our highest and best use to the organization?"Some specific reflection points from this episode are how many leaders are actively questioning their status quo versus simply going through the motions? The "ShoShin" approach—embracing beginner's mind when facing major changes—demands we start from scratch rather than incrementally adjust failing systems. Begin with uncomfortable questions that challenge existing assumptions. Evaluate whether you're accumulating clients or strategically building practice. Assess which non-negotiables could most transform your firm's trajectory.As a reminder, transformation is not about perfection, but about courageous, intentional movement toward our highest organizational potential. We are architects of possibility, constantly redesigning our structures to align with our evolving vision of what professional services can become.

NautobotGPT is a new AI assistant for Nautobot that helps engineers with network automation, answers questions, recommends tooling, and delivers working code. We discuss the user experience of NautobotGPT with Matthew Schwen, Associate Director of Network Automation at Humana, CoFounder and CTO of PortalCX; and Brad Haas, VP of Professional Services at Network to Code.... Read more »

NautobotGPT is a new AI assistant for Nautobot that helps engineers with network automation, answers questions, recommends tooling, and delivers working code. We discuss the user experience of NautobotGPT with Matthew Schwen, Associate Director of Network Automation at Humana, CoFounder and CTO of PortalCX; and Brad Haas, VP of Professional Services at Network to Code.... Read more »

Guest: Ray Meiring, Co-Founder & CEO at QorusDocsScaling a SaaS business from consultancy roots to enterprise success requires more than just great tech—it takes ruthless focus, smart go-to-market choices, and a deep understanding of your buyer.In this episode, Ray Meiring, co-founder and CEO of QorusDocs, joins host Ken Lempit to share the lessons learned on his journey from South Africa to the U.S. market and how QorusDocs carved out a winning niche in AI-powered proposal automation.We unpack: ✅ Why founder-led sales can't scale—and how to move beyond it ✅ The trap of chasing SMBs after funding (and what to do instead) ✅ How QorusDocs found product-market fit through one anchor customer ✅ What every SaaS CRO and CMO should know about RFP response teams ✅ The critical role of marketing in driving pipeline (not just sales)Ray also shares the moment venture funding pushed them off course—and how doubling down on their ideal customer profile helped them reset, rebuild, and grow more efficiently.If you're a SaaS CMO or CRO scaling into enterprise, navigating founder-to-function transitions, or wondering where AI really moves the needle, this episode is packed with firsthand insight.---Not Getting Enough Demos? Your messaging could be turning buyers away before you even get a chance to pitch.

In this episode of The Shortlist, we're spotlighting the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and all the value it brings to AEC marketers. Host Wendy Simmons is joined by Senior Marketing Strategists Grace Takehara and Katy Byers for a fun and reflective conversation about how to get the most out of SMPS, regardless if you're a long-time member or just SMPS-curious.Grace and Katy swap stories about how they found SMPS, the connections they've made, and the professional growth that's come along the way. From practical tips on easing into your first event, to favorite memories from SMPS conferences, they share their suggestions for getting involved.SMPS offers countless ways to build your network, gain leadership experience, and grow your career—from roundtables and education sessions to national conferences and casual socials. This episode is full of ideas and inspiration to help you make the most of your membership and feel confident stepping into new opportunities.

100 Proven Ways to Acquire and Keep Clients for Life with Richard Weylman (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 138) In this compelling episode of The Price and Value Journey, host John Ray interviews Richard Weylman, international bestselling author of 100 Proven Ways to Acquire and Keep Clients for Life. Despite being orphaned at age […]

The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act is making its way through committee. This annual bill is always closely watched by defense contractors, and they're paying especially close attention this year. Here with some specific details is the CEO of the Professional Services council, Jim Carroll.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New series alert: Ops Quickies — snackable episodes on tech, tools, and systems.

Special Episode: Modern Therapist's Consumer Guide on Relias Curt and Katie talk with Candace Wallace, Chief Customer Officer at Relias, about how this tech-enabled platform supports therapist training, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance. Candace explains how Relias helps practices of all sizes reduce admin burdens, improve staff retention, and compete in a changing behavioral health landscape. This episode is part of our Modern Therapist Consumer Guide, where we explore tools and services designed for therapists and their clients. About Our Guest:Candace Wallace is the Chief Customer Officer at Relias, overseeing Customer Success, Renewals, Support, and Professional Services. Since joining in 2013, she's led several key teams and now focuses on delivering customer value at scale. With degrees in Archaeology and Religion from Baylor University, Candace's career path includes both compliance consulting and a deep commitment to healthcare systems transformation. Key Takeaways: Relias reduces administrative burdens to improve patient care Solutions are tailored to solo, small, and large practices alike Training, leadership development, and compliance tracking in one platform Helps therapist-led organizations stay competitive and grow sustainably Started with small providers—continues to focus on accessible, effective tools For full show notes and transcripts, visit:https://www.mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community:Linktree Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCannMusic by Crystal Grooms Mangano

Sarah Edwards talks about how professional services firms can use AI to streamline project delivery and drive better results. Sarah is Chief Product Officer at Kantata, an innovative project management solution tailored for professional services. She drives solutions that improve collaboration and guide teams toward more efficient and successful outcomes. Host, Kevin Craine Want to be a guest? https://DigitalTransformationPodcast.net/guest Do you want to be a sponsor? https://www.digitaltransformationpodcast.net/sponsor

Your ops might be ticking along just fine.But what if your founder got sick tomorrow? What if your top client left? What if you had to make a big decision with zero visibility on the numbers?You might not be planning to sell your agency – but you should run it like you are.Because when you adopt that mindset, you zoom out. You stop firefighting. You start building a business that runs without you.This week on The Handbook, Harv sits down with Sam Wood – fractional COO and founder of consultancy Ottesu – to talk about how agencies and consultancies can apply board-level thinking without needing to set up an actual board.Because a business that's sale-ready is a business that's well run.In this episode, Sam breaks down the five areas every agency should be reviewing regularly – whether you're building to exit or just want better control of the ship.Here's what we get into:Why applying board-level thinking doesn't mean setting up a boardroom – and how to startHow to define and operationalize strategy (it's not just a slide in onboarding)Why culture starts with leadership behavior (not beers and pizza)How to build capability and resilience so your business doesn't depend on heroicsHow to reduce risk and spot gaps in capability before they break youThe one performance metric every service business should be tracking if they want to be profitableWhether you're an ops lead or MD, this one's packed with practical ways to futureproof your agency.Additional Resources:Follow Sam Wood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-wood-gaicd-9023a54a/ Check out Ottesu's website: https://ottesu.com.au/ Follow Harv on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harvnagra Stay up to date with regular ops insights. Subscribe to The Handbook: The Operations Newsletter.This podcast is brought to you by Scoro, where you can manage your projects, resources and finances in a single system.

Award season can sneak up fast, but with the right planning, your next submittal doesn't have to be a scramble. In this episode of The Shortlist, host Wendy Simmons chats with Julie Flattery and Lauren Jane Peterson, two experienced AEC marketers who have led dozens of award submissions from inside architecture firms.They break down what makes a submission truly compelling, starting with early planning and thoughtful project selection. From evaluating ROI to capturing project data before it disappears, the best submittals start long before the deadline. Julie and Lauren Jane also share practical advice on quantifying impact, crafting standout narratives, and aligning content with what jurors care most about, including innovation, sustainability, and community value.Whether you're chasing an AIA award or crafting a marketing win, this episode is your roadmap for award submittal success—without the last-minute chaos.CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 2

Today, I am talking with Kelsey Kelly who is Manager of Learning and Employee Experience at Point B, a small professional services firm. In this conversation Kelsey and I dive into the real-world challenges and opportunities of building impactful learning cultures—especially within professional services firms that demand both continuous client value and employee growth. With experience spanning HR, military service, banking, and consulting, Kelsey shares lessons from her journey and how she's driving holistic learning, employee experience, and leadership development with a lean team and limited resources.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Also iSpring Suite, an eLearning authoring tool that offers thousands of assets, quizes, and role play simulations. They are offering our listeners a free trial here. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Kelsey Kelly here: LinkedInIn this episode, Kelsey shares:Her winding path from accounting to HR to becoming an L&D champion—with key moments that revealed the "fun side of HR" and her passion for helping people grow.Why learning in professional services is both rewarding and tricky, with experts who love billable work—and how to position learning as both a personal and business imperative.How she scaled L&D at Point B with a drastically reduced team—leveraging partnerships (like Learnit), learning ecosystems, and creative problem-solving to provide meaningful development at scale.Strategies for shaping employee experience: building manager communities, creating branded programs (like the Empower Manager Exchange), and amplifying leadership through hubs and local adaptation.The pivotal role of onboarding, integrating with talent acquisition, and working cross-functionally to deliver welcoming, effective experiences for every new hire—no matter where they are.Practical leadership development tactics: focusing on relevance, adaptability, and community; supporting both current and next-generation leaders; and embracing constant change—even if it means pivoting or retiring programs.On measuring impact: Why authentic conversations, continuous feedback, and genuine connection with employees matter as much as hard metrics—and how being “human-centered” means...

AGNTCY - Unlock agents at scale with an open Internet of Agents. Visit https://agntcy.org/ and add your support. What if AI could actually be trusted in healthcare, law, or even car repair? In this episode, Andy Kurtzig, founder and CEO of Pearl (formerly JustAnswer), reveals how his platform is solving the biggest problems in AI: hallucinations, liability, and monetization. Pearl blends large language models with real human experts across 700+ categories—so users get AI speed and human-verified accuracy. Whether you're a doctor, mechanic, or just someone with a question, Pearl offers fast, affordable, and expert-backed answers—without the risk of misinformation. If you're building in AI, working in a regulated industry, or just curious about the future of trusted automation—this episode is for you.   Check out Pearl, AI Enhanced Human Expertise: https://www.pearl.com/ Stay Updated: Craig Smith on X: https://x.com/craigss Eye on A.I. on X: https://x.com/EyeOn_AI (00:00) Introduction  (03:20) Why Pearl Focuses on High-Stakes Industries   (06:10) How Pearl Reduces AI Hallucinations with Human Trust Scores   (10:11) Pearl.com's Ideal Customers (14:14) Solving AI Liability with Platform Protection   (23:27) The Three Big Problems in AI: Risk, Quality, and Monetization   (29:00) Why Human-in-the-Loop Is the Future of AI   (33:26) Pearl's API: Bringing Verified Experts to Any App   (39:27) Building Trust in AI Through Human Validation   (41:03) The Road Ahead for Pearl and Human-Centered AI

Expanding into a new geographic market can be an exciting growth opportunity—but it's not without risk. In this episode of The Shortlist, host Wendy Simmons is joined by principal Melissa Richey and associate principal (and first-time guest!) Julie Flattery to talk about what it really takes to open a new office or grow your firm's presence in a new region.Together, they explore common drivers of expansion—like client demand, economic diversification, or key staff relocations—and share real-world stories from their time working in-house at AEC firms. The conversation includes practical tips on conducting research, aligning internal teams, building awareness, and setting realistic timelines.Whether you're helping lead the charge or supporting the strategy, this episode offers insights to guide your next move—and a reminder that marketing should be part of the conversation from day one.CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 2

Titles don't build trust, people do. And according to Rebecca Goodman-Stephens, that's where real leadership begins. Rebecca is the CEO of Moses Singer, a New York law firm, but her story starts far from the legal world. She grew up across the UK, Switzerland, and France, studied clinical psychology, and built her career in consulting and public accounting before stepping into her current role. Along the way, she kept coming back to the same core skill: understanding people. As she joins hosts Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg, Rebecca shares how her background shaped her leadership style, and why listening, curiosity, and follow-through matter more than any formal authority. How do you get people to want to work with you? How does one shift a firm's culture without blowing up what's already working? Rebecca also talks about her move into legal services and what surprised her most, like how much creativity and momentum she's found in a space often viewed as slow to change. From evolving compensation structures to narrowing focus and driving intentional growth, she walks through the mindset behind her first two years as CEO. This episode touches on private equity and what legal leaders can learn from the accounting world. Rebecca offers a clear message: don't wait for outside investment to fix what you haven't yet addressed internally.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Meet Rebecca Goodman-Stephens 04:04 How Clinical Psychology Shapes Rebecca's Leadership Approach 08:02 Lessons from Consulting and Public Accounting 12:52 Why Rebecca Moved into Legal Services 15:50 What Surprised Rebecca About the Legal Industry 17:27 Leading Change as CEO at Moses Singer 21:13 Private Equity and the Future of Law Firms 24:23 Building a Resilient, Forward-Looking Organization 26:41 Launching a Business-Focused Law Firm Podcast 27:56 Personal Passions, Family Life, and New York Favorites   Links Connect with Rebecca Goodman-Stephens: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-goodman-stephens-b702665/   Connect with Howard Rosenberg: LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrosenberg/ Company web profile: https://www.baretzbrunelle.com/howard-rosenberg   Connect with Chris Batz: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbatz/  LinkedIn Company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/columbus-street/ Columbus Street website: https://www.columbus-street.com/  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm  

How do state building codes influence housing development, cost and safety? In this episode of BuzzHouse, hosts Don Bernards and Garrick Gibson are joined by Daniel Hereth, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, to outline the department's role in maintaining public safety while examining how modernizing building codes can increase flexibility for developers and encourage more affordable housing options across the state.Follow UsTwitter @BakerTillyUSFacebook @BakerTillyUSInstagram @bakertillyusPresented by Baker Tillywww.bakertilly.com

The AI assistant for this podcast https://www.delphi.ai/jasonstaatsSwipe those meeting prompts I teased here https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YrrD99p4ngiw8FAc9A4FWKwjAIJIHfxfbCH70NMGdt8/edit?usp=sharing

My friend and fellow professional organizer Missi McKown sent me a voice message with an idea on how to start this podcast.  " So this is a cautionary tale. Please do the opposite of everything we do unless you'd like to burnout and stress yourself out, and also start dropping balls left and right, including family, friends, and relationships that are important to you. Okay, let's dive into it!" We are talking about some things we do in our business--and the why behind it--but also how we're working on better ways to make sure we're servicing our organizing clients but also not losing ourselves in the process.  LINKS FOR LISTENERS: Get in touch with Melissa: www.proorganizerstudio.com or hello@proorganizerstudio.com Learn more about Missi and her business, Clear Spaces Organizing in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area of Minnesota: www.creatingclearspaces.com _____________________________________________________________________ Balancing Boundaries in the Professional Organizing Business   In this episode of the Pro Organizer Studio Podcast, host Melissa Klug, joined by her friend Missi, explores the challenges and solutions surrounding boundaries in the professional organizing industry.  They discuss the importance of setting boundaries with clients, recognizing burnout, and the personal experiences that influence their professional lives. The episode also covers topics like the Enneagram personality test, the significance of establishing values, and practical strategies for managing work-life balance as professional organizers.   01:52 How Not to Be Like Us: A Cautionary Tale 03:08 Enneagram 2 issues when Organizing 06:24 Client Boundaries and Burnout 13:06 Melissa's Hypocritical Moment 21:58 Balancing Flexibility and Boundaries 27:48 Personal Reflections on Boundaries 29:48 Childhood Influences and People-Pleasing Tendencies 30:29 Validation and Love Language 31:55 Setting Boundaries with Clients 34:24 Blurring the Lines in Professional Services 37:07 Recognizing and Managing Burnout 42:39 Balancing Work and Personal Life 50:08 Under-Promise and Over-Deliver 58:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections

This deep dive is tailored for founders of boutique professional services firms aiming to gain significant market recognition. The session discusses strategies to solve the 'obscurity problem' and build market eminence. Guided by David Newman and his firm Do It Marketing, the focus is on leveraging the three fundamental pillars of market eminence: speaking, publishing, and podcasting. The script emphasizes the importance of targeted speaking engagements, producing valuable published content, and guesting on niche podcasts to showcase expertise, build credibility, and reach ideal clients.

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In this episode, I'm talking about what it really takes to win as a professional service entrepreneur. I'm talking to coaches, consultants, lawyers, doctors—anyone who sells their expertise. A lot of people in these spaces are messing up, not because they're bad at their work, but because they're focused on the wrong stuff. Your skills aren't the problem—it's that you're not fully serving what your clients actually want. I'll break down how to shift that and get your business on track. Show Notes:   [02:49]#1 People skills.  [07:29]#2 You must understand needs that are not specifically related to your expertise or service.  [14:59]#3 Touch. [20:32]Recap Episodes Mentioned: 1772: The 21 MUST-Have Career "Soft Skills" [Pt. 1 of 5] Next Steps: ---