Episode 7: Jeffrey Cronkshaw, LanciaConsult The Consulting Growth podcast

43:04

Send us a text Richard Brackstone, the managing partner of Moorhouse Consulting, and I talk about growing consultancies. We talk about his time at Andersen Consulting and spearheading projects in the Blair-Brown government era to leading major projects at Lloyds. We'll explore the interesting evolution of Moorhouse Consulting, tracing its rise from Dom Moorhouse's vision to the fast-paced expansion that followed their management buyout. We explore how leadership changes, a commitment to diversity, and service line transformations fueled the firm's expansion to a powerhouse of nearly 300 dedicated professionals. Richard also offers an insider's perspective on the nuances of ownership transitions in the consultancy sector, illuminating the management buyout process when BT sold Morehouse. He discusses the strategic decisions that shaped the firm's future, from choosing between private equity and independent ownership to the cultural shifts that ensued. We delve into the importance of a robust operational structure, highlighting the role of a strong leadership team and strategic systems to support sustained growth. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Episode 39: Chris Tomlinson on AI-Driven Transformation and Boutique Firm Advantages 38:50

10 weeks ago38:50

38:50

Send us a text Chris Tomlinson, the founder and CEO of Muuto, is reshaping his firm by embracing AI. Learn how Chris and his team are leveraging the power of generative technologies to shift their consulting practices. Chris shares his insights on how boutiques can outpace larger organizations by harnessing the agility to innovate without the usual constraints. We explore the potential of AI agents in modeling and refining work processes, transforming traditional consulting models to be more adaptive and efficient. Chris and I discuss the critical role of leadership in this transformation and share strategies for fostering a culture of experimentation. Whether you're in the camp of early adopters or cautious observers, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the organizational change needed to harness the exciting opportunities presented by AI and digital transformation. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Preparing for growth inflection points: lessons from two successful CEOs 1:29:44

14 weeks ago1:29:44

1:29:44

Send us a text Any business school student will tell you about the S-curves that most companies encounter when they scale: when what got you to point A will actively prevent you from getting to point B. Anticipating these leads to smoother growth, happier employees, less stressed CEOs/owners, and keener investors / buyers. Here, we learn from the growth journeys of Richard Goold (ex-CEO of Moorhouse) and Mark Palmer (ex-CEO of GoBeyond and OEE Consulting) - both of whom grew and exited their firms around the £40m mark. The episode explores the critical inflection points that consultancies must navigate during their growth journeys: the importance of external perspectives, and strategies to sustain entrepreneurial spirit while scaling their firms. • Defining inflection points and their significance in growth • Emotional challenges faced by consultancy leaders • Importance of engaging external advisors for fresh perspectives • Balancing growth without losing entrepreneurial spirit • Understanding client needs to define value propositions • Diversifying client bases to mitigate risks • Necessity of rigorous systems and processes for effective scaling • Strategies for overcoming challenges at various growth milestones • Importance of strong governance and succession planning • Role of brand positioning in achieving competitive advantages Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Talent Strategies for Boutique Consulting - Gary Landes, Wilton-Bain. 44:02

21 weeks ago44:02

44:02

Send us a text Why do senior hires fail so often in consulting? What can we do to minimise this? Join me as I sit down with Gary Lanz from Wilton Bain to explore the intricate art of talent acquisition and development within the consulting industry. We discuss finding the strong senior hires who can generate business, fit culturally, and harmonize with existing teams. We also tackle the ongoing debate between being a trusted advisor and the necessity of becoming a visible expert in today's content-driven world. Navigating the complexities of partner recruitment, Gary and I explore lateral hiring in consulting and shed light on strategic growth strategies for small to medium-sized consultancies, like diversification into new markets, and the evolving landscape of consulting leadership. We debate how smaller, agile firms can capitalize on these shifts, balancing business development with talent retention and strategic succession planning. We also explore innovative approaches to professional development, questioning the traditional value of universities and championing concepts like the "junior board" to empower the next generation. Listen in to hear how firms can foster a thriving culture and secure client longevity in competitive markets. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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How to Price your Consulting Services with Ethan Williams 41:17

30 weeks ago41:17

41:17

Send us a text In this episode of the Consulting Growth Podcast, we sit down with pricing strategy maestro Ethan Williams, who transitioned from real estate investment banking to becoming an authoritative voice in global pricing strategy. Here is Ethan's AI Pricing Advisor: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-MNWgcA4wX-value-based-pricing-advisor Here's Ethan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-williams-8567278/ We dive deep into Ethan's experiences at GE Digital, PwC, and McKinsey, and his transformative work at FGS Global. Ethan unveils the secrets behind moving from traditional time-and-materials pricing to value-based models, shedding light on how these shifts not only elevate client value but fundamentally alter business models. Learn about the art of leading pricing transformations and the most common objections consultants face when adopting value-based pricing. Ethan also discusses the impact of AI and automation on consulting practices, making the case for abandoning time-based pricing in favor of more efficient models. Get practical advice on implementing value-based pricing, including strategies for maintaining confidence during negotiations and presenting clients with engaging scope options. We wrap up with heartening insights into how AI and low-code solutions are democratizing advanced tools, leveling the playing field for smaller consultancies. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving consulting landscape. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Thought Leadership & AI in Boutique Consultancies – Insights with Athena Peppes 37:10

34 weeks ago37:10

37:10

Send us a text What does great thought leadership look like for boutique consultancies? Join us on the Consulting Growth Podcast as we engage with Athena Peppes, a luminary in thought leadership and artificial intelligence. Drawing from her stellar career at Accenture and her current role as an independent consultant, Athena unveils what makes thought leadership effective. In this episode, Athena demystifies how boutique firms can leverage AI to distill valuable insights from existing client relationships. Discover strategies to produce impactful annual statement pieces that can strengthen your firm's market position. Athena also explores the transformative power of generative AI in professional services, emphasizing the importance of high-end thought leadership amidst an oversaturated content landscape. She delves into emerging technologies like gen AI and synthetic data, which are making advanced analytics more accessible than ever. Our conversation doesn’t stop there. We navigate the complex landscape of AI and robotics, reflecting on the multifaceted expectations surrounding AI’s capabilities. Inspired by insights from economist Anton Koronek, we discuss how businesses can better anticipate and adapt to disruptive AI applications. Learn why addressing specific business pain points is crucial for successful AI integration, and hear Athena’s thoughtful analysis on the future challenges and opportunities that AI presents. This episode is packed with invaluable insights for anyone looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of technology and consultancy. Athena's website: https://www.athenapeppes.com/ The Thought Leadership-as a Service consultancy: https://www.beaconthoughtleadership.com/ Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Productize! Eisha Armstrong and Chris Dando discuss how to generate products from expert knowledge 37:17

42 weeks ago37:17

37:17

Send us a text Productization offers considerable opportunities to consultancies as the cost of development has collapsed. Eisha Armstong is the world's leading expert on how this is achieved in consultancies, co-founder of Vecteris and celebrated author. Chris Dando is a member of the Boutique Leaders Club and founder / CEO of Reinvigoration - an operations consultancy which has recent successfully productized some of its offerings. Eisha, brings her expertise in helping service companies reinvent their business models to thrive in today's market. Meanwhile, Chris shares insider knowledge on developing a software spin-off aimed at facilitating operations transformation and building recurring revenue streams. Transitioning from consultancy to software business can be riddled with pitfalls. Learn how to avoid common mistakes by ensuring you have the right people in strategic roles and conducting thorough market validation. Discover why a market-minded product leader can make all the difference in commercialization success. We also discuss how focusing on urgent and expensive problems can guide product development, along with the importance of co-designing with your target market segment for best results. We explore actionable methods like the Van Westendorp price sensitivity meter and the 10x value rule, essential for aligning pricing with perceived value. Explore the future of productization, including how AI and automation are revolutionizing service delivery by enhancing standardization and efficiency. Join us as we provide a comprehensive framework for optimizing your consultancy’s offerings and staying competitive in a rapidly changing landscape. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights from Eisha and Chris! You can download Productize free here: https://www.vecteris.com/complimentaryproductizebook Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Presidential Whisperer: Michael Kempner on growing his PR firm to 300+ people 53:03

50 weeks ago53:03

53:03

Send us a text Meet Michael Kempner, the mastermind behind MIKEWORLDWIDE. His is a story a narrative woven with tenacity and transformation moving from a solo operation to spearheading a leading independent PR firm, where embracing past hurdles has been integral to the company's monumental growth. This episode peels back the layers on how valuing human capital has been pivotal to MWW's success, revealing that nurturing talent is just as crucial as attracting it. We discuss the importance of brand perception to consulting firms as well as learning from the journey of Michael in growing his own firm to over 300 people. We explore some innovative strategies his firm employs, juggling AI and predictive analytics with human decision-making. Join us for this exploration of reputation, trust, and leadership—and how these pillars can chart a course to success in the competitive realm of PR. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Mastering M&A in the Consultancy Sector: Jerome Glynn-Smith of Equiteq 37:56

1 year ago37:56

37:56

Send us a text Unlock the secrets to a triumphant M&A journey in the knowledge economy with Jerome Glynn-Smith, the Equiteq's Head of Europe. As a former JP Morgan and Deloitte luminary, Jerome provides wisdom on the pivotal role of specialization within the technology and professional services sectors. Our chat navigates through the critical $10 million revenue threshold, the allure of private equity in the consultancy sphere, and the delicate art of balancing risk and scalability for consulting firms on the brink of a sale. We dissect the valuation conundrums and profit trajectories that influence the consultancy industry's M&A trends and shine a spotlight on the non-negotiables of EBITDA evaluation. Jerome also weighs in on the potential pitfalls of diversification, urging firms to sustain a laser focus on their core services to cultivate a tantalizing appeal for prospective buyers. In our final exchange, Jerome lays out a roadmap for boutique consultancies anticipating a sale. Aligning stakeholders' visions, bolstering market presence, and maintaining a pristine and comprehensive data room emerge as the cornerstones of a well-prepared exit strategy. By championing specialization and crafting a compelling equity narrative, Jerome assures us that small to medium-sized firms can navigate M&A transactions with the precision and confidence of seasoned pros. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Phil Rolfe: from growth to sale. Twice. 35:48

1 year ago35:48

35:48

Send us a text Phil Rolfe founded, grew and sold FS101 to P2 Consulting, then P2 Consulting to Valcon, where he is now the country COO for the UK. This episode promises a treasure trove of wisdom, from Phil's transformative journey from Eagle Star, KPMG and RBS to the innovative frontiers of Vulcan's data problem-solving focus. As your host, Professor Joe O'Mahoney, I'm thrilled to share how Phil's bold leap to the Netherlands and the launch of FS101 led to an exhilarating adventure in financial crime advisory. You'll gain rare insight into the delicate dance between new leaders and their predecessors, and how Phil's commitment to transparent communication shaped a resilient path through the challenges of private equity involvement. His reflections on personal growth and cultivating a supportive leadership atmosphere within a large organization provide a candid glimpse into the essence of effective management. As we explore the intricate tapestry of business growth and scaling, Phil unveils the strategic musings behind hiring decisions in a growing firm. We then discuss the future of consulting in a digitally transformed world, where AI and data analytics are not just buzzwords but pivotal tools reshaping the industry. For anyone eager to understand the forces driving business success and innovation, Phil's incredible journey is a beacon of inspiration and strategic acumen. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Transforming Consultancy with Productisation and Automation: Tim Redgate of Axioned 44:01

1 year ago44:01

44:01

Send us a text Imagine if you could transform your consultancy's repetitive tasks into a unique service offering or automate more of your back-office? That's precisely what our guest, Tim Redgate Strategy Director of Axioned, discusses in this fascinating episode of Consulting Growth. We dive deep into the concept of productisation and how it can be a game-changer for consultancies and professional service firms. I kick off the conversation with Tim by exploring the role of tech investments for decision-makers and the potential benefits and pitfalls of productising people services. We share essential strategies, including the significance of having a passionate product owner, a dedicated team, clear goals, and budget constraints. We also highlight why it's crucial to start with a feasibility study or proof of concept before jumping into the deep end. Later, we venture into the exciting realm of automated workflows and productisation. Imagine having a tool that could streamline your consultancy's repetitive tasks – that's the power of automation. We also discuss AI's potential across various industries and its possible impact on the consulting industry. Tim also shares his experience with low-code and no-code solutions and how they can help to supercharge the first stages of product development. Join us on this fascinating journey, where we explore the cutting-edge intersection of technology and consulting. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Building & Selling a PR & Communications Boutique with Jessica Schaefer of Bevel 26:24

1 year ago26:24

26:24

Send us a text What does it truly take to build a PR and communication firm that stands tall among the giants? Today, we're joined by Jessica Schaefer, founder of Bevel, a strategic PR and communications firm that has carved a unique niche at the intersection of financial services and technology. Jessica's remarkable journey takes us from her start in the throes of the Great Recession, through prestigious companies like Moody's to the establishment of her own game-changing venture. Learn how Bevel's strategic approach of applying a hedge fund-based performance model to communications, coupled with a focus on quarterly KPIs and bonuses tied to client retention, set it apart in an intensively competitive market. Dive into the heart of the challenges and rewards of creating a consultancy powerhouse with us. Jessica offers an insider's view into the delicate art of managing clients, nurturing talent, and maintaining a work-life balance while steering a successful firm. Our conversation touches on the factors that contributed to the impressive acquisition multiple on Bevel's sale, providing valuable insights into the business of PR and the nuances of selling an enterprise. Strap in for a thrilling exploration of the world of entrepreneurship that every aspiring professional should hear. As we navigate through the rapidly evolving landscape of communications and technology, Jessica shares her perspective on the future of Bevel and its synergies with Avenue Z. The focus is also on their recent acquisitions and the increasing emphasis on digital marketing, PR, and influencer strategies. The conversation delves into the importance of attracting and retaining top talent and how Bevel's dedication to meaningful work and ownership has been a critical factor in their success. We wrap up with a deep dive into the benefits and challenges of being a young, female founder from a non-privileged background. This is an episode you won't want to miss. Tune in for a truly inspirational journey and invaluable lessons for emerging entrepreneurs. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Episode 27: Leadership Appointments and Succession Planning with Deri Hughes, Caroline Boston and Simon Hemsley 45:21

1 year ago45:21

45:21

Send us a text Want the inside scoop on how to successfully navigate senior leadership appointments in consultancies? Don’t miss an enlightening conversation with our experts, Deri, Simon, and Caroline as they pull back the curtain on designing organisational structure, performance management systems, and effective team engagement to prepare for a prosperous exit. We discuss strategies for growth and succession planning. Listen and learn from the experts as they share their personal experiences and strategies on building both internal capability and external recruitment to catapult a business to its desired size. Overcome the hurdles of building a talent pipeline and uncover the ways to maximize value at an equity event. Also, unearth the importance of finding the right people to fill gaps in your business and how to quickly make them value accretive. Finally, we explore the recruitment order for growing boutique firms, the roles necessary as a firm expands, and the significance of each role in the business. Take note of the importance of a Chief Operations Officer, Chief Business Development Officer, the role of an operations lead, and when it's crucial to have these roles within your firm. Also, learn about constructing internal capability and external recruitment strategies to facilitate growth. Prepare yourself for an informative and insightful episode that you simply can't afford to miss. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

The Consulting Growth Podcast

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Episode 26: Culture, AI and Growth with David Fields 41:51

1 year ago41:51

41:51

Send us a text Welcome to a captivating conversation with David Fields. David is does similar work to me, but on the other side of the Atlantic. Ever wondered how small consulting firms manage to compete in an oversaturated market? David offers his perspective on the role of marketing and the power of referrals, inviting us to question our own strategies. Finding effective differentiation in the sea of sameness, they say, comes down more to reliability and credibility than standing out. We chat about Artificial Intelligence and its potential impact on the industry. AI's ability to enhance solutions, streamline operations, revolutionize communication, and even manage information storage and dissemination might just be the game-changer we're all waiting for. But what if AI could also create custom bots for clients (it can now!) and play devil’s advocate? Finally, we dive deep into the art of building a consulting firm for not just short-term wins but long-term success. The secret lies in creating a culture that's satisfying and profitable for everyone, from the owners to the partners. David illuminates the nuanced difference between a firm built to last and one polished for sale, sparking a thought-provoking conversation about the balancing act of competing in two markets - clients and employees. This is a critical examination of the consulting industry that you won't want to miss. Tune in to gain valuable insights from two seasoned professionals. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Episode 25: Meg Newhouse: From Clinical Psychology to the Boardroom 36:20

2 years ago36:20

36:20

Send us a text Have you ever wondered how an aspiring clinical psychologist ended up co-founding a successful tech consulting firm? That's exactly the intriguing journey of Meg Newhouse, our guest for this episode. We get a fascinating peek into Meg's career pivots, starting with her initial discovery of the field of instructional design and her subsequent roles in a tech company and a large consulting firm. Her company, Inspirant Group, was sold to 10Pearls in 2023. Meg shares how she went from writing training programs to building her boutique learning and development consulting firm. She vividly explains how the Inspirant Group was born when a good friend asked her to help build a consulting firm. In this episode, we dig into the nitty-gritty of how the Inspirant Group's founding team disrupted the consulting industry. They established their core values and behaviors and created an attractive culture for potential team members. We also touch upon the importance of resource utilization and the pitfalls of solely focusing on it. Our conversation takes us to the complexities of being a solo entrepreneur and the crucial role of transparency and trust among co-founders. Meg reveals how they balanced decision-making processes, incentivized employees beyond sales, and kept company secrets. To top it all off, she discusses the crucial aspects of preparing for exit strategies, constructing a fair bonus structure, and the importance of engaging a broker during a company sale. This conversation is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and team-building. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Episode 9: Tom McMakin, Profitable Ideas Exchange (PIE) 40:16

3 years ago40:16

40:16

Send us a text Tom is one of the nicest guys you could meet, but also an incredibly successful entrepreneur and CEO. Tom currently leads and founded Profitable Ideas Exchange (PIE). PIE builds communities around the globe, helping senior executives at client firms understand, connect, and collaborate. This helps provide consulting partners with great insights and connections with client leaders around the world. Prior to this, Tom was CEO for Orchard Holdings Group and Great Harvest Bread Co. More information at www.joeomahoney.com . Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Episode 8: Bill Poston, The Launch Box & Kalypso 36:47

3 years ago36:47

36:47

Send us a text When it comes to consulting, Bill has been there and done that. He made partner at Deloitte over twenty years ago, and the co-founded and sold Kalypso - a global management consulting firm focused on innovation across five industry sectors. After being board member on several great firms, Bill founded and led The Launch Box: a platform for starting and growing professional service firms that enables founders to focus exclusively on selling, serving clients, nurturing talent, and growing the business. More information at www.joeomahoney.com . Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Episode 7: Jeffrey Cronkshaw, LanciaConsult 45:31

3 years ago45:31

45:31

Send us a text Jeff is co-founder and CEO at LanciaConsult - a privately owned and fast growing employee led global Management and Technology Consultancy, with offices throughout Asia and Europe. Founded in Singapore in 2012, LanciaConsult built its reputation delivering complex technology enabled transformation programmes and senior business advisory services through their entrepreneurial, genuine, practical, and invested values. I can personally attest to the great dedicate and motivating culture which influences the consultants at the firm. More information at www.joeomahoney.com Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Episode 6: Caroline Boston, New Minds 36:42

3 years ago36:42

36:42

Send us a text Caroline is founder and CEO at New Minds - supporting the growth agenda of consulting firms, through the successful recruitment and retention of key talent. Caroline has over 20 years of experience as a Recruitment, Resourcing and Talent Leader with deep expertise in the management consultancy sector and was awarded "Best individual recruitment consultant 2017" by TopConsultant.com, for work in the management consultancy sector. She provides great insights into how small consultancies can attract and use talent to grow more effectively. More information at www.joeomahoney.com . Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Episode 5: Ed Beals, Loft9 29:57

3 years ago29:57

29:57

Send us a text Ed Beals co-founded and co-led the award-winning management consulting firm Loft9. Driven by a desire to embrace change and new challenges with a passion for management consulting, he works across multiple industries to solve complex business challenges while simultaneously running and scaling companies. Ed is currently a Partner at Sia Partners, a unique management consulting firm composed of passionate consultants who are able to drive business changes among customers. More information at www.joeomahoney.com . Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Episode 4: Behram Khan, Avaza 49:33

3 years ago49:33

49:33

Send us a text After founding and being CEO at Time2Market (a software practice and business consultancy) Behram co-founded Avaza, a professional service automation company used by many consultancies across the globe. As both a founder of a consultancy, and a provider of PSA, Behram has unique insights into how automation can help professional services companies scale. More information at www.joeomahoney.com . Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Episode 3: Bill Bierce, Bierce & Kenerson 41:21

3 years ago41:21

41:21

Send us a text Bill Bierce is the founder and managing attorney of the law firm Bierce & Kenerson . This is an interesting story in its own right, but for our purposes, Bill is also an expert on what happens when professional service firms experience trauma: when partners fall out, when M&As go wrong, and when governance is found wanting. He is the author of the book Smarter Business Exits which incorporates many of his learnings over and long and illustrious career. I personally learned a huge amount from Bill’s experiences with the legal aspects of firm growth and on finishing the interview, immediately organised a governance meeting with my own partners, to implement some of his recommendations. More information at www.joeomahoney.com . Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Episode 2: David Blois, M&A Advisory 32:43

3 years ago32:43

32:43

Send us a text David Blois is a founder and Managing Partner of M&A Advisory, a niche boutique that initiates and executes M&A transactions with a sound cultural and business fit in order to maximise value. The firm focuses on the global marketing communications, digital and Martech sectors. With a strong research ethos, it works from a central London base for all sizes of client. M&A Advisory is the exclusive M&A partner for the PRCA and is part of Eaton Square, a global M&A firm. For further details please see website at www.mandaadvisory.com or email David directly at davidb@mandaadvisory.com David is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. After a number of financial and business management positions in the UK and overseas he became part of the Plc. Corporate Finance team at Reed Elsevier, helping shape it through acquisition into a global information business. David then joined Saatchi & Saatchi as Commercial Director, Eastern Europe, where the business gained market leadership through merger. Prior to establishing M&A Advisory, David completed UK and international transactions as Director of Results International, a London based advisory firm. More information at www.joeomahoney.com . Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Episode 24 - Pritul Khagram, Founder of People Force 25:26

2 years ago25:26

25:26

Send us a text Pritul is now a Director at PWC after selling his firm, People Force to the company in April 2023. People Force was a Consultancy specialising in people technology services, payroll & immigration. Since 2013, the company grew organically & through acquisition. Pritul led the company through year-on-year growth, which included an astonishing 237% growth during the pandemic. Pritul successfully sold People Force to PwC UK, where he now works as a Director within HR Technology in the People & Organisation team. Here, with others Pritul is leading the Ceridian Dayforce practice. Starting with a practice size of 60 in April 2023, which includes 50 people that joined through the acquisition of People Force, this team is expected to increase to 100 by the end of 2023. PwC UK has become the largest Global Ceridian implementation partner in the EMEA Region. Projects are delivered in various market segments to include Majors, Enterprise and Large Enterprise. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Episode 23 - Dr. Geoff Smart, Founder and Chairman of ghSMART 48:58

2 years ago48:58

48:58

Send us a text Geoff Smart is the chairman & founder of ghSMART, a global leadership advisory, education, and analytics firm. Geoff founded the firm whilst doing his PhD in 1995 and it now employs over 200 people helping Fortune 500 CEOs & boards, entrepreneurs, and heads of state to achieve their goals through hiring, developing, and leading talented teams. ghSMART is remarkable for it's strong positioning with the leadership suite of some of the leading companies in the world - something that even the biggest firms struggle to achieve. ghSMART is ranked #1 on Glassdoor among top firms in consulting, finance, and tech, with a 4.7/5.0 overall rating. It is also ranked #1 on the Great Place to Work index among top professional services firms. In 2023, Vault named ghSMART the #1 consulting firm in its industry (ranked above McKinsey, Bain, and BCG) in the categories of overall colleague satisfaction, compensation, selectivity, challenge, client interaction, work-life balance, (few) hours in an office, best boutique, business outlook, and overall diversity. Dr. Smart has written three bestselling books. Who: The A Method for Hiring (Smart & Street) is a New York Times bestseller that is currently ranked #1 on Amazon.com on the topic of hiring talented teams. Power Score: Your Formula for Leadership Success (Smart, Street, and Foster) is a Wall Street Journal bestseller, and appeared on an international newspaper’s list of “The 10 Best Business Books of 2015.” The CEO Next Door (Botelho & Powell) is a critically-acclaimed New York Times bestseller. In addition, Dr. Smart published Leadocracy: Hiring More Great Leaders (Like You) into Government , a New York Times bestseller which won the IPPY Award and the Axiom Book Award for #1 Best Business Book of the Year. He earned a B.A. in Economics with honors from Northwestern University, and a M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology from Claremont Graduate University, where he was a student of management thought leader Peter F. Drucker. ghSMART makes an impact in the broader community. Dr. Smart founded a not-for-profit leadership development organization which became the Colorado Governors Fellowship Program, and he currently serves on the Board of Trustees of CiviCo. ghSMART colleagues donate hundreds of hours per year to advising leaders who make the world a better place. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

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Episode 22 - Todd Johnson (Nexer) and Mike Sigler (Rangeline) 26:31

2 years ago26:31

26:31

Send us a text Mike co-founded and grew Rangeline Solutions , an ERP solutions provider based which was sold to Nexer in part of their expansion across North America. In this episode, both Todd, the CEO of Nexer, and Mike talk about the sell and buy side of the story and how the deal was done. Mike focuses on the growth and sale of Rangeline whilst Todd tells us about the challenge and opportunity of running a growing mid-market player. www.linkedin.com/in/toddjo/ www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sigler/ https://nexergroup.com/us/ Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

The Consulting Growth Podcast

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Episode 21 - Jason Averbook, CEO & Co-founder of LeapGen & Knowledge Infusion 45:19

2 years ago45:19

45:19

Send us a text Among being a best-selling author, an adjunct professor and an advisory board member, Jason found the time to start Knowledge Infusion, which he eventually sold to Appirio. Three years later, he started LeapGen, a digital transformation company, which was then sold to Mercer. Here, he tells us about getting into people technology 'before it became trendy' and his challenges with growing two successful companies Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

The Consulting Growth Podcast

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Episode 20 - Steve Watmough, Chair, Mason Advisory 30:19

2 years ago30:19

30:19

Send us a text Steve is the Executive Chair of Mason Advisory a leading specialist focusing on digital and tech advisory to Private & Public Sector Clients. Steve has founded two successful firms and sold one, and has had a 30 year career in the IT and Management Consulting space. The first firm Steve founded, Xantus, a specialist digital and tech consultancy, was sold to KPMG in October 2011. https://www.masonadvisory.com/ Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

The Consulting Growth Podcast

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Episode 19 - Nick Synott CEO, Create Engage 47:31

2 years ago47:31

47:31

Send us a text Nick is founder and CEO of Create Engage, a marketing agency that helps Professional Service Firms define their unique point of difference and shapes their marketing strategy to generate ROI. Having been a consultant himself he understands the challenges that consultancies face when it comes to reaching the decision makers and buyers in the organisations that they want to work with. When he's not helping clients outpace their competitors through digital marketing you’ll find him enjoying everything that the great city of Bath has to offer, watching rugby at the Rec or making the most of the local countryside. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

The Consulting Growth Podcast

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Episode 18 - William Evans - Arrowpoint Advisory (Rothschild & Co.) 49:11

2 years ago49:11

49:11

Send us a text Will is a Director at Arrowpoint Advisory, the dedicated mid-market team of Rothschild and Co. Arrowpoint Advisory is a leading M&A advisor to UK mid-market companies, entrepreneurs and investors. Will shares his insights from the 'sell-side' and 'buy-side' perspectives, as well as providing useful tips for founders considering a variety of different exit options. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

The Consulting Growth Podcast

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Episode 17 - Denzil Rankine, Founder AMR International 37:22

2 years ago37:22

37:22

Send us a text I've noticed many successful founders are driven by an earlier disappointment in their lives which is often related to their 'non-traditional' backgrounds when it comes to consulting. After a rejection from Oxford stuck in his craw and enjoying an early experience of consulting, Denzil built specialist expertise that would allow him to take advantage of an emerging market: commercial due diligence for M&A. Although it seems crazy now, the idea that there was more to a potential acquisition than its financials was relatively new in the 1990s. Denzil founded AMR international in 1992 support M&A activities in business media, information, and technology. He eventually sold the company in 2002 to Stax, a Boston-based M&A strategy consulting firm which had recently received backing from Blue Point Capital Partners. In addition to founding and growing a successful strategy consulting firm in competition against much bigger players, Denzil is a regular speaker at industry conferences and an author of six M&A related books. Here's a link to the book mentioned in the podcast Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

The Consulting Growth Podcast

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Episode 16: Matteo Perucchini, CEO & Founder at Cambridge Healthcare Research 33:15

2 years ago33:15

33:15

Send us a text Matteo is one of those good looking, athletic, over-achievers that it would be wonderful to dislike, but it's simply impossible because he has a charming personality too....After getting his PhD, investigating gene variations, Matteo spent seven years working as a research scientist before jumping into consulting for healthcare, pharma and biotech. After taking a couple of years out to row the Atlantic, solo, (yes, I know), Matteo co-founded Cambridge Healthcare Research , a consultancy working on market analysis, product and service development, business cases and sales forecasting (among other things) for the healthcare and pharma industries. Here Matteo lets us know the challenges and opportunities he encountered in growing CHR and gives great insights into developing a Unique Employee Proposition as a growing company. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

The Consulting Growth Podcast

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Episode 15 - Adrian Bettridge, Managing Partner, Baringa Partners 34:11

2 years ago34:11

34:11

Send us a text Adrian joined Barringa as a FS Partner in 2007 when it had 45 employees. His successes in that role prompted him to be voted as Managing Partner in 2014. As of 2022, Barringa has over 1500 employees, has expanded into many new industries and services. One of the many interesting things about Baringa has been its ability to maintain a 'people first' culture despite its meteoric growth. Among many other things, Adrian tells us how they have achieved this. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

The Consulting Growth Podcast

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Episode 14: Richard Harris, VP Corum M&A 53:24

3 years ago53:24

53:24

Send us a text Richard Harris has had a remarkable career: from theoretical physics and business development, to founding and selling a software company and advising on M&A. In this episode Richard gives us the broader picture on M&A and provides incredible insights into the M&A process, the growing trend for consultancies to offer software products alongside their offerings, and the traps for founders who seek to sell their firms. Links The Corum Selling Up Selling Out course: https://www.corumgroup.com/Conference-Intro-Video The Corum Merge Briefing here Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

The Consulting Growth Podcast

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Episode 13: James O'Sullivan, Project One 40:02

3 years ago40:02

40:02

Send us a text James the straight talking CEO of Project One, a medium-sized boutique focused on change management and business transformation. Project One only employs highly experienced consultants, aligns incentives with quality project delivery rather than sales, and is focused on growth in terms of capacity and skills rather than just revenue. James gives us a refreshing insight into leading a consultancy with incredibly high rates of repeat business and low rates of employee turnover. Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

The Consulting Growth Podcast

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Episode 12: Neal Gandhi, TPXimpact 27:25

3 years ago27:25

27:25

Send us a text Neal Gandhi is the Co-founder and CEO at TPXimpact which focuses on digital transformation in the public sector. Neal helped grow the firm from three people in 2017 to over 500 in 2022. The company floated in 2019 and their share-price trebled in two years. Neal talks us through how public sector consulting has changed over the years, how he approached acquisitions and the challenges of leading a fast-growth consultancy. More information at www.joeomahoney.com Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

The Consulting Growth Podcast

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Episode 11: Daniel Litvin, Critical Resource 42:56

3 years ago42:56

42:56

Send us a text Daniel Litvin is the Founder of Critical Resource. He is a recognised thought leader on sustainability and political challenges facing global energy and resource investments, as well as societal issues facing business as a whole. Since founding Critical Resource in 2006, he has grown the company to be the leading provider of strategic advice to mining and energy firms and their investors on such ‘license-to-operate’ issues. More information at www.joeomahoney.com . Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at www.joeomahoney.com…

The Consulting Growth Podcast

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Episode 10: Matt Cheung, Clarasys 36:07

3 years ago36:07