Joe O'Mahoney is Professor of Consulting at Cardiff University and a growth & exit advisor to boutique consultancies. Joe researches, teaches, publishes and con...
Unlocking Consultancy Success: Richard Brackstone on Growth, Strategy, and Leadership
Send us a textRichard 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
Send us a textChris 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
Send us a textAny 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 advantagesProf. 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.
Send us a textWhy 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
Send us a textIn 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-advisorHere'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
Joe O'Mahoney is Professor of Consulting at Cardiff University and a growth & exit advisor to boutique consultancies. Joe researches, teaches, publishes and consults about the consulting industry.In the CONSULTING GROWTH PODCAST he interviews founders that have successfully grown or sold their firms, acquirers who have bought firms, and a host of growth experts to help you avoid the mistakes, and learn the insights of others who have been there and done that.Find out more at www.joeomahoney.com
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