In this episode, I chat with Luk Smeyers, founder of The Visible Authority, about the importance of shifting from an "ad hoc" approach to a well-structured strategy that sets consultancies up for long-term success. Luk explains how his own journey from corporate HR to consultancy helped him focus on creating a signature methodology, fostering client retention, and driving premium-priced services. We also touch on the future of AI in consulting and why specialisation is key to growth.

In this episode, I speak with Deri Hughes, founder of Honeycomb Consulting Skills Training, as we explore the importance of continuously developing your consultancy team's skills. Deri shares his fascinating journey from his early days at Bain, through the boutique consulting world, to building his own business. We also dive into how he balances the demanding world of consulting with family life, offering valuable insights on resilience, work-life balance and building trust with clients.

We also explore key themes like building trust with clients, maintaining work-life boundaries, and the art of business development in boutique consultancies. Deri offers practical advice on avoiding the pitfalls of over-reliance on slide decks and the power of strong scoping documents to ensure smooth client engagements. His thoughtful insights on the intersection of business, family and personal well-being make this a must-listen for consultants at any stage in their careers.

Don't miss this chance to learn from Deri’s wealth of experience and discover how to build resilience in your consultancy while delivering real client impact.

In this episode of The Consultancy Edge, Matt Hodkinson has an insightful conversation with Tony Clark, founder of NextWave - a London-based fintech consultancy. Tony shares his journey of bootstrapping NextWave since its inception just before the pandemic, and the defining moment that led to his resignation to pursue this venture.

He also highlights the critical role of commercial partnerships and his recent takeover of the London Fintech Podcast. Additionally, Tony discusses NextWave’s impactful One4One social enterprise programme, which has provided paid internships to 51 young people from diverse backgrounds over the past five years.

Tune in to learn from Tony's experiences and discover how NextWave is shaping the future of fintech and social impact.

In the next episode of The Consultancy Edge, I sit down with Ramone Param and Nathan Simon, partners at Kennedy Intelligence, based in Florida, USA. Specialising in intelligence, advisory, and M&A, Ramone and Nathan share their deep expertise and discuss the nuances of navigating complex business landscapes. They offer a unique perspective on how intelligence can drive successful mergers and acquisitions, and what it takes to stay ahead in today's competitive market.

Whether you're involved in consultancy, business strategy, or M&A, this episode is packed with actionable insights that you won't want to miss.

Listen now to gain a strategic edge from two leaders in the field!

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Colleen McKenna, the founder of Intero Advisory, an international firm specialising in leveraging LinkedIn for business success. Colleen shares her unique perspective on how to effectively use LinkedIn, not as a social media platform, but as a powerful tool for building quality business networks.

Colleen offers valuable insights, emphasising that "LinkedIn is business, not social media," and explains why it's crucial to focus on nurturing "centres of influence" rather than building the largest network. She also discusses the importance of steering clear of automation tools and hashtags, believing that authenticity and meaningful connections are the keys to success on the platform.
Tune in to hear Colleen's take on why LinkedIn should not be seen as a direct selling channel and her advice on building genuine relationships. If you're looking to enhance your LinkedIn strategy, this episode is a must-listen!

Listen now and discover how to optimise your LinkedIn presence with Colleen McKenna's expert advice.

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Sarah Matthew, the dynamic founder of The Vibrant Company, as she shares her journey and insights on building a vibrant business. In this episode, Sarah opens up about her passion for empowering people, teams, and organisations to become their most vibrant selves. Based in Surrey, UK, she brings a fresh perspective on business consultancy that defies conventions and encourages authenticity.

Sarah discusses the importance of having a clear business plan, using a vivid analogy: If we don't have a plan that really serves us, we are a jellyfish, getting washed up wherever the waves carry us. But if we are a swordfish, we are intentional, and fast swimming towards where we want to go. She also reflects on the concept of 'multiple realities' in client relationships and the importance of not being bound by others' expectations of how a consultancy should operate.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to break free from conventional business models and discover how to infuse vibrancy into their work and life. Don't miss Sarah's inspiring advice and personal anecdotes that will leave you motivated to embrace your own unique path.

Listen in and get ready to transform your business approach with Sarah Matthew's vibrant wisdom!

Welcome to The Consultancy Edge! In this short episode, I (Matt Hodkinson) give a quick overview of who this podcast is for and why it's different from the usual consultancy fare. I'll share what you can expect from our lineup of guests - ranging from industry leaders to clients - and the kinds of topics we'll dive into, including strategies and insights to help you stand out. Join me to get a taste of what's to come and why this podcast can be your edge in the consultancy world.