Summary

In this episode of the Pulse podcast, host Mark Pratt interviews Craig Kent, a CRM expert and freelance consultant. Craig shares his journey from scepticism about contractors to becoming a CRM guru, emphasising the importance of strategy over technology in customer relationship management. He discusses the audit process he uses with clients to identify areas for improvement and the ideal client relationship he aims to build. The conversation also touches on the challenges freelancers face in marketing themselves and navigating the changing landscape of contracting.
In this conversation, Mark Pratt discusses the nuances of self-employment, the distinction between contractors and freelancers, the significance of personal branding, and the challenges faced in the freelance market. He emphasises the importance of networking and shares insights on how to position oneself effectively in the market.

The discussion also touches on the outlook for 2025, highlighting the need for a positive mindset and adaptability in the face of challenges.

Key Takeaways
✨Craig's journey into CRM began with scepticism about contractors.
✨The audit process is crucial for understanding client needs.
✨Building a strong client relationship is key to success.
✨Freelancers must market themselves effectively to find work.
✨Craig's unique offering is centred around his audit process.
✨Flexibility in pricing can differentiate freelancers in the market.
✨You're not self-employed because the government tells you that.
✨You can't just do all of this stuff in your sleep or at weekends.
✨The outlook is better going into this year than last year.
✨You don't want to overcharge because you'll have no chance.

For more information on IR35, Mark suggests visiting Kingsbridge Insurance: https://www.kingsbridge.co.uk/products/legal-ir35-protect-cover/

Visit The CRM Guru to learn more: https://www.thecrmguru.co.uk/about-us

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Mark and the team!

Summary

In this episode of the Pulse podcast, host Mark Pratt interviews Julie Gibson, a seasoned program manager with extensive experience in project delivery and business transformation. Julie shares her journey into project management, highlighting her impactful work at the Brakes Group during a period of significant mergers and acquisitions. The conversation delves into key principles of M&A, effective project delivery strategies, and the importance of stakeholder management. Julie emphasises the need for effective communication and the human side of change management, offering practical advice for navigating complex organisational changes, particularly in the context of SaaS implementations. In this conversation, Mark Pratt discusses the balance between customisation and standardisation in product offerings, the significance of mentorship in professional growth, and the importance of networking for career advancement. He shares insights from his diverse industry experiences and emphasises the need for opportunity identification in program management. Mark highlights the satisfaction derived from leading change and making a tangible impact within organisations.

Key Takeaways
✨ Her journey into project management was driven by a love for change.
✨ The Brakes Group experience was pivotal in her career, focusing on M&A.
✨ Understanding stakeholders is crucial for successful project delivery.
✨ A varied approach to communication helps engage different audiences.
✨ The Hansel and Gretel approach aids in managing change.
✨ Feedback should be sought throughout the project, not just at the end.
✨ Mentorship plays a vital role in personal and professional development.
✨ Diverse experiences across industries enhance career opportunities.
✨ Networking is essential for securing new roles and opportunities.
✨ A strategic approach to career development can prevent being pigeonholed.
✨Embracing challenges can lead to personal and professional growth.

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Thanks for tuning into The Pulse Podcast. Remember, we're always looking for new voices and perspectives to enrich our discussions. Think you've got something to share? Fill out our guest application form here.

Catch new episodes every Tuesday. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated.

Until next time,
Mark and the team!

"Networking is like investing in a future bank."

In this episode of the Pulse Podcast, Lisa Hendry shares her extensive journey in the recruitment industry, detailing her transition from a recruitment consultant to a project manager and product owner. She discusses her global implementation experiences, the impact of COVID on her contracting career, and the dynamics of working with recruitment businesses. Lisa emphasises the importance of building relationships with recruiters, standing out as a contractor, and the significance of data in product ownership. Her insights provide valuable lessons for professionals navigating the recruitment landscape. In this conversation, Lisa Hendry and Mark Pratt discuss the critical importance of data strategy in business, emphasising the need to ask 'why' when capturing data. They explore the role of data in business transformation and the significance of change management, highlighting that people are key to successful implementation. The discussion also touches on mentorship and networking, stressing the value of building relationships throughout one's career. Finally, they delve into the future of contracting, suggesting a shift towards consultancy as a more flexible and beneficial approach for both contractors and clients.

Key Takeaways

✨ How transitioned from recruitment consultant to project manager.
✨ Global implementation experiences provided her with diverse exposure.
✨ Building relationships with recruiters is crucial for success.
✨ Understanding the dynamics of recruitment can help contractors.
✨ Personal accountability is key in contracting roles.
✨ Networking significantly increases chances of securing roles.
✨ Effective communication and planning are vital in project management.
✨ Asking 'why' can lead to better business decisions.
✨ Change management should focus on people, not just systems.
✨ Understanding the psychology of people can enhance project success.
✨ Legacy systems can hinder progress; adapt to new technologies.
✨ The future of contracting may lie in outcome-based services.

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Thanks for tuning into The Pulse Podcast. Remember, we're always looking for new voices and perspectives to enrich our discussions. Think you've got something to share? Fill out our guest application form here.

Catch new episodes every Tuesday. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated.

Until next time,
Mark and the team!

"What do you want to achieve?"

In this episode of the Pulse Podcast, host Mark Pratt engages with Benjamin Smith, an experienced project manager, to explore his journey from engineering to leading global project teams. They discuss key strategies for empowering teams, navigating cultural differences, and the importance of governance and metrics in project management. Benjamin shares insights on the shift towards outcome-based working, the challenges of defining outcomes, and the role of language in securing opportunities in the European market. The conversation also touches on the future of project management in the age of AI and the significance of personal connections in securing freelance roles.

Key Takeaways

✨ Empowering teams is crucial for project success.
✨ Understanding cultural differences enhances global project management.
✨ Defining clear outcomes is essential for project alignment.
✨ Outcome-based working is a growing trend in project management.
✨ Effective governance and metrics drive project success.
✨ Language skills can open doors in the European market.
✨ Building personal networks is key to securing freelance work.
✨ AI will augment project management roles but won't replace human skills.
✨ Soft skills will become increasingly important in project management.
✨ Embracing change is vital for project success.

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Thanks for tuning into The Pulse Podcast. Remember, we're always looking for new voices and perspectives to enrich our discussions. Think you've got something to share? Fill out our guest application form here.

Catch new episodes every Tuesday. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated.

Until next time,
Mark and the team!

"Keep your hand on the pulse" - Amit Shah

In this episode of the Pulse Podcast, Amit shares his career journey from consulting to his current role at HSBC, emphasising the importance of specialisation in regulatory compliance and project management. He discusses unique selling points that set professionals apart in the consulting field, the value of mentorship, and practical advice for early-career individuals. Amit also highlights the significance of continuous professional development, effective networking, and learning from mistakes. He concludes with insights on engaging with new technologies, including AI, and their impact on project management. In this conversation, Amit discusses the transformative impact of AI on project management, emphasising its potential to enhance efficiency and support specialised roles. He shares insights on the evolving gig economy, the importance of servant leadership, and the necessity of maintaining work-life balance. Amit also highlights the significance of continuous learning and adapting to new technologies in a rapidly changing landscape.

Key Takeaways
✨ Amit's career began in consulting with a big four firm.
✨ Specialisation in regulatory compliance is crucial for career longevity.
✨ Building relationships is a key unique selling point.
✨ Mentorship can provide valuable perspectives and growth opportunities.
✨ Early career professionals should define their career direction.
✨ Continuous professional development is essential in a fast-changing environment.
✨ Networking should be maintained even when secure in a role.
✨ Learning from mistakes is vital for professional growth.
✨ Engaging with new technologies can enhance project delivery.
✨ AI tools are becoming increasingly relevant in project management. AI can significantly reduce administrative burdens for specialized roles.
✨ The gig economy's evolution will depend on industry-specific factors.
✨ Servant leadership fosters trust and credibility among teams.
✨ Work-life balance is essential for long-term career sustainability.
✨ Continuous learning is vital in adapting to technological advancements.
✨ AI tools can help summarise vast amounts of information quickly.
✨ Effective communication is key to successful leadership.
✨ Career growth is non-linear and should be approached with flexibility.

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Thanks for tuning into The Pulse Podcast. Remember, we're always looking for new voices and perspectives to enrich our discussions. Think you've got something to share? Fill out our guest application form here.

Catch new episodes every Tuesday. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated.

Until next time,
Mark and the team!

"In project management, relationships aren’t optional—they’re essential."

Summary
In this episode of the Pulse podcast, Mark Pratt interviews Lisa Ali, a seasoned project manager with extensive experience in the public sector. Lisa shares her journey into project management, emphasising the importance of networking, personal branding, and the ability to adapt in various roles. She discusses her impactful projects, particularly with the Associated Press, and the lessons learned from her experiences. Lisa also offers valuable advice for aspiring project professionals, highlights the significance of technology in the field, and reflects on the future of interim work amidst changing regulations. The conversation concludes with insights on leadership, continuous learning, and the importance of honesty in professional growth.

Key Takeaways

✨ Lisa fell into project management by accident.
✨ Networking and word of mouth are crucial for career growth.
✨ Being flexible and relentless is key to success.
✨ You are only as good as your last project.
✨ Building relationships is essential in project management.
✨ Luck plays a role in career opportunities.
✨ Creating boundaries is important for interim professionals.
✨ Technology is changing the landscape of project management.
✨ Understanding change management theory is valuable.
✨ Don't be afraid to admit when you don't know something.

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Thanks for tuning into The Pulse Podcast. Remember, we're always looking for new voices and perspectives to enrich our discussions. Think you've got something to share? Fill out our guest application form here.

Catch new episodes every Tuesday. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated.

Until next time,
Mark and the team!

"I did the job that I wanted to do, not what I was paid for."

🔥 In this episode of the Pulse Podcast, Maxine Gregory shares her extensive journey in project management, detailing her transition from operations to project delivery and her leap into contracting. She emphasises the importance of networking, personal accountability, and the evolving landscape of project management. Maxine reflects on significant projects, the lessons learned from mistakes, and offers valuable insights into navigating the current contracting market. She also discusses the future trends in contracting and project management, highlighting the need for adaptability and continuous learning.

🔥 Takeaways

• Max did the job she wanted to do, not just what she was paid for.
• Formal training in project management can enhance confidence and skills.
• Networking is crucial for finding new opportunities in contracting.
• Managing what you have is key to success in project management.
• Building relationships without an agenda is essential for effective networking.
• Mistakes in stakeholder management can lead to valuable lessons.
• The contracting market is currently quieter, but opportunities still exist.
• Personal accountability is vital in a competitive job market.
• Future trends indicate a rise in fractional consulting roles.
• Continuous learning and adaptability are necessary for project managers.

🔥 Guest Appearance
Maxine Gregory

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Thanks for tuning into The Pulse Podcast. Remember, we're always looking for new voices and perspectives to enrich our discussions. Think you've got something to share? Fill out our guest application form here.

Catch new episodes every Tuesday. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated.

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Mark and the team!

In this clip, Maxine discusses how she approaches "cold outreaching" to potential opportunities.

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Thanks for tuning into The Pulse Podcast. Remember, we're always looking for new voices and perspectives to enrich our discussions. Think you've got something to share? Fill out our guest application form here.

Catch new episodes every Tuesday. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated.

Until next time,
Mark and the team!