How to Scale Your Public Health Consulting Business Beyond Solo Consulting

Register for the Business of Public Health Summit![April 10, 2026, Atlanta, GA]In this podcast conversation, Dr. Desiree “Dr. Des” Strickland and Dr. Brittny Wells (Doc Bee) explored what it really means to scale a public health consulting business—and why many consultants remain stuck trading time for money. The discussion began by unpacking what solo consulting often looks like in practice: professionals securing contracts while still maintaining full-time roles, with income directly tied to the number of hours they personally work. While consulting can offer flexibility and additional income, the speakers emphasized that it does not automatically eliminate burnout. Without clear boundaries and thoughtful decision-making, consultants can still take on too much work or commit to contracts that do not align with their long-term goals.The conversation then shifted to what scaling actually means for public health consultants. Rather than simply working more, scaling involves increasing impact and revenue without proportionally increasing personal workload. Dr. Des and Doc Bee discussed the signs that a consultant may be ready to scale, including consistent demand, repeat clients, a clearly defined area of expertise, and established credibility. They also highlighted practical ways consulting businesses grow beyond solo work, such as hiring subcontractors, developing structured service offerings, implementing repeatable systems, and strategically expanding the client base. Ultimately, scaling requires an identity shift—from consultant to firm owner, and from operator to leader. The episode concluded by connecting these concepts to the upcoming summit, where attendees will learn the foundational business strategies necessary before attempting to scale a consulting practice.5 Key TakeawaysSolo consulting often means trading time for money. Many consultants increase income by taking on more contracts, but their earning potential remains tied to the hours they personally work.Consulting doesn’t automatically prevent burnout. Without careful consideration of contract scope, workload, and capacity, consultants can still experience the same pressures as traditional employment.Scaling means increasing impact without increasing personal workload. True growth happens when systems, services, and teams allow work to expand beyond one individual’s time.Clear signals show when it’s time to scale. Consistent demand, repeat clients, a defined expertise area, and established credibility often indicate that a consulting practice is ready to grow.Scaling requires an identity shift. Moving from consultant to firm owner means transitioning from doing all the work yourself to leading people, systems, and strategy.https://www.drdesshow.com/https://www.publichealthclub.com/