PODCAST · business
Consulting Leaders
by GHA Marketing
Consulting Leaders brings together the sharpest minds in the consulting world, revealing how top professionals think, build trust, and grow thriving practices. Hosted by Guillaume Jouvencel, ex-PwC and co-founder of GHA Marketing, the show offers rare conversations with consultants who lead by example.
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How to Build a Professional Services Firm That Clients Keep Coming Back To With Torgeir Vierdal
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Torgeir Vierdal has spent more than 20 years across consulting, marketing and creative communications. In 2011, he co-founded Anorak and helped grow the firm from four people to more than 50. Anorak joined NoA in 2014, and Torgeir spent more than a decade as its CEO before leaving Anorak and NoA in 2022.Today, Torgeir is a Founding Partner at Nourish Global, a growth strategy, innovation and culture change consultancy. Nourish works at the intersection of strategy, culture, organisation and innovation, helping businesses rethink where their next phase of growth will come from.On The Principal Podcast, we explore the business behind Torgeir's work: how he attracts and wins clients, builds trust with senior decision-makers, creates client relationships that keep generating work over many years, and builds teams capable of doing differentiated work. We also get into where he sees the professional services market heading as AI changes the value of knowledge, creativity and human judgment.Proposed Interview Structure:1. You describe yourself as an "accidental co-founder." How did you first find your way into the professional services world, and what eventually made you want to build firms of your own?2. At Nourish Global, what specific problem are you helping clients solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally?3. Who are the ideal clients for Nourish today, and within those organisations, who usually holds the decision to bring you in and hire the firm?4. When it comes to growing Nourish and getting in front of the right clients, how are clients typically finding you today, and what has worked best for you in generating new business?Current Acquisition Channels: Referral Sub Question: Given your background in communications and brand building, what do you think about podcasts as a marketing and trust-building tool for professional services firms? 5. Strategy, innovation and culture work can involve a lot of trust and multiple stakeholders. Once a potential client is interested, how do you typically take that relationship from an initial conversation to a signed engagement?6. You've had client relationships that have lasted more than a decade. What do you do to make sure clients keep coming back, continue seeing value in the relationship, and ultimately see you as a long-term partner rather than a one-off provider?7. As you build Nourish and enter another chapter as a professional services founder, where do you find yourself most challenged right now, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Torgeir Vierdal Website Link: https://www.nourish.global/Connect with Torgeir Vierdal on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torgeir-vierdal-a2011687/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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379
How to Build Authority and Win B2B Clients Through Industry Content With Winn Hardin
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Winn Hardin has spent his career at the intersection of journalism, publishing, and B2B marketing. Since 1998, he has led TECH B2B Marketing, working across industrial automation, machine vision, photonics, aerospace, automotive, semiconductors, manufacturing, and other highly technical markets.Over that time, TECH B2B Marketing has worked with organizations including HP, Microsoft, IBM, FedEx, Cognex, Datalogic, Güdel, Grant Thornton, and SAIC, as well as major trade associations and publishers. Winn's experience offers a useful perspective for professional services leaders on what it takes to build credibility, translate expertise into demand, and compete in markets where trust and subject-matter knowledge matter.We’ll dig into the business behind that work: how Winn finds and wins clients, how TECH B2B positions itself in specialized markets, what keeps clients coming back, how podcasting and content fit into the firm's growth strategy, and where Winn sees the next opportunities for his business.Proposed Interview Structure:1. You came from journalism and publishing before building TECH B2B Marketing. What led you to start the firm, and how has the business evolved since then?2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve through TECH B2B Marketing today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and within those organizations, who usually holds the decision to bring you in and hire the firm?4. After more than 25 years in business, how are new clients finding TECH B2B Marketing today, and what has worked best for you when it comes to consistently generating new business?Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Google Ads, Webinars, Podcast (guesting), Podcast (hosting), Speaking engagements Sub Question: You also have firsthand experience with Manufacturing Matters. What role has podcasting played in building relationships and authority for the business, and how do you see podcasts fitting into the marketing strategy of other professional services firms?5. When you have the right prospect in front of you, how do you take them from initial interest to becoming a client, particularly when you're selling specialized expertise rather than a standardized product?6. Once you've won a client, what do you do to keep delivering enough value that they come back, expand the relationship, and ultimately become a long-term client of the firm?7. After leading TECH B2B Marketing for more than 25 years, where do you find yourself most challenged right now as a firm leader, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Winn HardinWebsite Link: https://techb2b.com/ Connect with Winn Hardin on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winn-hardin-techb2b/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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How to Grow a Consulting Firm Through AI With Michelle Tinsley
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Michelle Tinsley has built her career at the intersection of technology, strategy, and execution. Today, she leads Sciata, where the team provides specialists, custom software, analytics, and AI capabilities to help organizations turn data into actionable intelligence. Sciata brings more than a decade of experience and has worked across 400+ engagements, including multiple Fortune 100 clients. Michelle also brings the perspective of a founder and operator. She founded Tinsley Retail Insights and previously co-founded and served as COO of YellowBird, an on-demand marketplace for environmental, health, and safety professionals. Alongside operating businesses, she has served on corporate and advisory boards and has been active in angel investing. For leaders of professional services firms, Michelle’s experience raises an important question: how do you build a firm that can stay relevant as the problems clients need solved continue to change? We’ll explore how she thinks about positioning, client acquisition, sales, retention, leadership, and growth while operating in the rapidly evolving AI and data transformation market. Proposed Interview Structure:1. You’ve worked across large companies, startups, boards, and now lead Sciata. What originally pulled you toward building and leading professional services businesses? 2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve through Sciata today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients at Sciata, and within those organizations, who usually holds the decision to bring you in and hire you? 4. How are clients typically finding Sciata today, and what have you found works best for consistently attracting new business? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Podcast (guesting), Speaking engagements Sub Question: What do you think about podcasting as a marketing and trust-building tool for firms selling complex services like AI, data, and digital transformation? 5. AI and digital transformation engagements can involve multiple stakeholders, significant budgets, and long sales cycles. How do you personally move a prospective client from the first conversation to trusting Sciata enough to sign an engagement? 6. Once a client starts working with Sciata, what do you do to keep them coming back and build a long-term relationship where Sciata becomes a trusted partner rather than a one-off provider? 7. As you look at growing Sciata from where it is today, where do you find yourself most challenged right now as a professional services leader, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Michelle TinsleyWebsite Link: http://www.sciata.com Connect with Michelle Tinsley on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-tinsley/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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How to Build a Growth Firm Clients Keep Coming Back To With Jeff Davis
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Jeff Davis has spent his career building and leading businesses where growth has to translate into measurable client outcomes. Today, as CEO of Coalmarch, he leads a specialized business helping pest control and lawn care companies generate revenue and grow.Before Coalmarch, Jeff held senior leadership roles across WorkWave, TEAM Software, Kwantek, and ZirMed. As President of Kwantek, he drove double-digit growth and helped lead the business toward its eventual acquisition by TEAM Software. He later took responsibility for P&L, go-to-market strategy, sales, and marketing across larger business units.For founders, Managing Partners, and CEOs of professional services firms, Jeff’s experience raises an important question: how do you keep growing without weakening the business underneath? We’ll explore how he approaches positioning, sales, client retention, team building, execution, and the opportunities ahead for specialized service firms.Proposed Interview Structure:1. You’ve built your career across sales, technology, growth, and executive leadership. What ultimately led you to Coalmarch and to running a specialized business serving pest control and lawn care companies?2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve through Coalmarch today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally?3. Who is the ideal Coalmarch client today, and within those businesses, who usually holds the decision to bring you in and hire you?4. How do your best clients typically find Coalmarch, and what have you learned about building enough trust and authority in a specialized market that the right clients come to you? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Cold outreach Sub Question: What do you think about podcasts as a marketing and trust-building tool for firms selling expertise and professional services?5. When a prospect is considering Coalmarch, how do you take them from initial interest to actually trusting your team with their growth? What does your sales process look like when you’re selling expertise rather than just a defined product?6. Once you win a client, how do you make sure Coalmarch continues delivering enough value that they want to keep coming back? What have you learned about building client relationships that last for years rather than individual projects or campaigns?7. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as the CEO of Coalmarch, if at all?8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for Coalmarch and the kind of growth work you do over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Jeff DavisWebsite Link: http://www.coalmarch.comConnect with Jeff Davis on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdavisexec/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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How to Build a Professional Services Firm That Clients Trust for Decades With Steve Shoultz
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Steve Shoultz has spent more than three decades in the insurance industry, working across both commercial and personal lines. In 2005, he founded Priority Risk Management with a clear philosophy: help clients understand the risks they face so they can make informed decisions about how to protect themselves and their businesses.That philosophy has shaped how Steve approaches more than insurance. It influences how his firm earns trust, sells its expertise, retains clients, and builds relationships that last. Like many professional services firms, Priority Risk Management operates in a business where clients are buying expertise and confidence long before they can see the outcome.In this conversation, we get into the business behind the expertise: how Steve attracts and wins clients, turns trust into long-term relationships, builds a team around his approach, and thinks about the next stage of growth. For founders, Managing Partners, and CEOs of professional services firms, Steve’s experience offers a practical look at building a firm clients continue to rely on over time.Proposed Interview Structure:1. You’ve spent more than 30 years in insurance and have been building Priority Risk Management since 2005. What originally got you into this business, and what made you want to build a firm of your own?2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve through Priority Risk Management, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and within those organizations, who typically holds the decision to bring you in and hire your firm?4. When you look at how Priority Risk Management has grown, where do your best clients typically come from, and what has worked best for you in consistently generating new business?Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Cold outreach Sub Question: What do you think about podcasts as a marketing and trust-building tool for insurance firms and professional services businesses more broadly?5. Insurance and risk management require clients to place a lot of trust in the person advising them. When a potential client comes into your world, how do you take them from an initial conversation to feeling confident enough to hire your firm?6. Once you win a client, what do you do to make sure they keep coming back, continue seeing value in the relationship, and ultimately stay with Priority Risk Management for the long term?7. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as the founder and President of Priority Risk Management, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for Priority Risk Management and your work in risk management over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Steve ShoultzWebsite Link: http://www.priorityrisk.com Connect with Steve Shoultz on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-shoultz-a1b5153/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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How to Build a Professional Services Firm Clients Trust With Critical Decisions With David Berk
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************David Berk has spent much of his career at the intersection of executive search, leadership, and company building. He began his career in executive search before moving into operating roles at Hired, where he progressed from Director of Recruiting to Senior Director of Marketplace Operations during the company's high-growth years.He later served as VP of GTM at Porch before returning to executive search as a Partner at Beacon in 2019. That combination of advisory and operating experience gives David a valuable perspective on building a professional services business: earning trust, understanding what clients actually need, and delivering when the stakes are high.In this conversation, we’ll unpack how David approaches growth at Beacon, including who they serve, how they generate new business, how they sell executive search, what keeps clients coming back, and where he sees the biggest opportunities for the industry ahead.Proposed Interview Structure:1. You started your career in executive search, spent several years operating inside high-growth tech companies, and then came back to the search business. What originally drew you to executive search, and what ultimately brought you back?2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve through Beacon, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and within those firms, who usually holds the decision to bring Beacon in and hire you?4. Executive search is a very trust- and relationship-driven business. How are your best clients finding you today, and what has worked best for Beacon when it comes to consistently generating new business?Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Cold outreach Sub Question: What do you think about podcasts as a marketing tool for executive search and other relationship-driven professional services firms?5. You’re asking clients to trust you with some of the most important hires they’ll make. How do you approach the sales process and turn that initial relationship into a signed engagement?6. Once you’ve delivered a successful search, what do you do to make sure that client comes back to Beacon for the next one? How do you build those relationships so they compound over time rather than remaining one-off engagements?7. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now when it comes to building and growing Beacon, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about David BerkWebsite Link: https://www.beacontalent.ioConnect with David Berk on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrberk/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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How to Scale a Professional Services Firm Without Losing What Made It Work With Tim Ringel
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Tim Ringel has spent nearly three decades building and leading businesses across marketing, advertising, and consulting. In 2021, he founded Meet The People, an independent agency group designed to bring together specialized firms across strategy, creative, media, data, technology, and execution.Meet The People has since grown to 850+ people across 13 offices in the US and Canada, working with global and mid-market brands including IBM, Google, LG, LVMH, L'Oréal, Moderna, Nespresso, and others. Tim and his team have also expanded the group through acquisitions, bringing together firms with different capabilities, clients, and cultures under a broader platform.For founders, Managing Partners, and CEOs of professional services firms, Tim's experience raises an important question: how do you build a firm that can keep growing without losing the people, client trust, and entrepreneurial culture that made it valuable? We’ll get into how Tim approaches client acquisition, sales, retention, acquisitions, leadership, and the next stage of growth.Proposed Interview Structure:1. You’ve spent nearly three decades building and leading professional services businesses around the world. What originally pulled you into this industry, and what eventually led you to start Meet The People?2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve through Meet The People today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally?3. Who are the ideal clients for Meet The People today, and within those organizations, who usually holds the decision to bring you in?4. How do new clients typically find Meet The People today, and what have you learned about consistently creating demand and building trust with the kinds of organizations you want to work with?Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Podcast (guesting), Speaking engagements, Cold outreachSub Question: You’re personally active in thought leadership, interviews, and industry media. What do you think about podcasting as a marketing and trust-building tool for leaders of professional services firms?5. You work with some very large organizations where the buying process can involve multiple stakeholders and a long sales cycle. How do you approach that process, and what have you learned about turning an initial conversation into a long-term client?6. Once you’ve won a client, how do you make sure they want to keep working with you? What have you found matters most when it comes to building trust, delivering consistently, and turning engagements into long-term relationships?7. You’ve built Meet The People to more than 850 people while continuing to acquire and integrate new firms. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as a founder and CEO, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Tim RingelWebsite Link: http://www.meet-the-people.comConnect with Tim Ringel on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-ringel/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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How to Build a Firm That Adapts and Lasts Through AI-Driven Transformation With Dr. Kion Ahadi
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Dr. Kion Ahadi has spent more than two decades helping organisations navigate complex periods of change. Today, he is Chief Executive of the Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE), where he leads strategy, governance, operational performance, and the organisation's transition towards a digital-first, AI-enabled public service.His career has put him on multiple sides of the leadership table. He has led research and transformation programmes, advised founders, served on boards, influenced national policy discussions, and worked with senior leaders to turn data and technology into practical outcomes. His work includes leading Future Worlds 2050 at The Law Society and research that contributed to Project Diamond, the diversity monitoring framework used by UK broadcasters.For founders, Managing Partners, and CEOs of professional services firms, Kion's experience raises a bigger question than simply how to adopt AI: how do you build an organisation capable of adapting as the market changes? We get into how leaders earn trust, translate expertise into value, navigate complex buying decisions, build long-term relationships, develop teams, and use technology without losing the human judgement clients ultimately pay for.Proposed Interview Structure:1. You’ve spent more than 25 years across research, technology, policy, advisory work, and now executive leadership. What originally drew you into helping organisations solve complex problems, and how did that eventually lead you into the CEO and board-level work you do today?2. When founders, boards, or leadership teams bring you in, what specific problems are they typically trying to solve, and why have those problems become personally important for you to work on?3. Who is the ideal organisation or leadership team for the kind of advisory and transformation work you do, and who usually holds the decision to actually bring you in?4. You’ve built an audience of more than 60,000 people by sharing your thinking around AI, leadership, technology, and transformation. How has that translated into opportunities, and what have you learned about using expertise and thought leadership to build trust before a commercial conversation even starts?Current Acquisition Channels: Content, Webinars Speaking, engagements Sub Question: What do you think about podcasts as a marketing and authority-building tool for professional services firms?5. A lot of the work you do involves senior stakeholders, significant change, and decisions where trust matters. When you’re brought into those conversations, what helps move someone from recognising the problem to actually committing to working with you?6. Once you’re working with a founder, board, or leadership team, how do you keep demonstrating value, build the relationship, and make sure they want to keep bringing you back?7. With everything you’re doing across executive leadership, advisory work, boards, speaking, and writing, where do you find yourself most challenged right now, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? Know more about Dr. Kion AhadiWebsite Link: http://www.lease-advice.orgConnect with Dr. Kion Ahadi on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kionahadi/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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How to Grow a Professional Services Firm by Solving Strategy Execution With Dr. Valerie James
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Great consulting doesn't stop at strategy, it helps clients execute. Dr. Valerie James has spent nearly three decades helping organizations bridge the gap between ambitious plans and measurable results by aligning people, processes, and priorities.As Chief Strategy Officer at VisionSpot Consulting Group and a Six Sigma Black Belt, she works with executive teams to simplify complex challenges through leadership development, performance management systems, and data-driven decision-making. Her work spans corporate organizations, higher education, workforce development, and public-sector institutions.In this conversation, we discuss how firm leaders can position themselves as strategic partners, earn long-term trust from executive buyers, retain clients through measurable results, and build businesses that create lasting impact.Proposed Interview Structure:1. What got you into professional services, and what led you to focus your career on strategy execution and organizational effectiveness?2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve today, and why is solving that problem so personally important to you?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring VisionSpot in? Is it the CEO, executive leadership team, HR, or someone else?4. How do your best clients typically discover VisionSpot today, and what's worked best for attracting the kinds of engagements you want more of?Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Speaking engagements, NetworkingSub Question: Podcasting has become a powerful way for professional services firms to build authority. What role do you think podcasts can play in building trust and generating opportunities in your industry?5. Your engagements often involve significant organizational change. How do you typically move prospective clients from an initial conversation to a signed engagement?6. Once a client starts working with VisionSpot, how do you build relationships that keep them coming back? What's your approach to delivering value that leads to long-term partnerships rather than one-off projects?7. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as the leader of a professional services firm, if at all?8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for strategy execution, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Dr. Valerie JamesWebsite Link: https://www.vscleadership.com/Connect with Dr. Valerie Jameson LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvaleriedwjames/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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How to Win Clients Through Content & AI With Nicole MacLean
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Nicole MacLean has built her career around making marketing accountable to business growth. Her experience spans demand generation, partnerships, sales enablement, account management, and revenue leadership, giving her a view of the entire journey from attracting a prospect to building a long-term client relationship.At Compose.ly, Nicole progressed from Head of Marketing to Chief Revenue Officer and then CEO. Along the way, she helped increase total company revenue by 23%, improve new-business close rates by 67%, grow upsell revenue by 55% year over year, and launch a new service line that generated more than $1 million in 16 months.On this episode of The Principal Podcast, we’ll unpack how Nicole approaches growth from the CEO seat: how Compose.ly wins clients, how content and search are changing in the age of AI, how the firm turns new engagements into lasting relationships, and what it takes to build and lead a professional services business positioned for long-term growth.Proposed Interview Structure:1. You started in marketing, moved into revenue leadership, and recently stepped into the CEO role at Compose.ly. What got you into this business in the first place, and how did that journey shape the way you lead the firm today?2. What specific problem is Compose.ly helping clients solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and within those organizations, who usually holds the decision to bring Compose.ly in?4. When it comes to growing Compose.ly itself, how do your best clients typically find you, and what has worked best for building trust and generating new business?Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Google Ads, Podcast (hosting)Sub Question: You’ve launched and worked with podcasts yourself. What do you think about podcasting as a marketing and relationship-building tool for professional services firms?5. Professional services can have a longer, trust-driven sales process. How does Compose.ly take someone from initial interest to actually signing an engagement, and what have you learned about getting those deals over the line?6. Once a client starts working with Compose.ly, what do you do to make sure they continue seeing value, keep coming back, and ultimately develop into a long-term client relationship?7. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as the CEO of a growing professional services business, if at all?8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Nicole MacLeanWebsite Link: https://compose.lyConnect with Nicole MacLean on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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How to Scale a Relationship-Driven Business Through Community With Jennifer Jeronimo
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Jennifer Jeronimo spent nearly 20 years at J.P. Morgan before becoming CEO of Gaingels in 2021. Since then, she has helped scale an investment network that now includes more than 5,000 members and 2,600+ portfolio companies, with over $1 billion invested.At the center of Gaingels is a model built heavily on relationships. The organization brings together investors, founders, portfolio companies, and partners while using its network to create opportunities that extend beyond capital, from board placements and executive recruitment to investor education and development.For leaders of professional services firms, Jennifer’s experience offers an interesting perspective on what it takes to grow a business where reputation, relationships, and trust matter. We’ll get into how Gaingels attracts the right people, turns relationships into long-term partnerships, maintains its community as it scales, and how Jennifer thinks about leading the organization into its next stage of growth.Proposed Interview Structure:1. You spent nearly 20 years at J.P. Morgan before becoming CEO of Gaingels. What led you into this business, and what made you want to take on the challenge of leading and growing Gaingels? 2. What specific problem are you helping Gaingels’ investors and portfolio companies solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are the ideal investors, founders, or partners for Gaingels today, and who usually makes the decision to bring Gaingels into the relationship or work with you?4. In a business that depends so much on credibility and relationships, how do the right investors, founders, and partners typically find Gaingels, and what has worked best for you in generating new opportunities?Current Acquisition Channels: ReferralSub Question: You’ve been a guest on several podcasts yourself. What do you think about podcasting as a way for leaders in financial and professional services to build trust, relationships, and new business?5. Investment and professional services both tend to have complex sales processes where trust has to be built before someone commits. What does that process look like at Gaingels, and how do you move a promising relationship from initial interest to commitment? 6. Once someone becomes part of the Gaingels network, how do you make sure the relationship continues to create enough value that they keep coming back and stay engaged with you for the long term? 7. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as the CEO of a growing, relationship-driven organization like Gaingels, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Jennifer Jeronimo Website Link: http://gaingels.com/Connect with Jennifer Jeronimo on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-jeronimo1/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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369
How to Grow a Trust-Driven Professional Services Business Through Strategic Positioning With Martin Rowinski
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Martin Rowinski has built Boardsi around a challenge many professional services leaders will recognize: connecting the right expertise with the right client at the right time. Boardsi helps senior executives position themselves for board and advisory opportunities while helping companies access experienced leadership talent.Building that kind of business requires more than a strong service. Trust has to be established before the sale, expectations need to be managed carefully, and the relationship needs to continue creating value after a client signs.In this conversation, we’ll explore how Martin has approached those challenges while growing Boardsi into an Inc. 5000 company, from finding and winning the right clients to retention, positioning, leadership, and what he sees changing in the executive services market.Proposed Interview Structure:1. You’ve gone from a background in technology to building Boardsi into an Inc. 5000 company. How did you get into this business, and what made you decide this was a problem worth building a company around?2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve through Boardsi today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually holds the decision to bring Boardsi in or hire you?4. You’re selling in a market where credibility and trust matter enormously. How do your best clients find you today, and what have you learned about consistently generating new business as Boardsi has grown?Current Acquisition Channels: Sub Question: You also host The Leadership Match. How has podcasting fit into your marketing strategy, and what do you think about podcasts as a growth and authority-building tool for professional services firms?5. When a prospective client first enters your world, what does the journey from initial interest to becoming a paying client actually look like, and what tends to make the biggest difference in getting the deal across the line? 6. Once you win a client, how do you make sure they continue seeing value, keep coming back, and ultimately develop a long-term relationship with Boardsi? 7. You’ve already scaled Boardsi significantly. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as the CEO of a growing professional services business, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Martin RowinskiWebsite Link: https://boardsi.com/Connect with Martin Rowinski on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinrowinski/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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368
How to Build an AI Product Firm That Scales Through 0→1 Execution With Brian Ritter
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Everyone is talking about AI, but very few organizations know how to turn AI into products that create real business value. That gap is exactly where Brian Ritter and R2 Consulting have built their business. With more than 15 years of experience launching over 50 software platforms, Brian helps founders and enterprise leaders validate ideas, build scalable SaaS products, and navigate the journey from concept to production. His approach combines product strategy, analytics, and AI with disciplined execution. In this conversation, we discuss how to build a specialized professional services firm, earn long-term client trust, sell complex engagements, lead technical teams, and where AI consulting is headed over the next several years. Proposed Interview Structure:1. What first led you into product consulting, and what made you decide to build R2 Consulting around helping organizations take products from zero to one? 2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring your firm in? 4. How do your best clients usually find R2 Consulting, and what's been your most effective strategy for growing the firm? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral Sub Question: What role do you think podcasts play in building authority and generating opportunities for professional services firms? 5. Your engagements involve significant investment and trust. How do you typically move prospects from an initial conversation to becoming long-term clients? 6. Once you've won a client, what do you do to make sure they continue seeing value, come back for future work, and develop into long-term relationships? 7. Where do you find yourself most challenged today as the founder of a growing AI product consulting firm, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Brian RitterWebsite Link: https://www.r2c.io/ Connect with Brian Ritter on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britter-mba/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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367
How to Scale Professional Services Through Trusted AI Adoption With Spenser Segal
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************AI is reshaping every professional services industry, but technology alone isn't what creates lasting competitive advantage. The firms that will lead the next decade are those that combine human expertise with better systems, stronger leadership, and disciplined execution. In this conversation, Spenser Segal shares what he's learned from more than 30 years helping financial services firms modernize the way they operate. We discuss how leaders should think about AI strategy, earning client trust, improving operational leverage, building teams, and creating businesses that continue to grow as technology evolves. Whether you lead a consulting firm, wealth management practice, accounting firm, agency, or another professional services business, this episode offers practical lessons for building a stronger, more resilient firm. Proposed Interview Structure:1. You've spent more than three decades at the intersection of technology, financial services, and business transformation. What originally led you to build ActiFi, and what inspired you to focus on helping firms grow? 2. What specific problem are you helping wealth management firms solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually makes the decision to bring ActiFi into an engagement? 4. What's been the most effective way you've built credibility and consistently attracted new clients for ActiFi over the years? Current Acquisition Channels: Podcast (guesting) Sub Question: What role do you think podcasts can play in helping professional services firms build authority and trust with potential clients? 5. Selling strategic transformation isn't a quick decision. How do you build enough trust to guide prospective clients from the first conversation to becoming long-term clients? 6. Once a firm becomes a client, how do you make sure they continue seeing value, deepen the relationship, and keep coming back to work with ActiFi? 7. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as the founder and CEO of ActiFi, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Spenser SegalWebsite Link: http://www.actifi.com Connect with Spenser Segal on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spensersegal/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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366
How to Scale an Advisory Firm by Becoming a Startup's GTM Partner With Luke Bivens
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Luke Bivens is the Founder of QC Growth, a go-to-market advisory firm helping Seed to Series A startups build predictable revenue through strategy and execution. His team works alongside founders to design scalable GTM systems, strengthen outbound sales, and establish the foundations needed for sustainable growth across AI, developer tools, healthcare, open source, and B2B SaaS. Rather than delivering recommendations from the sidelines, Luke has built QC Growth around embedded execution. That approach has helped position the firm as a long-term growth partner instead of a traditional consultant. Alongside leading QC Growth, Luke is also a startup advisor, investor, and founder of QC Ventures, giving him a unique perspective on what it takes to grow both clients and professional services firms in today's market. Proposed Interview Structure:1. What got you into startup sales and eventually led you to build QC Growth? Was there a defining moment when you realized founders needed a different kind of professional services partner? 2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring QC Growth in as a partner? 4. How do your best clients typically find you, and what's worked best for attracting the kinds of founders you enjoy working with? Current Acquisition Channels: Cold outreach Sub Question: Podcasting has become a powerful relationship-building tool for professional services firms. What's your perspective on podcasts as a marketing channel for businesses like yours? 5. Professional services often involve long sales cycles built on trust. How do you typically take a prospect from an initial conversation to becoming a long-term client? 6. Once you're working with a client, what's your approach to consistently delivering value, building trust, and creating relationships that keep clients coming back? 7. As QC Growth continues to expand across industries like AI, developer tools, and healthcare, where do you find yourself most challenged as the leader of a growing professional services firm, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Luke BivensWebsite Link: https://www.qcgrowth.com/ Connect with Luke Bivens on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-bivens-50054641/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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365
How to Build a Cybersecurity Firm That Clients Trust With Zach Fuller
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Many professional services firms focus on delivering technical expertise. Zach Fuller has built Silent Sector around something bigger: helping clients use cybersecurity as a strategic business advantage.As Managing Partner of Silent Sector, Zach works with mid-market organizations that need to meet growing cybersecurity and compliance demands while continuing to scale. Rather than simply providing security assessments or technology recommendations, his team helps organizations build mature security programs that create trust, reduce risk, and open the door to larger enterprise opportunities.Before founding Silent Sector, Zach served as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army's 7th Special Forces Group, where leadership, adaptability, and mission execution were non-negotiable. Those same principles now shape how he leads his firm, develops his team, and builds long-term client relationships in an increasingly competitive professional services market.Proposed Interview Structure:1. You had a unique journey from serving as a Green Beret to building a cybersecurity consulting firm. What got you into professional services, and how did that transition happen?2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and within those organizations, who usually holds the decision to bring Silent Sector in?4. Cybersecurity is a crowded market. How do your best clients typically find you, and what's worked best to attract new business that other professional services firm leaders could learn from? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Google Ads, Podcast (hosting), Speaking engagements Sub Question: You've been a podcast guest and regularly share thought leadership. What role do you think podcasting plays as a marketing tool for professional services firms?5. Professional services often involve multiple stakeholders and long sales cycles. From the first conversation to getting executive buy-in, how do you typically bring those opportunities across the finish line?6. Once a client starts working with Silent Sector, what do you do to make sure they continue seeing value, keep coming back, and build a long-term relationship with your team?7. As you've continued growing Silent Sector, where do you find yourself most challenged today as the leader of a growing professional services firm, if at all?8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for cybersecurity consulting over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Zach FullerWebsite Link: https://www.silentsector.com/Connect with Zach Fuller on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fullerzApply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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364
How to Win Higher-Value Clients Through Brand Strategy With Scott Markman
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Scott Markman is the Founder and President of MonogramGroup, a Chicago-based brand consultancy with decades of experience helping organizations clarify their positioning and create long-term business value. While his firm is best known for its work with private equity-backed portfolio companies, the principles behind his work apply to any professional services firm looking to stand out in a crowded market. Rather than viewing branding as a marketing exercise, Scott approaches it as a business strategy. His work focuses on aligning leadership, refining value propositions, and helping firms communicate who they are and why they matter, making it easier to win clients, expand relationships, and support sustainable growth. In this conversation, we'll explore how firm leaders can use brand strategy as a competitive advantage, avoid the messaging challenges that often come with growth, and position their firms for long-term success. Proposed Interview Structure:1. What got you into consulting, and what inspired you to build MonogramGroup? 2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually makes the decision to bring MonogramGroup in? 4. How do clients typically find MonogramGroup, and what's worked best for attracting the kinds of clients you want to work with? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Inbound leads Sub Question: What role do you think podcasting can play as a marketing tool for professional services firms? 5. Professional services often involve long sales cycles with multiple stakeholders. How do you typically guide prospects from an initial conversation to becoming a client? 6. Once you're working with a client, how do you make sure they continue seeing value, keep coming back, and build into long-term relationships with MonogramGroup? 7. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as the leader of a branding consultancy, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Scott MarkmanWebsite Link: https://www.monogramgroup.com/ Connect with Scott Markman on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmarkman/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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363
How to Scale Clients Into Nine-Figure Businesses With Joshua Kelly
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Joshua Kelly is the CEO and Co-Founder of Clover Growth Partners, a consulting and growth firm that helps home service businesses across the United States and Canada scale faster through marketing, operations, and strategic business guidance. Throughout his career, he has helped clients grow from a few million dollars in revenue to nine-figure businesses. His experience spans consulting, SaaS entrepreneurship, executive leadership within venture-backed companies, and advisory roles for several technology businesses serving the trades. That combination gives him a unique perspective on both building successful client businesses and building a successful professional services firm. In this conversation, Joshua shares how he has grown a consulting business around measurable client outcomes, built long-term client relationships, and where he sees the biggest opportunities for professional services firms as AI and technology continue reshaping the industries they serve. Proposed Interview Structure:1. What got you into building a consulting firm for the home service industry, and what convinced you this was the market where you could create the most value? 2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring you and your team into an engagement? 4. How do your best clients usually find Clover Growth Partners, and what marketing strategies have consistently worked that other professional services firms could learn from? Current Acquisition Channels: Paid ads, speaking engagements Sub Question: Podcasting has become an increasingly popular way to build authority. What role do you think podcasts can play in helping professional services firms attract the right clients? 5. Professional services often involve long sales cycles and multiple stakeholders. How do you build enough trust to consistently turn conversations into long-term client engagements? 6. Once a client starts working with you, what do you do to consistently deliver value, build trust, and create relationships that keep clients coming back year after year? 7. As you've continued growing Clover Growth Partners, where do you find yourself most challenged today as the leader of a professional services firm, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Joshua KellyWebsite Link: http://www.growwithclover.com/ Connect with Joshua Kelly on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-kelly-clover/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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362
How to Build a Professional Services Firm That Drives Lasting Revenue Growth With Matthew Naunton
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Many firms are hired to deliver a strategy. The real challenge is making that strategy stick.Matthew Naunton has spent his career helping organizations transform the way they sell by focusing on behaviours instead of theory. Having worked with more than 17,500 sellers and helped organizations generate billions in new revenue, he's developed practical frameworks that enable leaders to uncover what's really happening inside their commercial teams before deciding where to invest. In this conversation, Matthew explains how professional services firms can differentiate themselves by becoming trusted advisors rather than project vendors. We discuss diagnosing client challenges before prescribing solutions, creating lasting change that clients continue to benefit from after the engagement ends, and building a consulting business around measurable business outcomes instead of deliverables. Proposed Interview Structure:1. What got you into building a professional services business, and what experiences led you to focus on helping CROs and revenue leaders accelerate growth? 2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve, and why is solving that problem so important to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually makes the decision to bring you or your firm into an organization? 4. How do your best clients typically find you, and what's been the most effective way you've grown your professional services business that other firm owners could learn from? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Webinars, Podcast (guesting), Podcast (hosting) Sub Question: You're also the host of the Sales Transformers Podcast. What role do you think podcasting plays as a business development and relationship-building tool for professional services firms? 5. Professional services engagements often involve multiple stakeholders and lengthy buying decisions. How do you typically build trust and guide prospective clients from the first conversation through to signing the engagement? 6. Once a client starts working with you, how do you consistently deliver enough value that they continue working with your firm and become long-term clients? 7. As you've grown Sales Growth Team, where do you find yourself most challenged as the founder of a professional services firm today, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Matthew NauntonWebsite Link: https://www.sales-growth.team/Connect with Matthew Naunton on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnaunton/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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361
How to Build a Professional Services Firm That Delivers Measurable AI Results With Adam Grey
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Everyone is talking about AI, but very few firms know how to translate it into measurable business outcomes. Adam Grey has built Frontier Consulting around a simple philosophy: start with operational problems first, then choose the right technology to solve them.Drawing on experience in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, technology, and private equity, Adam helps organizations uncover inefficiencies, streamline operations, and improve profitability through practical AI and automation strategies rather than technology for technology's sake. In this conversation, we explore how Adam has built his advisory firm, how he earns long-term client trust, and what leaders of professional services firms can learn about positioning, growth, and delivering lasting value. Proposed Interview Structure:1. What originally got you into professional services, and how did your journey from computer science and entrepreneurship shape the firm you've built today? 2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually makes the decision to bring Frontier Consulting in? 4. How do your best clients typically find you, and what's worked best for growing your firm's reputation and attracting the right opportunities? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral Sub Question: Podcasting has become an increasingly popular way for professional services firms to build authority. What's your view on podcasts as a business development channel? 5. Professional services often involve long sales cycles and multiple decision-makers. How do you typically move prospects from an initial conversation to becoming a client? 6. Once you've won a client, how do you build the kind of relationships that keep clients coming back and referring more business to your firm? 7. Where do you find yourself most challenged today as the leader of a growing professional services firm, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Adam GreyWebsite Link: http://www.consultfrontier.comConnect with Adam Grey on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjohngrey/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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360
How to Build a Firm by Creating an Entirely New Market With Michael Feazel
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Michael Feazel has spent more than three decades building businesses in the roofing industry. After co-founding Feazel and growing it into one of the nation's leading roofing companies with more than 60,000 completed projects, he exited the business to pursue a bigger vision: extending the life of asphalt roofs while reducing unnecessary waste. That vision became Roof Maxx, a patented, soy-based roof rejuvenation technology developed alongside research partners including Battelle, The Ohio State University, The Ohio Soybean Council, and Airable Labs. Rather than competing in an existing market, Michael helped create an entirely new one, building a network of more than 350 dealers across the United States. For founders and managing partners of professional services firms, Michael's journey offers practical lessons on creating differentiation, earning market trust, leading innovation, and building a business that scales through strong partnerships rather than simply adding more clients. Proposed Interview Structure:1. You spent more than two decades building one of the country's leading roofing companies before launching Roof Maxx. What inspired you to move from running a successful contracting business to creating an entirely new category in your industry? 2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve today, and why is solving that problem so important to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually holds the decision to bring Roof Maxx into their business? 4. You introduced a solution that many people didn't even know was possible. How have you built awareness and attracted new dealers over the years, and what marketing lessons can other professional services firm leaders learn from your experience? Current Acquisition Channels: Cold outreach Sub Question: What role do you think podcasting can play as a marketing tool for firms looking to build authority and long-term trust in their industry? 5. Selling an innovative solution often means changing the way people think. How do you typically guide prospects from initial skepticism to becoming committed Roof Maxx partners? 6. Once someone becomes a Roof Maxx dealer, how do you ensure they continue seeing results, stay engaged with your business, and build a long-term relationship with your team? 7. After building multiple successful businesses over the past three decades, where do you find yourself most challenged today as a business leader? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Michael FeazelWebsite Link: http://roofmaxx.info/linkedin Connect with Michael Feazel on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-feazel-61801783/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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359
How to Build a Category-Leading Advisory Firm With John Leh
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Building a successful professional services firm isn't just about expertise, it's about becoming the trusted voice in your market. After nearly 15 years selling enterprise learning systems, John Leh launched Talented Learning with a different vision: provide independent advice in an industry where buyers often struggle to separate marketing from reality. Today, his firm helps organizations evaluate learning technologies, guides complex software purchasing decisions, and advises technology vendors on market strategy and positioning. In this conversation, we'll discuss how John built authority in a highly specialized niche, how content became one of his strongest growth engines, what it takes to maintain long-term client relationships, and why independence has become one of his firm's greatest competitive advantages. Proposed Interview Structure:1. What first drew you into the learning technology industry, and what ultimately led you to build Talented Learning as an independent advisory firm? 2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve today, and why is solving that problem something you're personally passionate about? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and within those organizations, who usually makes the decision to bring your firm in? 4. You've built a remarkable reputation through reports, webinars, articles, product reviews, and your podcast. Which marketing strategies have consistently generated the highest-quality business for your firm, and what can other professional services leaders learn from that? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Webinars, Podcast (guesting), Podcast (hosting), Speaking engagements, The Talented Learning Ecosystem Sub Question: You've invested heavily in podcasting as part of your content strategy. How valuable has podcasting been for building authority and attracting clients in your industry? 5. Professional services often involve long sales cycles and multiple stakeholders. How do you build enough trust to win complex advisory engagements? 6. Once a client starts working with Talented Learning, how do you consistently deliver value, earn repeat engagements, and build relationships that last for years? 7. Where do you find yourself most challenged today as the leader of a growing professional services firm, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about John LehWebsite Link: http://www.talentedlearning.com/Connect with John Leh on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnleh/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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358
How to Differentiate a Professional Services Firm Through Storytelling With Jeremy Sturt
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Most firms compete by offering similar expertise. Jeremy chose a different path. For more than 24 years, Just Add Water has combined theatre, storytelling, neuroscience, and experiential learning to help organisations improve leadership, culture, and collaboration. Rather than delivering traditional training, Jeremy's team designs experiences that create lasting behavioural change, helping clients tackle complex transformation challenges in ways that stick. In this conversation, we explore how developing a distinctive point of view, building long-term client relationships, and continually evolving with changing business needs has allowed Just Add Water to remain relevant for over two decades. We also discuss leadership in the age of AI, why human skills are becoming more valuable, and what every professional services leader can learn about standing out in a crowded market. Proposed Interview Structure:1. What got you into consulting, and how did your background in theatre and live performance shape the way you built Just Add Water? 2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually holds the decision to bring Just Add Water into an organisation? 4. How do new clients typically discover your firm, and what has worked best over the years to consistently generate new business? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Podcast (hosting), Speaking engagements Sub Question: You also host The Being Human Podcast. What role do you think podcasts can play as a marketing channel for professional services firms? 5. Your work is very different from traditional consulting or leadership training. How do you guide prospective clients from an initial conversation to confidently investing in your approach? 6. Many of your clients have stayed with Just Add Water for years. What do you do to build trust, retain clients, and create relationships that continue to generate new engagements over time? 7. After building Just Add Water for more than two decades, where do you find yourself most challenged today as the founder of a professional services firm, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for leadership development and organisational transformation over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Jeremy SturtWebsite Link: http://www.sojustaddwater.com/ Connect with Jeremy Sturt on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremysturt/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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357
How to Win Government Consulting Contracts With Pat Philbin
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Building a successful professional services firm in the government sector requires far more than technical expertise. It demands credibility, patience, deep client relationships, and the ability to consistently deliver measurable outcomes in highly complex environments. Pat Philbin has spent more than three decades leading inside the U.S. Coast Guard before building multiple consulting firms that help federal agencies improve logistics, financial management, organizational performance, and AI-enabled operational efficiency. In this conversation, we explore how Pat built his consulting business, approaches business development in the federal market, creates long-term client partnerships, and where he believes AI will reshape professional services over the coming years. Proposed Interview Structure:1. What got you into consulting after such a long career in the U.S. Coast Guard, and what made you decide to build businesses serving government agencies? 2. What specific problem are you helping government agencies solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually holds the decision to bring you in or hire your firm? 4. Government consulting is a relationship-driven business. How do new clients typically find you, and what's worked best for attracting new opportunities that other professional services firms can learn from? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Current clients Sub Question: What do you think about podcasting as a marketing tool for firms serving government agencies or other highly specialized industries? 5. Government consulting often involves long sales cycles, multiple stakeholders, and formal procurement processes. How do you usually navigate that journey and ultimately win the engagement? 6. Once you're working with a client, how do you make sure they continue coming back, build long-term relationships, and trust you with future engagements? 7. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as the leader of a government consulting firm, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Pat PhilbinWebsite Link: http://odstrat.com/ Connect with Pat Philbin on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-philbin-43a8211 Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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356
How to Win Bigger Clients Through Strategic Relationships With Michael Matthew
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Michael Matthew has spent more than 15 years building relationships across global finance, investment banking, private capital, and corporate strategy. After working with organizations including Rothschild & Co, Tencent, SoftBank Ventures, and Wynn Macau, he founded BlackRidge & Co, where he helps companies access strategic capital, influential partnerships, and high-value business opportunities.While Michael's world revolves around capital introductions, the lessons extend far beyond finance. Every professional services firm depends on trust, reputation, and relationships to grow. In this conversation, we'll unpack how principals can position themselves as trusted advisors, build networks that create opportunities, and develop client relationships that compound over time.Proposed Interview Structure:1. What first drew you into the world of finance, capital advisory, and ultimately building BlackRidge & Co?2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve, and why is solving that problem so important to you personally?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring you in or hire BlackRidge & Co?4. Your business is built almost entirely on trust and relationships. How have you positioned yourself and BlackRidge & Co to consistently attract high-quality opportunities? Current Acquisition Channels: Podcast (guesting), Podcast (hosting) Sub Question: What role do you think podcasting can play for founders and principals of professional services firms looking to build authority and attract better clients?5. Your work involves some of the world's most sophisticated investors, founders, and business leaders. How do you typically build enough trust to turn an initial conversation into a long-term client?6. Once you're working with a client, how do you make sure they continue coming back and that the relationship becomes a long-term partnership instead of a one-time engagement? 7. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as the CEO of BlackRidge & Co, if at all?8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for your work over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Michael MatthewWebsite Link: www.Blackridgeandco.comConnect with Michael Matthew on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/powerballller/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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355
How Professional Services Leaders Can Build AI Solutions Clients Actually Adopt With Jason Tatum
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Jason has spent his career solving one challenge: helping businesses create products that customers genuinely want to use. From his early days at Vonage to leading Product at CallRail and now serving as CEO of Mixmax AI, his work has consistently centered on understanding customers, simplifying complex problems, and delivering measurable outcomes. Today, Jason is leading Mixmax through its next phase of growth as AI reshapes the future of sales and customer engagement. His leadership combines product strategy, organizational design, and customer-centric thinking to help teams move faster while delivering better experiences. For founders, Managing Partners, and CEOs of professional services firms, Jason shares practical insights into leading through change, adopting AI responsibly, building products and services clients actually value, and creating organizations that continue growing as markets evolve. Proposed Interview Structure:1. What first pulled you into product leadership, and how did that journey eventually lead you to becoming CEO of Mixmax AI? 2. What specific problem are you helping your customers solve today, and why is solving that problem so important to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring Mixmax into their organization? 4. How do your best customers usually discover Mixmax, and what marketing strategies have consistently worked best to generate new business? Current Acquisition Channels: Cold outreach Sub Question: What role do you think podcasts can play as a marketing channel for professional services firms and B2B technology companies? 5. Selling AI platforms often involves multiple stakeholders and longer buying cycles. How do you typically build trust throughout that process and ultimately win the business? 6. Once someone becomes a customer, how do you ensure they continue seeing value, deepen the relationship, and keep coming back over the long term? 7. As you're leading Mixmax through its next stage of growth, where do you find yourself most challenged as a CEO today, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for AI-powered sales technology and customer productivity over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Jason TatumWebsite Link: http://www.mixmax.comConnect with Jason Tatum on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-tatum/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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354
How to Turn Strategy Into Results With Matt Roberts
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Many professional services firms don't struggle because they lack ideas, they struggle because execution breaks down as the business grows. Matt Roberts has spent years helping leadership teams solve exactly that problem by designing operating systems that improve alignment, accountability, and measurable outcomes. After building and exiting a venture-backed SaaS company, Matt now advises leadership teams on strategy execution, organizational design, OKRs, and AI-enabled operating models. His philosophy is simple: most businesses weren't intentionally designed, they evolved over time. Sustainable growth comes from intentionally designing how the business runs. In this episode, we explore how firm leaders can create better execution systems, build stronger teams, retain clients through consistent delivery, and prepare their businesses for an AI-enabled future. Proposed Interview Structure:1. You've been a SaaS founder, Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Product Officer, and now a strategy consultant. What ultimately pulled you into consulting, and what made you decide this was where you could create the biggest impact? 2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve today, and why is solving that problem so important to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually makes the decision to bring you in? 4. How do clients typically find you today, and what's worked best for attracting new business that other leaders of professional services firms could learn from? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Speaking engagements Sub Question: Podcasting has become an increasingly popular way to build authority. What role do you think podcasts can play as a marketing tool for professional services firms? 5. Professional services often involve long sales cycles and multiple decision-makers. How do you usually build trust, navigate those conversations, and ultimately win the engagement? 6. Once you've delivered results, how do you keep clients coming back? What's your approach to building long-term relationships and becoming a trusted advisor instead of a one-time consultant? 7. As someone helping organizations rethink strategy, execution, and AI, where do you find yourself most challenged as a consultant today, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for strategy execution, organizational design, and AI-enabled operating models over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Matt RobertsWebsite Link: https://zokri.com/Connect with Matt Roberts on LinkedInLinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertslondon Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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353
How Professional Services Firms Can Scale Without Operational Chaos With Aaron Hovivian
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************As professional services firms grow, operational complexity often grows even faster. Processes become inconsistent, accountability slips, and leaders find themselves pulled into every decision. Without the right systems, growth becomes harder instead of easier.Aaron Hovivian has spent more than a decade helping founders and CEOs build businesses that scale through stronger operations. As CEO of The Collab Team, he works with growing organizations to implement practical systems, measurable metrics, and accountability frameworks that help teams execute consistently while giving leaders the freedom to focus on growth. In this conversation, Aaron shares how operational discipline creates better client experiences, stronger teams, and more scalable businesses, lessons that apply across consulting, marketing, accounting, IT services, staffing, financial services, and beyond. Proposed Interview Structure:1. What got you into operations consulting, and what led you to build The Collab Team? 2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve, and why is solving that problem so important to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically holds the decision to bring you in or hire your team? 4. How do clients typically find you today, and what marketing strategies have been most effective for growing The Collab Team that other professional services firms can learn from? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Webinars, Podcast (guesting), Podcast (hosting), Speaking engagements Sub Question: You've appeared on podcasts and regularly host educational webinars. What role do you think podcasting plays as a marketing tool for professional services firms today? 5. Operations consulting often requires clients to rethink how they run their business. How do you build trust throughout the sales process and help prospects feel confident enough to move forward? 6. Once someone becomes a client, what do you do to consistently deliver value, strengthen the relationship, and keep clients coming back over the long term? 7. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as a founder and professional services leader, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Aaron HovivianWebsite Link: https://thecollabteam.com/Connect with Aaron Hovivian on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-hovivian/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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352
How to Win More High-Value Clients Through 1:1 Communication Coaching With Lucero Tagle
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************The best professional services firms don't win because they know the most, they win because they communicate their expertise in a way that inspires confidence. Whether you're pitching a new client, leading a board meeting, or guiding your team through change, communication is a competitive advantage. After overcoming her own fear of public speaking, Lucero Tagle built that advantage into her career. Today, as Co-Founder of PitchNinjas, she helps founders, executives, and leadership teams communicate with clarity under pressure, turning complex ideas into messages that influence decisions. PitchNinjas has coached thousands of professionals across organizations including Google, Netflix, American Express, Ericsson, Toyota, Pinterest, Peloton, Warner Bros., Volvo, WPP, and Estée Lauder. Alongside leading the business, Lucero advises founders through Google for Startups and invests in early-stage companies. In this episode, we explore how better communication helps professional services firms attract clients, strengthen relationships, develop leaders, and build businesses that scale. Proposed Interview Structure:1. What got you into communication coaching, and what ultimately led you to build PitchNinjas? 2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring PitchNinjas into an organization? 4. How do clients typically discover PitchNinjas, and what's worked best for consistently attracting new business that other professional services firm owners can learn from? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Webinars, Podcast (guesting), Podcast (hosting), Speaking engagements, Cold outreach, Network Sub Question: What role do you think podcasts can play as a marketing tool for professional services firms? 5. Professional services often involve long sales cycles and multiple stakeholders. What does your sales process look like, and how do you build enough trust to win the engagement? 6. Once a client starts working with PitchNinjas, how do you keep them coming back? What's been the key to building long-term client relationships instead of one-off engagements? 7. As you've grown PitchNinjas into a global coaching business, where do you find yourself most challenged today as a founder, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for leadership communication and executive coaching over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Lucero TagleWebsite Link: http://www.pitchninjas.com Connect with Lucero Tagle on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lucerotagle Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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351
How to Build a Professional Services Firm That Combines Growth Strategy with AI With Tim Wort
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Growth and AI are often treated as separate conversations. Tim believes the two should be tightly connected. Rather than starting with technology, he helps leadership teams identify where sustainable growth will come from before determining how AI can accelerate it. The result is a practical approach focused on business outcomes instead of technology for technology's sake. Before becoming an advisor, Tim spent two decades in the technology industry, including serving as an IBM Vice President. He also helped scale a telecommunications company from £90 million to £750 million in five years. Today, through Ignite AI Solutions, he advises founders and CEOs of UK businesses between £5M and £75M who are looking to break through growth plateaus, improve operational leverage, and prepare for their next stage of expansion. In this episode, we explore how professional services leaders can combine strategic growth with AI, why many firms mistake financial plans for growth strategies, and what it really takes to build an advisory business that delivers long-term value. Proposed Interview Structure:1. What got you into advisory work, and how did your journey from IBM and scaling businesses lead you to build a firm focused on growth strategy and AI? 2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring you into the business? 4. You've built a strong reputation by focusing on practical business growth rather than AI hype. How do your best clients typically find you, and what's been the most effective way to build credibility and win new business? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral Sub Question: Podcasting has become a popular marketing channel for professional services firms. What role do you think podcasts can play in building authority and attracting the right clients? 5. Growth strategy and AI engagements often involve multiple stakeholders and significant investment. What's your approach to moving prospects from an initial conversation to becoming long-term clients? 6. Once a client starts working with you, how do you consistently deliver value, strengthen the relationship, and create the kind of trust that leads to repeat engagements and long-term partnerships? 7. As you've continued building Ignite AI Solutions, where do you find yourself most challenged as the founder of a professional services firm, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work in helping businesses grow through strategy and AI over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Tim WortWebsite Link: https://www.igniteaisolutions.co.uk/Connect with Tim Wort on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timwort/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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350
How to Earn Long-Term Enterprise Clients With Charles Harkless
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Charles Harkless has spent more than 20 years leading Satori Consulting, helping organizations execute complex business transformation initiatives through strategy, program management, organizational change, process optimization, and technology implementation. His firm's approach is built around experienced consultants working closely with clients to turn ambitious strategies into lasting business results.Rather than focusing solely on winning projects, Charles has built Satori around long-term partnerships with enterprise organizations. His perspective on trust, execution, and client relationships offers valuable lessons for leaders of professional services firms looking to grow sustainably.In this conversation, we explore how Charles built his firm, how he attracts and retains enterprise clients, what it takes to navigate long sales cycles, and where he sees the future of business transformation and professional services heading.Proposed Interview Structure:1. What got you into consulting, and what led you to build Satori Consulting more than twenty years ago?2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually holds the decision to bring Satori Consulting into an organization?4. How do your best clients typically find you, and what's worked best for attracting new business that other professional services firm leaders can learn from? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Cold outreach Sub Question: What do you think about podcasting as a marketing tool for consulting and other professional services firms?5. Professional services often involve long sales cycles with multiple stakeholders. How do you usually bring an opportunity from the first conversation to a signed engagement?6. You've built client relationships that span many years. How do you retain clients, keep delivering value, and build the kind of trust that leads to repeat business?7. After leading Satori Consulting for more than two decades, where do you find yourself most challenged today as a firm leader, if at all?8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for your work over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Charles HarklessWebsite Link: http://www.satoriconsulting.com/Connect with Charles Harkless on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charkless/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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349
How to Build a Professional Services Firm Around Deep Expertise With Stephen Chambers
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Stephen Chambers is Managing Director of The Winthrop Group, a professional services firm specializing in historical consulting, archives, litigation support, and strategic advisory services. Over nearly a decade with the firm, he has helped expand its History Services practice while leading engagements for corporations, law firms, nonprofits, and other institutions facing complex business and legal questions. Before joining The Winthrop Group, Stephen built experience across strategy consulting, economic consulting, and publishing through roles at Monitor Group, Analysis Group, and Rosc Global. Combined with his Ph.D. in History and published scholarship, his background demonstrates how deep domain expertise can be transformed into a differentiated advisory business. This conversation explores how niche expertise creates lasting competitive advantages, why credibility matters more than ever, and how professional services firms can build sustainable growth by becoming indispensable advisors rather than interchangeable vendors. Proposed Interview Structure:1. What got you into professional services, and how did your journey from academia and strategy consulting eventually lead you to The Winthrop Group? 2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring your firm in? 4. How do clients typically discover The Winthrop Group, and what's been most effective in generating new business that other professional services firms could learn from? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content Sub Question: What's your perspective on podcasting as a marketing and relationship-building tool for professional services firms? 5. Your engagements often involve multiple stakeholders and highly specialized expertise. How do you typically build trust and guide prospects from the first conversation to becoming clients? 6. Once a client starts working with your firm, how do you consistently deliver value, strengthen the relationship, and create the kind of trust that brings clients back again and again? 7. Where do you find yourself most challenged today as the Managing Director of a growing professional services firm, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Stephen ChambersWebsite Link: https://winthropgroup.com/ Connect with Stephen Chambers on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-chambers-409a0510a/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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348
How to Build Predictable Growth Through Better Systems With Mike Kozlik
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Mike Kozlik is President of Advantage Resources, where he has spent nearly 20 years helping founders and business owners build organizations that are more efficient, more effective, and more profitable. His work focuses on helping leaders replace inconsistent growth with repeatable systems that improve lead generation, operations, and long-term scalability. Rather than relying on complicated frameworks or the latest business trends, Mike's approach centers on practical execution. Through his B3 Game Plan, he helps business owners implement the core processes needed to grow consistently while reducing the day-to-day firefighting that prevents firms from scaling. Before launching Advantage Resources, Mike served in senior leadership positions in the U.S. Army before leading operations and business development for organizations managing multi-million-dollar contracts. That experience shaped his disciplined approach to leadership, systems, and sustainable growth.Proposed Interview Structure:1. You spent decades leading military organizations before launching Advantage Resources. What inspired you to move into business coaching, and how has that leadership background shaped the way you help founders grow their firms? 2. What specific problem are you helping business owners solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring you in or hire your firm? 4. How do new clients typically discover Advantage Resources today? What has consistently worked to build trust and generate new business that other professional services firms could learn from? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Google Ads, Webinars, Podcast (guesting), Speaking engagements, Cold outreach Sub Question: What role do you think podcasting plays as a marketing tool for professional services firms? Is it an effective way to build credibility and attract the right clients? 5. Professional services often involve long sales cycles and multiple decision-makers. How do you build trust throughout that process and ultimately win new engagements? 6. Once a client starts working with you, how do you make sure they continue seeing value, stay engaged, and become long-term clients who come back again and again? 7. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as the leader of a growing business, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Mike KozlikWebsite Link: https://go.advantageresourcesinc.com Connect with Mike Kozlik on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekozlik Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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347
How to Build a High-Value Niche Consulting Firm Clients Return to for Decades With Chad Wekelo
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************When Chad Wekelo founded Actualize Consulting in 2003, he wasn't trying to build the biggest consulting firm, he wanted to build one known for solving highly specialized financial and treasury challenges better than anyone else. More than twenty years later, that focus has helped Actualize expand internationally while serving banks, insurers, government agencies, and Fortune 1000 organizations.But technical expertise is only part of the story. Chad has also invested heavily in building a culture that attracts exceptional consultants and creates long-term client relationships. Through initiatives like Culture Infusion and a consistent focus on people, Actualize has become one of the most recognized workplaces in consulting.In this episode, Chad shares what founders of professional services firms can learn about niche positioning, winning enterprise clients, building a business people want to work for, and creating a firm designed to last.Proposed Interview Structure:1. What got you into consulting, and what ultimately led you to start Actualize Consulting back in 2003? 2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring Actualize Consulting into an organization? 4. You've built Actualize largely through expertise and reputation over the past two decades. How do your best clients typically find you, and what's worked best for attracting new business that other professional services firm leaders could learn from? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Webinars, Podcast (guesting), Podcast (hosting), Speaking engagements Sub Question: What role do you think podcasting can play as a marketing tool for consulting and professional services firms? 5. Enterprise consulting often involves long sales cycles and multiple stakeholders. How do you typically build trust and guide prospective clients from an initial conversation to a signed engagement? 6. Once a client starts working with Actualize, what do you do to consistently deliver value, strengthen the relationship, and keep clients coming back over the long term? 7. You've successfully led Actualize for more than two decades. Where do you find yourself most challenged today as the leader of a growing professional services firm, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Chad WekeloWebsite Link: https://www.actualizeconsulting.com/Connect with Chad Wekelo on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadwekeloApply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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346
How to Build a Professional Services Firm for the Future With Patrick Petitti
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Patrick Petitti is the Co-Founder and CEO of Catalant, one of the pioneers behind what he calls the "Consulting 2.0" model. Over the past decade, Catalant has built a platform connecting enterprises with highly experienced independent consultants and boutique firms, helping organizations access specialized expertise faster and more efficiently than traditional models allow.Today, Catalant works with more than 30% of the Fortune 1000 and maintains a network of over 70,000 consultants and specialist firms. Through that lens, Patrick has a unique perspective on how professional services are evolving, what clients increasingly value, and how firms can position themselves for long-term growth.In this conversation, we explore firm growth, client acquisition, leadership, AI, talent strategy, and the future of professional services in a market that continues to reward expertise, flexibility, and measurable outcomes.Proposed Interview Structure:1. What originally drew you into consulting, and what ultimately convinced you there was an opportunity to build a completely different model for delivering professional services?2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve through Catalant today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically holds the decision to bring Catalant in or engage your network of experts?4. Catalant has become one of the most recognized brands in the independent consulting space. How have you gone about building awareness and trust with enterprise buyers, and what marketing lessons can firm leaders learn from that? Current Acquisition Channels: outbound sales, inbound Sub Question: What role do you think podcasting can play as a marketing and relationship-building tool for professional services firms?5. Selling into large enterprises often involves multiple stakeholders and long buying cycles. How do you typically navigate those conversations and ultimately win the business?6. Once a client starts working with Catalant, how do you make sure they keep coming back? What have you found works best for building long-term client relationships?7. You've spent more than a decade building Catalant and helping reshape the professional services industry. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as a founder and CEO, if at all?8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for independent consulting and the Consulting 2.0 model over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Patrick PetittiWebsite Link: https://catalant.com/Connect with Patrick Petitti on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-petitti-428300b/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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How to Win Bigger Consulting Engagements by Solving Hidden Business Friction With Mike Lewis
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Many organizations assume they have a technology problem when, in reality, they have a friction problem. Processes become accepted because "that's how we've always done it," while employees quietly build workarounds that reduce productivity, damage morale, and ultimately impact customer experience.Mike Lewis has built his career around helping organizations uncover these hidden inefficiencies. Rather than leading with technology, he starts by understanding how work actually gets done, quantifying the true cost of operational friction, and helping leadership teams invest in solutions that deliver measurable business value.One story perfectly illustrates his philosophy. After overhearing a seemingly minor complaint that employees spent ten minutes logging into their systems every day, Mike investigated. His analysis showed the delay was costing the organization more than £2.5 million annually, while the solution required an investment of just £150,000, a return of more than 16x. It's a reminder that the smallest operational problems can create the biggest opportunities for consultants willing to look deeper.In this conversation, we explore how professional services leaders can differentiate themselves by asking better questions, becoming trusted advisors, and building firms around outcomes that clients genuinely value.Proposed Interview Structure:1. What first got you into consulting, and when did you realize that finding hidden inefficiencies was the problem you wanted to dedicate your career to solving?2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve today, and why has solving that problem become so personally important to you?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually holds the decision to bring you in or hire your team?4. You've built a strong personal brand around the idea of removing organizational friction. How do your ideal clients typically discover you, and what's worked best for attracting the right consulting opportunities? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Webinars (planning stages), Podcast (guesting), Speaking engagements Sub Question: What do you think about podcasting as a marketing tool for professional services firms?5. Professional services engagements often involve multiple stakeholders and long sales cycles. How do you typically take a prospect from the first conversation to a signed engagement?6. Once you've delivered results for a client, how do you build long-term relationships that keep clients coming back and trusting you with future engagements?7. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as a consulting leader, if at all?8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for helping organizations remove operational friction and improve performance over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Mike LewisWebsite Link: https://www.sphericaconsulting.com/Connect with Mike Lewis on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curiosityquantified/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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How to Become the Trusted Advisor to Executive Teams With Eric Kaufmann
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Many firms help clients improve strategy, operations, or execution. Eric Kaufmann helps leadership teams improve the way they lead together. For more than 25 years, Eric has partnered with CEOs and executive teams navigating growth, succession, organizational change, and leadership challenges. Through Sagatica, he helps executive teams strengthen trust, improve decision-making, increase accountability, and develop the leadership maturity required to lead increasingly complex organizations. In this conversation, we'll explore how Eric built a premium advisory practice around executive leadership, how he earns the trust of senior decision-makers, and the lessons professional services firm leaders can apply to build stronger client relationships and more valuable firms. Proposed Interview Structure: 1. What got you into consulting, and what led you to focus specifically on helping executive teams become more aligned and effective? 2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve, and why is solving that problem so important to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually holds the decision to bring you in or hire Sagatica? 4. How do your best clients typically discover your firm, and what marketing approaches have consistently generated the highest-quality consulting engagements? Sub Question: What role do you think podcasts can play as a marketing tool for professional services firms and executive advisors? 5. Your work involves high-trust engagements with CEOs and executive teams. From the first conversation to signing an engagement, how do you typically build enough trust to win the business? 6. Once you're working with a client, how do you build relationships that keep clients coming back and turn engagements into long-term partnerships? 7. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as the Managing Partner of Sagatica, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? **********************************************************Know more about Eric KaufmannWebsite Link: https://sagatica.com/Connect with Eric Kaufmann on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickaufmann7/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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343
How to Scale a Professional Services Firm Through Executive Leverage With Bryon Morrison
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Every professional services firm eventually reaches the same inflection point: growth slows because the founder becomes the center of every important decision. Bryon Morrison has built his career helping leaders solve exactly that challenge. As Co-Founder and CEO of Proxxy, Bryon leads a team of professionally trained remote Chiefs of Staff and Strategists who help founders, CEOs, and executive teams turn priorities into measurable outcomes. Rather than simply adding capacity, Proxxy creates leverage, allowing leaders to focus on growth while ensuring critical initiatives actually get executed.Beyond Proxxy, Bryon has spent more than two decades advising organizations on digital transformation, marketing strategy, and business growth. He's taught Digital Marketing Strategy at Southern Methodist University, advises startups and technology companies, hosts the Leaders List Show, and has led consulting engagements ranging from Fortune 50 digital transformations to high-growth entrepreneurial businesses.In this episode, we explore how leaders of professional services firms can build stronger operating models, delegate with confidence, retain high-value clients, and create businesses that continue to grow without relying on the founder for every decision.Proposed Interview Structure: 1. What got you into consulting, and what led you to build Proxxy?2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve, and why is solving that problem so important to you personally?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring Proxxy in?4. You've spent decades in digital marketing and personal branding. How do your best clients typically find you, and what marketing strategies have consistently worked for your business that leaders of professional services firms can learn from? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Google Ads, Webinars, Podcast (guesting), Podcast (hosting), Cold outreach Sub Question: You also host the Leaders List Show. What role do you think podcasts play as a marketing tool for professional services firms?5. Your work involves high-trust relationships with founders and CEOs. Professional services often have long sales cycles, from the first conversation through stakeholder buy-in. How do you typically bring those opportunities across the finish line?6. Once a client starts working with Proxxy, how do you make sure they continue seeing value, keep coming back, and become long-term relationships rather than one-off engagements?7. You've built Proxxy, advise companies, and work closely with executive teams every day. Where do you find yourself most challenged as a founder today, if at all?8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for your work over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Bryon MorrisonWebsite Link: https://proxxy.com/Connect with Bryon Morrison on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryonmorrison/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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342
How to Lead Enterprise AI Transformation With Tim Attinger
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************AI may dominate today's business conversations, but Tim Attinger believes the real competitive advantage lies somewhere else: orchestration. As Co-Founder and President of OvationCXM, Tim helps financial institutions coordinate complex customer journeys that span departments, technologies, and external partners, creating the operational foundation that allows AI initiatives to deliver measurable business value.Before founding OvationCXM, Tim held executive leadership positions at Visa, where he helped shape the company's innovation strategy and IPO journey, as well as senior roles at Blackhawk Network and Monitise. Throughout his career, he's focused on building platforms, scaling digital businesses, and helping large organizations navigate transformation.In this conversation, we explore how leaders of professional services firms can build credibility with enterprise clients, navigate long sales cycles, create lasting client relationships, and position themselves for the next wave of AI-driven transformation.Proposed Interview Structure: 1. What got you into digital transformation and enterprise strategy, and what ultimately led you to co-found OvationCXM?2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve today, and why is solving that problem personally important to you?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring OvationCXM into an organization?4. You've built strong thought leadership around AI, banking, and customer journey orchestration. What has been most effective in attracting enterprise clients, and what can other professional services firms learn from your approach? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Podcast (guesting), Speaking engagements, Cold outreach Sub Question: What role do you think podcasts can play in helping founders and leaders of professional services firms build authority and generate business?5. Selling into enterprise organizations often involves multiple stakeholders and lengthy buying cycles. How do you build trust throughout that process and ultimately win the engagement?6. Once a client starts working with OvationCXM, how do you ensure they continue seeing value, deepen the relationship, and keep coming back over the long term?7. As a founder leading a company at the intersection of AI, customer experience, and enterprise transformation, where do you find yourself most challenged right now, if at all?8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for customer journey orchestration and enterprise AI over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Tim AttingerWebsite Link: https://www.ovationcxm.com/Connect with Tim Attinger on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tattinger/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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341
How to Find Hidden Profit in Your Business Through Deep Execution With Doug C. Brown
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Doug operates in a space most consultants talk about but rarely execute on: finding profit that already exists inside a business. Not through new strategies or more leads, but by identifying inefficiencies, missed follow-ups, pricing gaps, and structural leaks that quietly erode EBITDA.His model is deliberately narrow. He works with only 6-8 companies per year, going deep over a 12-month engagement. This is not advisory work at a distance, he positions himself as a growth partner embedded in execution, focused on measurable financial outcomes.What stands out is his emphasis on continuity and execution over ideas. Whether it’s missed follow-ups, unstructured internal knowledge, or misaligned financial structures, his thesis is simple: most businesses don’t have a strategy problem, they have a capture problem.Proposed Interview Structure: 1. What got you into consulting, and how did you evolve into this “growth partner” role rather than a traditional advisor?2. What specific problem are you solving for your clients, and why does it matter so much for you to solve that personally?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically holds the decision to bring you in?4. How do clients typically find you, and what’s worked best to attract the right $5M-$100M founders? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Podcast (guesting), Podcast (hosting), Speaking engagements Sub Question: What’s your perspective on podcasting as a marketing channel for consultants today?5. When you’re moving toward a 12-month engagement, how do you navigate the sales process from first conversation to commitment?6. Once you’re working with a client, how do you ensure they stay, continue working with you, and build a long-term relationship?7. Where do you find yourself most stuck right now in your business, if at all?8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your kind of work over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Doug C. BrownWebsite Link: https://ceosalesstrategies.com/Connect with Doug C. Brown on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougbrown123/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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340
How Professional Services Firms Can Build Stronger Client Relationships With Lisa Peers
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************For more than 25 years, Lisa Peers has helped organizations develop one of the most overlooked business skills: communication under pressure. Through Peers and Players, she leads a global network of more than 300 professional actors and coaches who help leaders rehearse difficult conversations, deliver stronger presentations, and build greater confidence through realistic role-play.Unlike traditional leadership training, Lisa's approach focuses on practice rather than theory. Whether it's giving difficult feedback, presenting to clients, navigating conflict, or building psychological safety, her team creates safe environments where professionals can develop communication skills before the real conversation happens.For founders and leaders of professional services firms, these skills directly influence business growth. Better communication strengthens client relationships, improves leadership effectiveness, increases retention, and creates the trust that turns one project into long-term partnerships.Proposed Interview Structure: 1. You began your career as a professional actor before building a global communication training business. What inspired that transition into professional services?2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve through Peers and Players, and why is solving that problem so important to you personally?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring you and your team into an organization?4. Professional services firms often grow through trust and reputation. How have you built awareness for Peers and Players, and what has consistently generated your best clients? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Cold outreach Sub Question: What's your perspective on podcasting as a business development tool for professional services firms?5. Selling communication training often involves multiple stakeholders. How do you guide prospects from an initial conversation to becoming a client?6. One of the biggest drivers of firm growth is client retention. How have you built long-term client relationships that keep organizations coming back year after year?7. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as the founder of a growing professional services firm, if at all?8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for communication and leadership development over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Lisa PeersWebsite Link: http://www.peersandplayers.com/Connect with Lisa Peers on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisapeers/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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339
How to Grow Consulting Engagements Through Organizational Alignment With Margaret Graziano
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Many professional services firms focus on solving visible business problems. Margaret Graziano built her career helping leaders address the deeper issue beneath most organizational challenges: alignment.Before founding KeenAlignment, Margaret spent nearly two decades in executive search and talent consulting, personally placing more than 5,000 professionals and helping organizations hire more than 10,000 leaders. Those experiences led her to develop proprietary frameworks around leadership effectiveness, culture transformation, and organizational performance.Today, KeenAlignment works with executive teams, family-owned businesses, nonprofits, and middle-market organizations to improve leadership effectiveness, execution, employee engagement, and business performance. In this conversation, Margaret shares how she built a firm around intellectual property, established authority through speaking and publishing, and continues to grow long-term client relationships in a highly competitive advisory market.Proposed Interview Structure: 1. You’ve built businesses in executive search, talent consulting, and leadership advisory. What originally got you into this world, and how did that journey lead to founding KeenAlignment?2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring KeenAlignment into an organization?4. You've built a strong reputation through keynote speaking, publishing, executive coaching, and thought leadership. What has been the most effective way to generate opportunities and attract new clients over the years? Sub Question: What role do you think podcasts can play in helping professional services firms build trust, authority, and new business opportunities?5. Your work often involves significant investments in leadership and culture transformation. How do you typically move prospects from an initial conversation to becoming long-term clients?6. Many advisory firms struggle with client retention. How have you built long-term relationships with clients, and what keeps organizations coming back to work with you over time?7. As the founder of a successful leadership advisory firm, where do you find yourself most challenged right now, if at all?8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for your work over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Margaret GrazianoWebsite Link: http://www.keenalignment.com/Connect with Margaret Graziano on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretgraziano/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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338
How to Build a Professional Services Firm That Creates Lasting Client Impact With Donald Summers
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************What does it take to build a professional services firm that delivers measurable results, and keeps clients coming back for years?In this episode of The Principal Podcast, Donald Summers shares how he built Altruist Partners into one of the leading advisory firms serving nonprofits. From developing a repeatable consulting methodology to generating more than $1 billion in client revenue growth, Donald explains the business systems behind a firm designed for long-term impact.Donald Summers is the Founder of Altruist Partners and Altruist Accelerator, where he helps nonprofit organizations achieve sustainable growth through proven business and leadership systems.Over more than 20 years, Donald has built a consulting practice whose clients have generated more than $1 billion in new revenue while increasing organizational impact by a median of 25% annually. He is the author of Scaling Altruism, a practical framework that codifies the methodology behind his firm's success and helps nonprofit leaders implement lasting organizational change.Proposed Interview Structure: 1. What first drew you into consulting for nonprofits, and what made you decide this was the problem you wanted to spend your career solving?2. What specific problem are you helping nonprofit organizations solve today, and why has solving that problem become such a personal mission for you?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring Altruist Partners into an engagement?4. You've built a strong reputation through your book, educational content, assessments, and speaking. Which marketing strategies have consistently generated the highest-quality consulting opportunities? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Google Ads, Webinars, Podcast (guesting), Speaking engagements Sub Question: What's your perspective on podcasts as a marketing channel for professional services firms?5. Your engagements often involve executive teams and boards. How do you navigate those longer sales cycles and build enough trust to win the engagement?6. Once a client starts working with your firm, how do you consistently deliver value, earn repeat business, and build relationships that last for years?7. As the founder of a well-established advisory firm, where do you find yourself most challenged today as you continue growing Altruist Partners and expanding your impact?8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years?**********************************************************Know more about Donald SummersWebsite Link: http://www.altruistpartners.com/ Connect with Donald Summers on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-summers-56654a6/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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337
How to Build a High-Value Professional Services Firm with M&A Integration Expertise With Lucas Liu
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Lucas Liu is Managing Director at Risecor and founder of Pailiux, where he advises private equity firms, portfolio companies, and mid-market businesses on mergers and acquisitions, operating model transformation, process optimization, and strategic execution. His career spans Big Four consulting, corporate leadership, startups, and executive advisory roles.Throughout his career, Lucas has led 18 M&A integrations and separations ranging from $5 million to $31 billion. His work covers every stage of the transaction lifecycle, from due diligence and Day One planning through post-merger integration, carve-outs, governance, cultural alignment, and value realization.In this conversation, we'll discuss how professional services leaders can build credibility in complex markets, win executive-level clients, retain long-term relationships, and grow firms that consistently deliver measurable business outcomes.Proposed Interview Structure: 1. What got you into professional services, and what led you to specialize in M&A integrations and business transformations?2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve, and why is solving that problem so important to you personally?3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically makes the decision to bring you in to lead an integration or transformation project?4. Your work is highly specialized and relationship-driven. How do clients typically find you, and what's worked best to attract new business that other professional services firm leaders can learn from? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Podcast (guesting), Speaking engagements, Events, network, partnerships, client referrals Sub Question: What role do you think podcasts can play as a marketing channel for professional services firms?5. Your engagements involve multiple stakeholders and significant trust. How do you typically move from an initial conversation to winning the engagement?6. Once you're working with a client, how do you make sure they continue coming back, and what have you found is the key to building long-term client relationships?7. As you continue growing your advisory practice, where do you find yourself most challenged as a professional services firm leader today, if at all?8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years?*********************************************************************Know more about Lucas LiuWebsite Link: https://risecor.com/Connect with Lucas Liu on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasliu1Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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336
How to Build a Professional Services Firm That Runs Without You With Alan Melton
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Many founders build successful businesses only to discover they've become the biggest bottleneck inside them. As the firm grows, so do the demands on the owner. Alan Melton has dedicated his career to helping business leaders break that cycle. Drawing from decades of entrepreneurial experience, including founding 12 companies, acquiring six more, scaling an Inc. 500 business, and successfully exiting, Alan brings practical insight into leadership, delegation, systems, profitability, and long-term business value. In this episode, we explore what professional services firm leaders can learn about building scalable organizations, developing stronger leadership teams, creating sustainable growth, and ultimately building businesses that thrive beyond the founder. Proposed Interview Structure: 1. You've built, acquired, and sold multiple businesses before becoming one of the country's leading business coaches. What led you into consulting and coaching, and what made you decide this was the work you wanted to dedicate yourself to? 2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually makes the decision to bring you in as their coach or consultant? 4. You've built a strong personal brand through educational content and thought leadership. How do your best clients typically discover you, and what marketing strategies have consistently worked to grow your business that other professional services firm leaders can learn from? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Podcast (hosting), Cold outreach Sub Question: Podcasting has become a powerful authority-building tool for professional services firms. What role do you think podcasts can play in helping firms build trust and win clients? 5. Professional services often involve long sales cycles built on trust and credibility. How do you typically move prospects from an initial conversation to becoming long-term coaching clients? 6. Once a client starts working with you, how do you ensure they continue seeing results, keep coming back, and ultimately build long-term relationships with your firm? 7. You've helped more than 1,100 business owners build stronger businesses. Looking at your own firm today, where do you find yourself most challenged, if anywhere? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for your work over the next few years? *********************************************************************Know more about Alan MeltonWebsite Link: http://www.smallbusinesscoach.org/ Connect with Alan Melton on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanmelton/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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335
How Firms Can Improve Performance Through Employee Wellbeing With Christopher Dimock
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Growing a professional services firm isn't just about winning more clients, it's about building an organization where people consistently perform at their best. Christopher Dimock has spent more than a decade helping leaders understand the hidden drivers of performance, engagement, and retention through data-driven organizational insights. As Founder and CEO of Elation, Christopher combines psychology, organizational behavior, and people analytics to give leaders practical recommendations that improve both employee wellbeing and business outcomes. His work spans healthcare, financial services, education, professional services, and other industries. With AI reshaping how firms operate, Christopher argues that the biggest competitive advantage won't come from technology alone, it will come from building organizations where trust, clarity, and psychological safety enable people to embrace change. This conversation explores what firm leaders can do today to build stronger, more resilient businesses. Proposed Interview Structure: 1. What first led you to build Elation, and what convinced you that employee wellbeing could become a measurable driver of business performance? 2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve, and why has solving that problem become so personally important to you? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually makes the decision to bring Elation into an organization? 4. You've built strong authority by sharing insights on leadership, workplace psychology, and AI. What's been most effective in attracting new clients, and what can other professional services firm leaders learn from your approach? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Google Ads, Cold outreach Sub Question: What role do you think podcasting can play as a marketing tool for firms in leadership development, organizational psychology, and advisory services? 5. Your work often requires leaders to invest in outcomes that aren't always obvious at first. How do you typically move prospects from an initial conversation to executive buy-in and ultimately winning the engagement? 6. Once a client starts working with Elation, how do you build long-term relationships, retain clients, and create reasons for them to continue working with your team? 7. Where do you find yourself most challenged today as the founder of Elation, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? *********************************************************************Know more about Christopher DimockWebsite Link: http://www.elation.com/ Connect with Christopher Dimock on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-dimock/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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334
How Professional Services Firms Win Bigger Clients Through Relationship Intelligence With David Nour
Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-lv/ ********************************************************** Relationships have always mattered in professional services, but today, AI is changing how firms build, measure, and scale them. David Nour is the Founder & CEO of Avnir, creator of Relationship Economics®, Thinkers50 Radar honoree, executive educator, and author of 12 books. In this episode of The Principal Podcast, we discuss how founders and firm leaders can turn relationships into a measurable competitive advantage, strengthen business development, and build firms that grow through trust, not just transactions. ********************************************************** Links: StreamYard (for guest): https://streamyard.com/kcqbzqzm7f YouTube (for sharing): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rj68qHuehNc Apply to be a guest: https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/ ********************************************************** David's Bio: David Nour is the Founder & CEO of Avnir, an AI-powered Relationship Intelligence platform built for complex B2B sales and professional services firms. He is also the Managing Partner of The Nour Group, a boutique advisory firm helping organizations create measurable growth through strategic business relationships. Named to the Thinkers50 Radar, David has authored 12 books, including Relationship Economics (3rd Edition) and Curve Benders. He has taught executive education at Emory University's Goizueta Business School and Vanderbilt University and advises organizations worldwide on leadership, AI, innovation, and relationship strategy. ********************************************************** Show Notes: For more than two decades, David Nour has helped professional services firms rethink one of their most valuable assets: relationships. Through The Nour Group and now Avnir, he's helping firms move beyond traditional networking by applying data, AI, and intentional relationship strategies to accelerate growth. David believes that winning larger clients isn't simply about better sales or better marketing, it's about understanding who influences decisions, investing in the right relationships, and creating trust long before opportunities officially exist. In this conversation, we explore how firm leaders can build relationship capital, how AI is reshaping business development, why CRM isn't enough anymore, and what the next generation of relationship intelligence means for professional services firms. ********************************************************** Proposed Interview Structure: 1. What first got you into consulting, and what made strategic business relationships become the focus of your life's work? 2. What specific problem are you helping professional services firms solve today through Avnir and Relationship Economics, and why is solving that problem so personally important to you? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually makes the decision to bring you or your team into an organization? 4. You've built a strong reputation through books, speaking, executive education, LinkedIn, and now Avnir. Looking back, what has been most effective in attracting the right clients to your business? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Speaking engagements Sub Question: What role do you think podcasts play as a marketing channel for professional services firms and their leaders? 5. Selling into large organizations often means navigating multiple stakeholders and long decision cycles. How do you build enough trust and alignment to consistently win those engagements? 6. Once you've earned a client, how do you make sure they continue working with you? What have you found is the key to building long-term client relationships? 7. Where do you find yourself most challenged today as a founder and professional services leader, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years?
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333
How to Scale a Specialist Professional Services Firm Through Deep Industry Expertise With Ben Craze
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Ben founded Infinitive Group after building his career in engineering leadership, including senior roles at National Express. Today, the firm helps rail, transport and infrastructure organisations solve complex operational challenges through engineering consulting, software development, digital transformation and data solutions. Rather than competing as a general consultancy, Infinitive has grown by developing deep expertise in a highly specialised market. The business has expanded into recruitment, international operations and technology products while remaining focused on delivering measurable outcomes for clients. In this conversation, Ben shares what it really takes to build a specialist professional services firm, from earning credibility with enterprise clients and navigating complex buying processes to building teams capable of delivering at scale and preparing for the future of engineering and technology services. Proposed Interview Structure: 1. What got you into professional services, and what eventually gave you the confidence to start Infinitive Group? 2. What specific problem are you helping your clients solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually makes the decision to bring Infinitive in? 4. How do clients typically find you, and what's worked best for attracting new business in such a specialised industry? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Word of mouth, Network, Tendering and Frameworks Sub Question: What role do you think podcasting can play as a marketing tool for professional services firms like yours? 5. Professional services often involve long sales cycles and multiple stakeholders. How do you build trust and guide opportunities from the first conversation through to a signed engagement? 6. Once you're working with a client, what do you do to consistently deliver value, earn repeat business, and build long-term relationships? 7. Where do you find yourself most challenged right now as the CEO of a growing professional services firm, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for your work over the next few years? *********************************************************************Know more about Ben CrazeWebsite Link: https://www.infinitivegroup.co.uk/ Connect with Ben Craze on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-craze-91781219/ Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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332
How Professional Services Firms Win Bigger Clients Through Relationship Intelligence With David Nour
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************For more than two decades, David Nour has helped professional services firms rethink one of their most valuable assets: relationships. Through The Nour Group and now Avnir, he's helping firms move beyond traditional networking by applying data, AI, and intentional relationship strategies to accelerate growth. David believes that winning larger clients isn't simply about better sales or better marketing, it's about understanding who influences decisions, investing in the right relationships, and creating trust long before opportunities officially exist. In this conversation, we explore how firm leaders can build relationship capital, how AI is reshaping business development, why CRM isn't enough anymore, and what the next generation of relationship intelligence means for professional services firms. Proposed Interview Structure: 1. What first got you into consulting, and what made strategic business relationships become the focus of your life's work? 2. What specific problem are you helping professional services firms solve today through Avnir and Relationship Economics, and why is solving that problem so personally important to you? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who usually makes the decision to bring you or your team into an organization? 4. You've built a strong reputation through books, speaking, executive education, LinkedIn, and now Avnir. Looking back, what has been most effective in attracting the right clients to your business? Current Acquisition Channels: Referral, Content, Speaking engagements Sub Question: What role do you think podcasts play as a marketing channel for professional services firms and their leaders? 5. Selling into large organizations often means navigating multiple stakeholders and long decision cycles. How do you build enough trust and alignment to consistently win those engagements? 6. Once you've earned a client, how do you make sure they continue working with you? What have you found is the key to building long-term client relationships? 7. Where do you find yourself most challenged today as a founder and professional services leader, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? *********************************************************************Know more about David NourWebsite Link: http://www.avnir.comConnect with David Nour on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidnour/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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331
How to Build a Leadership Consulting Firm That Lasts Through Continuous Reinvention With Colin Hunter
Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)Want to solve Branding and Lead-Gen for good for your B2B Business? Download our Completed Playbook for FREE: https://ghapodcast.com/b2b-podcasting-secrets-pod**********************************************************************Colin Hunter has spent more than 25 years building PotentialSquared, a leadership development consultancy that helps organizations strengthen leadership capability, improve team performance, and create cultures that embrace innovation. While many consulting firms struggle to differentiate themselves, Colin built his business around a simple but powerful idea: leaders grow faster when they are willing to experiment, challenge assumptions, and learn through failure. This philosophy became the foundation for his book, Be More Wrong, and the consulting approach that has helped PotentialSquared serve clients around the world. In this conversation, Colin shares what it takes to build a long-lasting professional services firm, how he attracts and retains clients, how he has evolved his business over time, and where he sees the biggest opportunities for leadership development in the years ahead. Proposed Interview Structure: 1. What led you to start PotentialSquared, and what was happening in your career that made you decide to build your own consulting business? 2. What specific problem are you helping clients solve today, and why does solving that problem matter so much to you personally? 3. Who are your ideal clients today, and who typically holds the decision to bring PotentialSquared in to support their leaders and teams? 4. You've built PotentialSquared over more than 25 years. What have been the most effective ways you've generated demand, built credibility, and attracted new clients over that time? Current Acquisition Channels: Podcast (guesting) Sub Question: You've appeared on podcasts and publish The Leader's Playground newsletter. What role do you think podcasts can play as a business development tool for professional services firms? 5. When a prospective client recognizes they have a leadership or culture challenge, how do you guide them from that initial conversation to becoming a paying client? 6. Many firms can win a client once. Fewer can keep them for years. How have you approached client retention, and what do you do to build relationships that lead to repeat engagements and long-term trust? 7. After more than 25 years of building and leading PotentialSquared, where do you find yourself most challenged today as a consulting firm owner, if at all? 8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunity for your work over the next few years? *********************************************************************Know more about Colin HunterWebsite Link: http://www.potential2.com/Connect with Colin Hunter on LinkedInLinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinhunter/Apply to be a guest on The Principal Podcast:https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Consulting Leaders brings together the sharpest minds in the consulting world, revealing how top professionals think, build trust, and grow thriving practices. Hosted by Guillaume Jouvencel, ex-PwC and co-founder of GHA Marketing, the show offers rare conversations with consultants who lead by example.
HOSTED BY
GHA Marketing
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