Perspectives: Through the eyes of a Consultant
Insights gathered from our Breakfast for Interim Executives and Independent Consultants in June…
JOB TITLE: STRATEGY AND BUSINESS ARCHITECTURE EXPERT
Ex Management Consultant with 10+ years in industry, focused on business transformation, performance (process and tech) and organisational effectiveness
What motivates you?
I love working as an independent consultant because the challenges are always changing.
Helping clients deliver results – working as an independent consultant means you are behind the scenes and make your clients successful.
Why did you choose to be independent?
I first chose this path as I had a great opportunity put in front of me by an ex-Partner. I have enjoyed the different style of working and relationship, which is more advisory; compared with working in a firm (perceived as them and us). And as an independent consultant you can be an entrepreneur, your own person.
As an independent consultant you also must be constantly evolving faster than your clients if you are going to be valuable.
What are the biggest challenges of being independent?
Social network and ‘feedback' – I view these as critical to any professional. Normally these are built into the fabric of a firm but as an independent its key to build your own – this isn’t the same as BD – these are peer & coaching relationships. As an independent you have to be proactive on all fronts.
What is the most important thing you’ve learnt in your career as a Consultant and what advice would you give to someone starting out?
Consultants from the leading firms have a unique training. Consultants are exposed to a wide variety of experiences and are taught how to apply lessons learned in other situations to the ones at hand.
Moreover, consulting instills an extraordinary amount of discipline and technique that is difficult to gain at such an intense and focused level elsewhere—but it also means that you must constantly adapt and be as flexible as possible with your aptitude, time, and work style.
What has made you so successful in growing your business over the last 10 years?
Focusing, and knowing when to say ‘NO’ to an opportunity. NO doesn’t mean it’s a bad opportunity – it just simply does not fit my personal strategy.
In summary - Consulting is really the art of making connections—not only in terms of the work, but perhaps more importantly, with people. Developing solid networks is crucial.
JOB TITLE: SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS AND GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS EXPERT
Giving purpose to brands and then activating it through the organisation and all external touchpoints.
What motivates you?
Creating powerful purpose-led brands and movements for positive change.
Why did you choose to be independent?
It gives me the ability and freedom to work with and to create purpose for multiple companies and brands. I believe, a truly sustainable brand, whether a consumer brand or a corporate brand is one that not only understands its purpose and acts on it but is also one that inherently ties it to its commercial success. It is a profitable brand that grows. In this fast changing VUCA world of ours, it is only purpose-led companies and brands that will survive.
What are the challenges of being independent?
Finding a great support team – IT, Tax, Legal etc. When you find them (as I’m lucky enough to have done) – hang onto them! Juggling the balance between doing the client work and doing new business generation. When you do what you love – it’s easy to get really involved and passionate about a project. Sometimes to the exclusion of all else.
What is the most important thing you’ve learnt as a Consultant and what advice would you give to someone starting out?
Find your life purpose – whatever that may be. Each one of us is unique. Honour it and live and work by it. Also, get yourself some great mentors who will hold you to it! Reach for the stars on Mentors. For people you really admire and respect. I promise you, even if they say no, they’ll be flattered to be asked. So, go for it!
JOB TITLE: BRAND STRATEGY AND SOCIAL STORY-TELLING EXPERT
Razor sharp in brand development and consumer engagement – a new age Marketer!
What motivates you?
Freedom, personal growth, financial security, people who don’t fear change.
Why have you chosen to be independent?
Building a portfolio career and having a lateral view of how to build equity and engagement with brands for me always comes from being exposed to new cultures, behaviours, psychology and geographies. I’ve never wanted to learn just one way, only know one way of thinking; I want to continue to explore and grow with the incredibly dynamic world we live in.
What are the biggest challenges of being independent?
lack of security. You must constantly develop yourself and network to keep moving forward. There is definitely no “easy street”.
What is the most important thing you’ve learnt in your career?
Don’t be afraid to say no to the thing that no longer grows you, serves you or makes you happy. Your intuition is usually right.
Describe your dream client/project?
Creating stories that people love and share. To create something other people want to be part of.
JOB TITLE: OMNI-CHANNEL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Focused on ecommerce operations, digital retail performance and customer services in Fashion & Luxury Accessories
What motivates you?
Seeing my work is valued, having a clear impact
Positive, collegiate team environments
The ability to work on my terms - hours, location, etc.
Why have you chosen to be independent?
for the flexibility + opportunity to work across a range of clients.
What are the biggest challenges of being independent?
consistently finding new work and not feeling like part of a longer-term team
What is the most important thing you’ve learnt in your career?
To trust my instincts.
How to stay calm & that most things look better when you've had the chance to sleep on them.
Describe your dream client/project?
It comes down to the clarity of the project + the quality of the team at the client's site. I love working on a project where I add clear value (as opposed to a pet project for a CEO / senior exec that may not help the overall business to move forward) and with people who communicate often and clearly - and I love working with beautiful products!