It's that time of year. Overeating. Overthinking. Overimbibing. But full of festive spirit and reflection. What are YOU reflecting on this last week of 2024?

On this show we have a tradition of recording an end-of-year discussion. This year we share our most profound learnings from 2024... But it isn't pie in the sky stuff... No. We always keep it fresh and practical for the cats out there...

We Discuss:

• What's the one thing that each of us has learned from this year that other consultants might benefit from?
• If you're just an associate at a big consulting firm, how can you incorporate and influence culture when you're not setting it?
• How do you know what the right amount of risk is when making career decisions?
• How can you maintain focus and avoid "squirrel brain" when there are multiple exciting opportunities?
• What are the cast's "things of the year" that had the biggest impact?

7 Takeaways:

1. The value of embracing a beginner's mindset was highlighted through Whynde Kuehn's personal journey of learning Norwegian and sailing, demonstrating how stepping out of expertise and into unfamiliar territory can lead to personal and professional growth.
2. Consultants often struggle with maintaining focus and avoiding "squirrel brain," as illustrated by Oliver Cronk's experience of chasing multiple interesting opportunities while needing to learn when to rein in distractions and prioritize impactful work.
3. The tendency to become risk-averse as careers progress and comfort levels increase can limit growth potential, suggesting that professionals need to consciously balance risk and reward even in later career stages.
4. Establishing the right culture, particularly in virtual team settings, is crucial for group success and requires intentional focus on elements like psychological safety and clear communication norms.
5. The definition of enterprise architecture as "the architecture of the enterprise, not just information systems" emerged as a crucial clarification for the field, helping to resolve ongoing debates about its scope and purpose.
6. The podcast's evolution to include live recordings at prestigious venues like the British Computer Society demonstrated how taking calculated risks with new formats can lead to unexpected success.
7. The current state of AI technology was compared to historical necromancy, suggesting that while AI tools can provide valuable insights, their outputs should be treated with careful skepticism as they can be unpredictable and occasionally incorrect.

Management consultants often grapple with the challenge of articulating what they do while simultaneously questioning if what they do truly matters. Watch this episode for 6 takeaways you need to know about meaning and purpose in consulting.

We Discuss:

• What do consultants even do?
• Why do people struggle to explain what consultants do?
• Is it enough to just be doing it for the money?
• Are consultants who claim to be purely focused on delivering value being genuine?
• Why do some consultants get stuck in unfulfilling roles?
• How can consultants maintain perspective and avoid getting lost in the 'consulting vortex'?
• Why do those who leave consulting ('out' in 'up or out') often end up happier?

Key Highlights:

• Consultants often struggle to explain what they do, as evidenced by a particular Reddit post. This leads to deeper questions about professional identity and purpose. (00:02:45)
• Initial responses to "what do consultants do?" tend to be either overly generic or unnecessarily complex, highlighting a broader communication challenge in the industry. (00:02:59)
• Consulting roles span a wide spectrum - from hiring smart individuals as "warm bodies" to bringing in entire teams for specific strategic outcomes, making it difficult to provide a simple definition. (00:07:24)
• Many consultants start their careers focused on monetary gains, but later struggle with questions of purpose and value, leading to existential crises. (00:13:50)
• Early-career consultants often chase financial rewards, but this motivation evolves as they advance, forcing them to choose between constant progression and work-life balance. (00:18:44)
• Consulting work can be highly abstract compared to tangible professions (like construction), making it harder to see concrete results and feel fulfilled. (00:33:26)
• The conversation addresses the "up or out" culture in consulting and how some people who leave ("out") often end up happier than those who keep pursuing advancement ("up"). (00:44:36)
• Emphasis on the importance of daily reflection and journaling to maintain perspective and avoid getting lost in the consulting "vortex." (00:37:28)
• Modern work culture has internalized destructive motivations, making people push themselves beyond healthy limits ("hustle culture"). (00:41:06)
• The conversation touches on "hedonic adaptation" - the constant moving of goalposts for success and happiness in consulting careers. (00:43:07)
• Many who exit the traditional consulting career path often find more happiness, though they couldn't see this while still "on the ride." (00:45:18)

6 Takeaways:

• Difficulty explaining consulting roles often reveals deeper career doubts and questions of purpose.
• The broad range of consulting work makes it hard to define succinctly, leading to oversimplified or overcomplicated descriptions.
• Unlike tangible professions, consulting's abstract nature can leave practitioners feeling disconnected and unfulfilled.
• Starting careers for money without reflection leads to endless goal-shifting and diminishing satisfaction.
• The "up or out" culture traps many in unfulfilling paths, while those who leave often find unexpected happiness.
• Modern consulting culture has internalized self-destructive behaviors as necessary for success.

To read the Reddit threads that we are reacting to in this episode, check out these two posts:

• https://www.reddit.com/r/consulting/comments/1cwp50u/serious_question/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
• https://www.reddit.com/r/consulting/comments/1cwsq6i/i_dont_give_a_fuck_about_business_of_any_kind_but/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Finding and landing clients can be a daunting challenge for even the most seasoned professionals. Consultants want genuine opportunities to help solve problems and make a meaningful impact. There are 6 takeaways you need to know for transforming the sales process. We Discuss:

• How do you ask for business without using standard sales approaches that feel phony?
• How do you find people to have initial conversations with about potential business?
• How important is emotional intelligence (EQ) in consulting sales?
• How do you leverage your network to find business?
• When is the right time to transition from relationship-building to making a sales pitch?
• How can consultants overcome their discomfort with selling?

Key Highlights:

• Strategies for finding and selling to clients in consulting, emphasizing authentic relationships over aggressive sales tactics. (00:02:37)
• The importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in understanding client needs and building rapport. (25:23)
• Offering value first, such as through thought leadership or free workshops, before trying to sell services. (21:36)
• Networking and leveraging existing relationships are presented as crucial for finding new business opportunities. (05:37)
• Partnering with others who have complementary skills, especially for consultants who may lack sales experience. (29:43)
• The challenge of knowing when to transition from relationship-building to making a sales pitch. (39:25)
• The importance of making it easy for potential clients to take the next step in engaging services is emphasized. (40:26)
• Consulting sales as an ethical pursuit of helping people solve problems. (41:13)

6 Takeaways:

1. Successful consultants focus on building authentic relationships and understanding client needs rather than using aggressive sales tactics.
2. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is crucial for consultants to effectively read situations, connect with clients, and identify potential opportunities.
3. Offering value upfront through thought leadership, free workshops, or problem-solving sessions can help establish credibility and open doors to future business.
4. Leveraging existing networks and partnerships, both internal and external, is essential for finding new business opportunities and complementing one's own skills.
5. Consultants often struggle with transitioning from relationship-building to making a sales pitch, highlighting the importance of recognizing buying signals.
6. Framing consulting sales as an ethical pursuit of helping people solve problems can help overcome discomfort with traditional selling approaches.

In the fast-paced world of consulting, the ability to ask insightful questions can be the key differentiator between average and exceptional performance. Here are 7 things you need to know about the art and science of effective questioning to generate superior outcomes.

We Discuss:

• How can consultants ask good questions without appearing incompetent?
• Is the Socratic method overused in consulting?
• How does asking questions differ across cultures?
• How can technical consultants improve their questioning skills?
• How can junior consultants ask questions of senior team members or clients?

Key Highlights:

• The importance of asking good questions as a consultant, rather than just appearing as an expert (00:02:58)
• Building rapport and psychological safety is crucial for asking probing questions effectively (00:26:13)
• The Socratic method can be valuable if used with humility and genuine curiosity, not to prove someone wrong (00:30:05)
• Cultural differences play a role in how questions are perceived and should be asked (00:40:09)
• For technical consultants, developing questioning skills may require intentional effort as it doesn't always come naturally (00:44:03)
• Asking questions demonstrates expertise more than just stating facts, though this can be counterintuitive (00:46:16)
• Good questioning involves being curious, open, caring about the intent, and can be learned through practice (00:45:22)
• Questions are fundamental to human existence, learning, and career development (00:45:46)

7 Takeaways:

1. Effective consultants focus on asking insightful questions rather than simply demonstrating expertise, as this approach leads to better problem-solving and client relationships.
2. Building rapport and psychological safety is crucial before asking probing questions, especially in different cultural contexts where relationship-building may be more important initially.
3. The Socratic method can be a powerful tool when used with genuine curiosity and humility, rather than as a means to prove someone wrong or appear superior.
4. For technical consultants, developing strong questioning skills may require intentional effort, as it often doesn't come naturally to those with an engineering mindset.
5. Asking thoughtful questions can actually demonstrate more expertise than simply stating facts, though this approach may feel counterintuitive at first.
6. Good questioning involves being curious, open-minded, and caring about the intent behind the inquiry, skills that can be learned and improved through practice.
7. Questions are fundamental to human existence, learning, and career development, serving as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.

When you have a minute, go to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see all the free content. While you're there, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE. Check out https://patreon.com/ConsultantsSayingThings and subscribe for special access to EVEN MORE content from the team.

The consulting industry stands at the cusp of a profound transformation, driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and changing business landscapes. Here are 5 things consultants need to know about adapting and thriving in the future of 2035.

We Discuss:

• How will the role of consultants change by 2035?
• Is there a historical analog for the current pace of change in consulting?
• What should individual consultants do to prepare for these changes?
• Will AI completely replace human consultants?
• How might consulting firms change their investment strategies?

Key Highlights:

• The discussion focuses on a Strategic Foresight Study for 2035 produced by 2b Ahead, a German research firm, examining emerging trends in consulting (00:01:10)
• There's increasing uncertainty and "fog" in the business world, making navigating uncertainty a key value proposition for consultants (00:06:09)
• AI and automation are impacting knowledge work and consulting more than previously expected, potentially displacing roles like legal and medical professionals (00:23:44)
• The pace of technological change and dissemination of information is accelerating, leading to faster development and adoption of new tools (00:15:02)
• By 2035, consulting firms may need to invest more in AI hardware rather than just hiring more consultants (00:29:29)
• Consultants should focus on recording their work in AI-accessible formats and developing "original thought" that AI currently can't replicate (00:31:40)
• To remain relevant, consultants should actively use and understand AI tools to improve their work and potentially create new business models (00:35:47)
• The potential impact of AI on consulting ranges from incremental improvements to transformative change if AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) is achieved (00:34:34)
• Embracing uncertainty and adapting to new tools is key for consultants' future success (00:40:18)

5 Takeaways:

1. The consulting industry is facing increasing uncertainty and complexity, making the ability to navigate ambiguity a crucial skill for future consultants.
2. Artificial intelligence and automation are impacting knowledge work more significantly than anticipated, potentially displacing traditional consulting roles and requiring consultants to adapt their skillsets.
3. By 2035, consulting firms may need to invest more heavily in AI hardware and capabilities rather than solely focusing on hiring human consultants.
4. To remain relevant, consultants should actively use AI tools, focus on developing "original thought" that AI can't replicate, and look for ways to make their services more accessible and scalable.
5. The future of consulting will likely involve a symbiotic relationship between human expertise and AI capabilities, with successful consultants leveraging both to provide unique value to clients.

Here is the link to the full report, Strategic Foresight 2035 by 2b Ahead. https://2bahead.com/en/zukunftsstudie-kundenkommunikation2030-1 Patreon subscribers get the full document as well as the summarized set of slides. When you have a minute, go to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see all the free content. While you're there, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE. Check out https://patreon.com/ConsultantsSayingThings and subscribe for special access to EVEN MORE content from the team.

The rise of AI in consulting is akin to the demise of the buggy whip industry in the early 20th century. Just as the automobile rendered buggy whips obsolete, AI and large language models threaten to automate many tasks traditionally performed by consultants. Here are 7 things you need to know about adapting to survive this disruption.

We Discuss:

• What is the threat AI poses to consulting?
• How do consultants USE AI instead of being replaced by it?
• How can consultants keep an authentic voice in the face of LLMs?
• What is the consultant's value proposition in an AI future?
• What types of consulting careers are most likely to be impacted?

Key Highlights:

• The consulting industry may be facing a "buggy whip moment" due to the rise of AI and large language models (LLMs) that can automate tasks traditionally done by consultants. (00:02:53)
• Consultants who don't adopt AI tools risk being replaced by those who do, similar to how those who didn't adopt typewriters were replaced by those who did. (00:06:45)
• AI tools can augment consultants' capabilities, allowing them to do more work at a better quality level. (00:27:36)
• The consulting industry may shift from providing free advisory content to protect their IP from being used to train AI models. (00:10:47)
• Consultants should be vigilant, view AI as an opportunity, skill up, focus on human elements, niche down, and get closer to clients to navigate the changes brought by AI. (00:33:56)
• Consulting work that requires human-level decision-making and capability will likely remain relevant in the short to medium term. (00:40:17)
• Consultants should protect their IP going forward to maintain their value and competitive edge. (00:44:01)
• Soft skills, emotional intelligence, and creativity will remain important for consultants as AI focuses on past data rather than innovative thinking. (00:30:32)
• Consultants who enjoy building machines (processes and new things) will have an advantage over those who prefer running machines (turning the crank). (00:41:10)

7 Takeaways:

1. The consulting industry is facing a potential disruption due to the rise of AI and large language models that can automate tasks traditionally performed by consultants.
2. Consultants who fail to adopt AI tools risk being replaced by those who do, highlighting the importance of staying current with technological advancements.
3. AI tools can augment consultants' capabilities, enabling them to deliver higher quality work more efficiently.
4. The consulting industry may shift away from providing free advisory content to protect their intellectual property from being used to train AI models.
5. To navigate the changes brought by AI, consultants should be vigilant, view AI as an opportunity, develop new skills, focus on human elements, specialize in niche areas, and build stronger relationships with clients.
6. In the short to medium term, consulting work that requires human-level decision-making and capability will likely remain relevant.
7. Soft skills, emotional intelligence, and creativity will continue to be valuable assets for consultants, as AI focuses on analyzing past data rather than generating innovative ideas.

When you have a minute, go to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see all the free content. While you're there, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE. Check out https://patreon.com/ConsultantsSayingThings and subscribe for special access to EVEN MORE content from the team.

For ambitious consultants aiming to establish themselves as thought leaders and advance to senior decision-making roles, deliberate career planning is important. Here are 5 tips for actively managing your consulting career. We're joined by Patrick Milholland who in his career has served in every major C-Suite position but found his groove with a non-profit career, specifically his utlimate goal of a CIO career. We Discuss:

• Why would someone plan their career this way?
• How does education impact the career plan?
• What are some of the pros and cons to taking this approach?
• What were some of Patrick's hard choices in his journey?
• What are some of his insights gleaned from following this process during his career?

Key Highlights:

• Patrick deliberately pursued 3 degrees with the goal of becoming a CIO (3:00-6:24). There was a clear career plan in place and calculated choices were made to achieve the goal.
• Working as a consultant provided great experience and exposure that enabled attaining a CIO role (12:11-14:18). The consulting skills translated directly.
• The consulting role was left for a CIO position at a nonprofit where purpose and satisfaction was found, beyond just financial motivators (14:18-15:45).
• Over time, impressive credentials and titles were accumulated that opened up additional career opportunities (32:13-34:12). The background stood out.
• Be deliberate about aligning career choices with defined goals and to consider personal tradeoffs like family time (40:24-41:28). Having a plan matters.
• Location has an impact – being in Silicon Valley expanded options vs. being in Ohio (34:05-34:24).

5 Takeaways:

1. Education has an impact on getting noticed and gaining positions and needs to be aligned with the career strategy, sometimes by sacrificing things
2. Working as a consultant can provide experience and exposure that enables a longer term career plan.
3. Purpose and satisfaction beyond just financial motivators is more important than most people think when they're starting out.
4. The accumulation of impressive credentials and titles can open up more and better career opportunities.
5. Knowing your values, and being deliberate about aligning your career choices with those values will better enable you to reach your goals. When you have a minute, go to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see all the free content. While you're there, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE. Check out https://patreon.com/ConsultantsSayingThings and subscribe for special access to EVEN MORE content from the team.