Winning the First Strategic Planning Gig

What if the reason your consulting business hasn't grown isn't because you lack the perfect strategy, but because you need to learn how to hold better conversations?

In this episode, I'm joined by Manal Sayid, a facilitator and consultant who quietly built a seven-figure practice by helping leaders navigate the conversations most people avoid. Manal didn't start in consulting. She started in non profit HR, volunteered on a suicide prevention line for nearly a decade, and learned at a very human level how trust is built when people feel heard.

In this conversation, you'll discover why relationship building without an agenda can outperform traditional business development; how being braver with clients leads to more respect, better work, and stronger outcomes; and what it really takes to facilitate change when there's tension, power dynamics, or uncertainty in the room.

If your growth depends on trust, referrals, and leading real conversations, not just selling frameworks, then this episode will change how you think about your role as a consultant and consulting business owner.

Welcome to the Consulting Success podcast. I'm your host Michael Zipursky, and in this podcast, we're going to dive deep into the world of elite consultants where you're going to learn the strategies, tactics and mindset to grow a highly profitable and successful consulting business.

Before we dive into today's episode. Are you ready to grow and take your consulting business to the next level? Many of the clients that we work with started as podcast listeners just like you, and a consistent theme they have shared with us is that they wished they had reached out sooner about our Clarity Coaching Program rather than waiting for that perfect time. If you're interested in learning more about how we help consultants just like you, we're offering a free, no pressure growth session call. On this call, we're going to dive deep into your goals, challenges and situation and outline a plan that is tailor made just for you. We will also help you identify where you may be making costly and time consuming mistakes to ensure you're benefiting from the proven methods and strategies to grow your consulting business.

So don't wait years to find clarity. If you're committed and serious about reaching a new level of success in your consulting business, go ahead and schedule your free growth session. Get in touch today. Just visit Consulting Success - Grow to book your free call today.

Mentioned in this episode:

Your 3-Day Blueprint for Consulting Growth in San Diego.

Imagine your future self looking back on the single event that changed everything. The Consulting Success Mastermind in San Diego (April 30 - May 2, 2026) is designed to be that moment. For three days, you'll be surrounded by high-performing peers, world-class mentors, and a community genuinely dedicated to your success. Walk away with strategic clarity and unstoppable momentum. Create your breakthrough moment. Learn more about the San Diego Mastermind: www.consultingsuccess.com/sandiego