Episode 148: Unleashing potential: How to nurture a thriving team, with Alan Frost
Jul 5, 2024
auto_awesome
Alan Frost, Partner at Forvis Mazars, shares insights on building a high-performing consulting team, leveraging remote work benefits, integrating graduates for success, and prioritizing team-centric approaches for building trust with clients. Tune in to learn how Alan navigated an unconventional path to leadership and created a thriving team environment.
An accounting background provides a solid foundation for building a consulting team.
Remote work during the pandemic strengthened collaboration and skill development.
Integrating graduates and fostering a learning environment can lead to team success.
Deep dives
Building a Leading Community of Boutique Consulting Leaders
The Consultancy Growth Network is a premier community of boutique consulting leaders connecting experienced experts with founders seeking growth strategies. This network offers access to expert consultants like Don Morehouse and Augusto Negrilo, enriching members with invaluable insights, online events, a growth hub, and a vibrant Slack community. By joining, consulting firms can enhance learning, tackle challenges, and achieve business goals with exclusive benefits such as a special sign-up offer of a free 13th month.
Career Evolution from Accounting to Consulting Success
Alan Frost's career journey from accounting to partner at Forvis-Mazars showcases strategic transitions and achievements. With roots in accounting and a shift towards transactions and consulting, Frost discusses the advantages his accounting background brought to his consulting career. The podcast explores how pandemic challenges fostered team unity and led to successful consulting strategies, challenging conventional beliefs about team growth. Frost's experience highlights the significance of problem-solving skills and adapting to client needs for consulting success.
Cultivating Team Growth and Psychological Safety
Nurturing a team from 12 to 40 members, Alan Frost emphasizes the importance of psychological safety and team cohesion at Forvis-Mazars. Creating a supportive environment during the pandemic enhanced collaboration, strengthening team bonds and problem-solving capabilities. Through continuous training, team-building offsites, and graduate intakes, Frost fosters a culture of continuous improvement, empowering junior members to excel and contribute effectively. The team's focus on quality over quantity drives professional growth and ensures sustained success in consulting endeavors.
Embracing Innovation in Project Delivery
Choosing a non-traditional approach by incorporating AI and technology in client presentations led to remarkable results. By deviating from conventional methods and allowing younger, less experienced team members to showcase their innovative solutions, the team captivated clients with their video presentation. This departure from the usual approach not only impressed clients but also set a positive tone for successful project outcomes.
Client-Centric Approach and Business Development Strategy
Fostering deep client relationships and prioritizing quality deliverables emerged as essential elements of successful business development. Emphasizing the importance of over-communication with clients and nurturing strong client-stakeholder connections can enhance trust and value. By demonstrating genuine curiosity and offering structured problem-solving methodologies, consultants can position themselves as trusted advisors, ensuring sustained growth and client satisfaction.
Imagine building a high-performing consulting team of 40, brick by brick, from the ground up. That's the remarkable journey of Alan Frost, Partner at Forvis Mazars.
In this episode of Climb in Consulting, Alan shares his inspiring story, and offers expert insights on cultivating a collaborative and empowering environment for consultants of all levels.
Get ready to explore:
- The unexpected benefits of an accounting background: Discover how Alan's experience as a chartered accountant provided a solid foundation for building a successful consulting team.
- The pandemic's surprising silver lining: Explore how Alan's team leveraged remote work to strengthen collaboration, upskill, and build a deeper bond.
- Why graduates are your secret weapon: Challenge the conventional wisdom about experience in consulting. Alan shares his philosophy on integrating graduates and creating a learning environment where they can flourish.
- The team effort behind building trust: Learn why Alan prioritises a team-centric approach to client relationships, fostering trust and confidence across the entire consulting team.
This episode is packed with insights for aspiring and seasoned consultants alike. Tune in and discover how Alan navigated an unconventional path to leadership, building a thriving team that delivers exceptional value to clients.
We hope you enjoy the show!
Reach out to Alan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-frost/
Learn more about Forvis Mazars: https://www.forvismazars.com/uk/en
Books, magazines, and websites mentioned in the show:
- What Got You Here Won't Get You There, by Marshall Goldsmith: https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Got-Here-Wont-There/dp/1846681375
- Will It Make The Boat Go Faster? by Harriet Beveridge: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Will-Make-Boat-Faster-Olympic-winning/dp/1838592962/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2GTLPAR2S16MP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.A1QCCDHoKTiMOf__m-O3ZNlv96CzQKcjWmx6KbbNCYEfmEl6IvlH4WjkYJEAn68_3khQh1OGDFZX7jvcpar3Q_K3_iuyjgTohSEU37lq3X0xv2FidLwzVLmhi3_dlJ5l.PtxYAz3cxK6YcHY6OFVJyBJgSCs2XRZdjS3RLJnUbmY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Will+it+make+the+boat+go+faster%3F&qid=1719320593&s=books&sprefix=will+it+make+the+boat+go+faster+%2Cstripbooks%2C88&sr=1-1
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
