Episode 138: The Power of Action: The Unconventional Path to Consulting Success with Assad Ahmed
Jan 19, 2024
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Assad Ahmed shares his unconventional path to consulting success, highlighting the importance of taking action over planning. They discuss overcoming challenges like profitable clients hindering growth and thriving during economic downturns. Assad's embrace of planning with 90-day plans, putting people first, and maintaining culture are key takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Taking action is crucial for entrepreneurs to succeed, even if it means 'winging it'
Culture plays a vital role in Phase 3 by prioritizing people over profits
Recruitment at Phase 3 focuses on aligning talent with company values and nurturing internal growth
Deep dives
Evolution of Phase 3
Phase 3 has undergone a significant evolution in its business model over the years. Initially focusing on niche recruitment with a small team, they later expanded into providing services like managed payroll and outsourced payroll in addition to consulting. The shift towards building recurring revenue models and expanding into new market segments marked the transition towards Version 2.0. Currently poised at Version 3.0, the focus is on digital transformation, meeting revenue targets, and implementing metrics-driven strategies for growth.
Emphasis on People-First Culture
At Phase 3, the culture is centered around prioritizing their people. Building a strong people-first culture involves fostering empathy and putting employees above profits. This approach is extended to every aspect of the business, ensuring that the team's well-being and growth are the top priorities. The company values the longevity of its team members and focuses on building loyalty, trust, and strong relationships within the organization.
Recruitment and Talent Development
Recruiting the right talent at Phase 3 involves a comprehensive approach that combines gut feeling assessments with structured recruitment processes. The company has a strong emphasis on hiring individuals who align with the company culture and values. Despite initial challenges in recruitment, Phase 3 has successfully nurtured talent from within the organization, with many team members growing into leadership roles.
Transition to Strategic Planning
While Phase 3 initially operated without formal long-term plans, the company has since embraced strategic planning as it has grown. Moving towards five-year plans, quarterly objectives, and data-driven decision-making, Phase 3 has shifted towards a more structured approach to driving growth and success. While prioritizing shorter-term goals, the company also recognizes the importance of adapting plans to changing circumstances and needs.
Advice on Building a Successful Business Culture
To succeed in business, it's vital to foster a culture where employees feel valued and connected to the company's growth. Creating a work environment that resonates with individuals at different career stages is key. For example, offering flexibility to accommodate diverse needs, such as unlimited holidays or remote work options, can promote employee satisfaction and loyalty. Maintaining transparent communication about performance expectations and business objectives helps align team members with the company's vision, fostering a collaborative and supportive culture.
Utilizing Poll Surveys to Enhance Employee Engagement
Implementing regular poll surveys can provide valuable insights into employee sentiments and engagement levels within the organization. These surveys serve as a communication tool to gauge employee satisfaction and address any areas of improvement. By seeking feedback on various aspects such as business direction, communication effectiveness, and overall well-being, companies can tailor their strategies to enhance employee engagement and cultivate a positive work culture. Utilizing survey data to refine communication practices and address specific concerns demonstrates a commitment to actively involving employees in shaping the company's culture.
In the latest episode of Climb in Consulting, we welcomed Assad Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Phase 3, the Manchester-based consultancy that provides professional and managed services across HR, payroll, and finance.
As a born entrepreneur, Assad started Phase 3 at a young age, and with a self-confessed aversion to planning, he was able to grow the business through his aptitude for building relationships and a healthy dose of ‘winging it’!
Since then, Phase 3 has grown to over 100 employees spread across the UK, with many of Assad’s early recruits now in management positions, including COO James Proctor, who started as one of Phase 3’s first consultants.
In this episode, Nick and Assad enjoy an in-depth chat about the trajectory of Phase 3, and delve into the detail of how it evolved from Phase 3 v.1 to v.2 and beyond.
They cover a whole host of fascinating topics, including:
- Why getting out and doing it is the most important step an entrepreneur can take
- How landing a hugely profitable client actually set the growth of the business back
- How Phase 3 thrived during the 2008-9 credit crunch by focusing on the value they offered to customers
- Why Assad now embraces planning – and why 90-day plans are his preferred duration
- The importance of culture in Phase 3, and why Assad is a big believer in putting people first
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Whether you’re at the early stages of your consulting career, a seasoned pro, or you’re planning to start your own firm, you’ll love this episode of Climb in Consulting.
We hope you enjoy the show!
Reach out to Assad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/assadahmedp3c/
Learn more about Phase 3: https://phase3.co.uk/
Books, magazines, and websites mentioned in the show:
- How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
- Growth: Building a Successful Consultancy in the Digital Age by Joe O’Mahoney
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