Regular listeners will know what this episode is all about. But for those of you who are new to the show or have only started listening recently, you might need a little more explanation. Every few months we like to take a break from our usual interview format to give you something slightly different. Which is where this episode comes in. Our guests give so much great advice and nowhere is this truer than in their answers to the round up question in each episode: “What one piece of advice would you give to someone just starting their career in consulting, someone at Manager level and someone approaching Partner.” We love listening to their varied but always insightful answers and we know you do too. That’s why we like to put them all in one place in these career advice round-up episodes, so you’re not left scrolling through multiple episodes to find them. Today you’ll hear from a host of guests from the past six months of Climb In Consulting. They’ve come from a range of backgrounds, a range of different consultancies and all have unique perspectives to share about how to succeed in the sector. In this episode we bring together: - James Constable, CEO of Albany Beck - Tom Hewson, Senior Partner at RedCompass Labs - Angus Ridgeway, formerly of McKinsey, now leading Potentialife - Kevin Ellis, Chairman and Senior Partner at PwC UK - Ben Rudman, Co-Founder and CEO of MMT Digital - Richard Fenning, formerly of Control Risks, now partner at Manchester Square Partners - Jonathan Davis, Managing Director of Avaloq We love listening back to these guests. It reminds us just how much great advice they share, and we hope you find it just as enlightening as we do.

In episode 92 of Climb In Consulting Nick speaks with Jonathan Davis, managing director at Avaloq. Jonathan started his career at Anderson Consulting in the late 1980s where he managed to get his foot in the door despite not having the educational success of many of his peers. That didn’t stop him working his way up from the unloved outsourcing department to become an equity partner at the time of its IPO. Since then, he’s taken on a number of varied and challenging roles ranging from attempting to buy a small car manufacturer to helping turn around Capco, to leading FIS’s £400m Middle East and African business. As you can imagine, he’s learned a huge amount along the way about what makes good teams tick and how to build colleague and client relationships that really work. As well as the ups and downs of his career, Nick and Jonathan delve deeper into the human side of consulting, including: - How Jonathan overcame his own insecurities to have the successful career he has - The secrets to motivating your team and how to get everyone on the same page to achieve a common goal - And why getting your top table right is critical to your consultancy’s success Few people in our industry can match Jonathan’s breadth of experience and he brings a huge number of valuable insights to this conversation. Whatever stage of your career you are at, whether you’re attempting to break into the consulting business, refine your leadership skills or try something a little different, this is a conversation well worth listening to. Get in touch with Jonathan at – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-davis-a56a5/ Or through – jonathan.davis@avaloq.com Find out more about Avaloq at – https://www.avaloq.com/ Specific things discussed in the show Getting to Yes: Negotiating an agreement without giving in by Roger Fisher and William Ury – https://amzn.to/30kV1Dh Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner – https://amzn.to/3n4SMMQ Open: An Autobiography By Andre Agassi – https://amzn.to/3oiRH3A

In episode 91 of Climb In Consulting, Nick speaks with seasoned industry veteran, Richard Fenning, former CEO of Control Risks. The global risk consultancy with over 2,000 consultants working across 42 offices around the world. We first heard Richard as a guest on the Distinctive Leaders podcast, run by our client Andrew Wallace of Leathwaite. Having hugely enjoyed their conversation, we knew we had to get him on the show. Richard’s career in consulting started at Price Waterhouse where, as he shares in today’s conversation, he wasn’t having much success. Seeing that he wasn’t going to progress where he was, he decided to take a leap of faith and join the, at the time, small boutique, Control Risks. Having started close to the bottom of the firm, he climbed all the way to Global CEO where he spent 14 years leading the business through significant international expansion. Since retiring, Richard’s turned his attention to two of his other passions, Executive Coaching, through his Manchester Square Partners practice, and writing, having chronicled his many adventures with Control Risks in his new book – What On Earth Can Go Wrong: Tales From The Risk Business In today’s conversation Nick and Richard cover a lot of ground, going both deep as well as wide. Together they discuss a range of topics that will help you on your journey, whether you’re climbing up the ladder in your firm or sitting at the top, helping to shape its future direction. There are very few people who reach the level that Richard did in the consulting industry, and it was great to be able to hear Nick sit down with him for this conversation. Whether you’re currently trying to plot out your own path to the top of your consultancy, or maybe you’re already a partner and want to understand what separates the best leaders from the rest, we know you’re going to get so much from what Richard has to say. Get in touch with Richard at – https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardfenning1/ Find out more about Control Risks at – https://www.controlrisks.com/ Specific things discussed in the show What On Earth Can Go Wrong: Tales From The Risk Business by Richard Fenning - https://amzn.to/3vR91jz How To Fail by Elizabeth Day - https://amzn.to/3Eo9cWp

In today’s episode of Climb In Consulting we’re trying something new. Something a little different that we hope you’re going to really enjoy. We’re big believers in the Tony Robbins quote that “success leaves clues” and we’ve learned so many of these clues from guests of the show, whether they were solo consultants, partners in big firms or consulting entrepreneurs. In the early days of Create Engage the advice and inspiration we took from our guests really helped when the going got tough and having had Nick speak with many listeners, we know that you really value these stories too. So today, we’ve taken a different tack and created a themed episode all about how to start your own consultancy. It brings together valuable sections from previous podcast guests, so that all their insights are in one place. In this episode you’ll hear from: - Dom Moorhouse of Moorhouse - Suki Thompson of Oystercatchers - Simon Dennis of Gate One - Hannah Farrar of Carnall Farrar - Stephen Newton of Elixirr - Olly Purnell and Sharon Rice-Oxley of Q5 Listening back to these conversations reminded us just how valuable we’ve found all their advice and we’re sure you will too. Whether you’re looking to strike out on your own or build a practice in an established firm using the same fundamental start-up principles, we know this episode is going to give you a huge amount of advice you can put to good use. So, please do enjoy today’s entrepreneur-inspired episode of climb in consulting.

In today’s episode of Climb In Consulting Nick talks to the brilliant and inspiring Ben Rudman, co-founder and CEO of MMT Digital. Ben jumped straight into business with a friend after graduating from university. After a steady start, they decided to take it up a gear, and over that time MMT has gone from strength to strength. Evolving from an educational CD Rom business to a leading digital consultancy, working with impressive list of corporate clients. It’s a truly fascinating journey, which Ben admits has involved plenty of missteps on the way to success. In this conversation, Nick and Ben delve deeper into the up and downs of building a business at such a young age and how MMT has grown into an organisation of more than 200 people. They covered a wide range of topics including: - How the company accelerated over the past decade from a relatively small agency into the large digital consultancy it is today. - How they were able to attract top talent from their base in Uppingham, a small town not known for its tech industry. - And how the team’s passionate belief in doing business the right way has fuelled their drive for B-Corp status. Whether you’re keen to establish your own start-up consultancy, understand how to bring brilliant people onboard or are looking at ways to scale up your firm, Ben has a huge amount of knowledge you can learn from. We really enjoyed the conversation and think you will too. So, if you can, please do take a moment to listen. Get in touch with Ben at – https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrudman/ Find out more about MMT Digital at – https://www.mmtdigital.co.uk/ Specific things discussed in the show The Lean Start Up by Eric Ries – https://amzn.to/3kNbVSl Alive At Work by Daniel Cable – https://amzn.to/3zNgXCN Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed – https://bit.ly/3F0S0rp

Welcome back to Climb In Consulting! After our summer break, we’re very excited to be back with Episode 88, and let us tell you, we have a very special guest to kick off with. Today Nick speaks with Kevin Ellis, Chairman and Senior Partner at PwC UK. Now, we suspect everyone listening to this show will know who PwC are, and many of you will know who Kevin is. But for those who don’t, Kevin leads PwC’s 22,000-person strong UK business. He was elected Chairman and Senior Partner of PwC UK in 2016 and then re-elected for a second term in 2020. Prior to that he spent 8 years on the board of PwC UK as the head of their advisory practice. In a career that’s spanned almost 40 years he’s gone from a first-year accountant to the most senior Partner in the firm. With such an extensive tenure and all the experience, learnings and insights that he’s developed over that time, it was a pleasure to be able to listen to Kevin and Nick’s conversation and get his perspective on many of the burning issues facing the consulting industry today. In this conversation they discuss a wide range of important topics including: – How Social Mobility is critical to our industry’s future and why Kevin has made it one of his key priorities for his second term as Chairman. – How Kevin’s been able to go from a trainee accountant to Senior Partner, and his advice for others looking to build their own career in consulting. – And the changing world of work and why remote working could actually be harming your career success. This was a great conversation that we got a lot from and we know that you will to. Regardless of whether you work for PwC, one of their ‘big 4 competitors’ or a boutique challenger firm, the lessons and advice that Kevin shares in this one will help you on your journey, whether your goal is to increase your social impact, grow your firm or grow your career. So, without further ado, please enjoy Nick’s conversation with Kevin Ellis. Get in touch with Kevin at – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-ellis-28a63930/ Find out more about PwC at – https://www.pwc.co.uk/ Specific things discussed in the show Why Should Anyone Be Led by You?: What It Takes To Be An Authentic Leader by Gareth Jones and Robert Goffee – https://amzn.to/3lth8Ol Rebel Ideas: The Power of Thinking Differently by Matthew Syed – https://amzn.to/3AlAECH

In today’s episode of Climb In Consulting, Nick speaks with former guest Simon Dennis and his fellow Gate One Partner, David Holliday. Since Simon first appeared on the show, back in 2018, Gate One has gone from strength to strength, growing to a team of over 120 consultants and expanding internationally. Last year that success culminated in the firm being acquired by Havas. A meeting of minds and a partnership designed to accelerate Gate One’s growth even further. In this conversation, Nick, Simon and David go into detail on Gate One’s journey over the last 18 months and dig into the story of the acquisition process, including: - How the deal came about and the process, discussions and decisions that went into the sale to Havas. - How the Gate One team managing the integration process and their advice to others considering, or in the process of, doing the same. - And Gate One’s plans for the future, their international expansion and how the Havas partnership has helped accelerate this journey for them. This episode really does lift the lid on everything that goes into a consulting acquisition. From the financial to the cultural and everything in between. We really enjoyed hearing all about how Gate One have grown since Nick and Simon last spoke almost three years ago and we’re sure you will too. If you’re looking for some behind the scenes knowledge of an acquisition process, or you want to find out how you can expand your own firm into international markets. This is the episode for you, and we know you’re going to get a lot from it. Get in touch with Simon at – https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-dennis-28416b1 Get in touch with David at – https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-s-holliday Find out more about Gate One at – https://gateoneconsulting.com/ Specific things discussed in the show Procrastinate On Purpose by Rory Vaden - https://amzn.to/3x1PITn Start With Why by Simon Sinek - https://amzn.to/3hXVYHE The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek - https://amzn.to/2UC1nLF This Is Marketing by Seth Godin - https://amzn.to/36V39de

In today’s episode Nick brings you the second part of his conversation with Q5 as he sits down with Rowenna Reid and Annabel Tonge to talk all things Pop-Up Consulting. In part one, Nick was joined by former guest and Managing Partner at Q5, Olly Purnell. This time around, Nick speaks to Rowenna and Annabel about Q5’s fantastic Pop-Up Consulting initiative. One of the few positive things to come out of the last 18 months and something that we believe many consultancies will want to learn from and emulate. In today’s conversation Rowenna and Annabel share the story of Pop-Up, why Q5 launched it, what their team get out of it and why they’re going to keep on developing it even after lockdown ends. If you’re thinking about ways that your consultancy can do more to give back, or you’re simply sick of painting fences and think there must be a better way to do CSR then you’re going to love this episode. Get in touch with Rowenna at – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenna-reid-0255841/ Get in touch with Annabel at – https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabel-tonge-74924b16/ Find out more about Q5 at – www.q5partners.com/ Specific things discussed in the show House of glass by Hadley Freeman – https://amzn.to/3yTouQk The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy – https://amzn.to/3egLReR The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business by Patrick Lencioni – https://amzn.to/3z1pHFr

In today’s episode Nick brings you the first of a 2 part, round 2 interview, with former guest Olly Purnell of Q5 Partners. Originally recorded as one conversation, when we listened back it was clear that there was just so much great content in this one that deserved to stand on its own two feet. In today’s part 1, you’ll hear from Olly Purnell, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Q5 Partners. In part 2, which we’ll be releasing in two weeks’ time, you’ll hear from Rowenna Reid and Annabel Tonge, all about Q5’s fantastic Pop Up Consulting initiative. One of the few positive things to come out of the last 18 months and something that we believe many consultancies will want to learn from and emulate. Back to today’s episode! Olly originally joined Nick for Episode 12 of the series with Q5 co-founder Sharon Rice-Oxley where they discussed the origins of Q5, their tough first year in business and how they overcame it, as well as the unique approach Q5 took to developing their culture and how they’ve maintained it as they’ve grown. In today’s conversation, Olly and Nick explore how some of these elements have developed, and the new and innovative things that Q5 are doing as they expand. including: - Q5’s growth over the last few years, why they’ve chosen to follow a regional expansion strategy and Olly’s top tips for making this a success. - Recruitment and retention in consulting, why people seem to be leaving the industry earlier than they used to and what this means for consulting leaders like you. - And an introduction to Pop Up Consulting. Why they launched it and why it’s going to continue to be a key part of the business post Covid. It was a pleasure to hear from Olly again and we know you’re really going to really enjoy learning from his insights and experience having successfully growing Q5 to where it is today. Whether you’re considering expanding your consultancy and want to learn from someone who’s been there before, or you’re seeing turnover increase in your firm, and want to know what you can do to stop it, this conversation with Olly will give you the answers you need! Get in touch with Olly at - https://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-purnell-6525ab9/ Find out more about Q5 at - https://www.q5partners.com/ Specific things discussed in the show Magic Sponge by Olly Purnell and Andy Cottrill - https://amzn.to/3Adkvzt

In today’s episode, I talk to Tim Smeaton and Simon Walker, Managing Partners of Kubrick Group, the award-winning data, AI, and cloud consultancy, which exists to solve the digital skills emergency, by building a diverse workforce designed to help organisations evolve and embrace next-generation technology. If you’re a regular listener you may remember that Tim and Simon first appeared on the show in episode 16, almost 3 years ago. Since then, Kubrick has grown dramatically. Going from C. 100 consultants when we last spoke to over 600 today. On the way they’ve built out multiple new offerings and won a whole host of awards in recognition of their growth, their commitment to D&I and the service they provide to their clients. Having watched their journey over the last three years, I was keen to get Tim and Simon back on the show, to share the secrets behind this phenomenal growth. In today’s conversation we dive into a whole range of topics that will help you grow your consulting firm, including: - How Kubrick Group has been able to scale so quickly in such a short amount of time, and the secrets that have helped them achieve that success. - The unique approach they’ve taken to identifying what their clients really need, what they should be selling to them and when the time is right to launch a new practice area. - And how Tim and Simon’s approach to leadership has had to evolve as the business has grown. It was great to speak with Tim and Simon again. This conversation was as fun as it was insightful and I know you’re going to enjoy it. We laughed a lot and they shared so much great advice along the way. If you’re looking to learn how you can grow your own consulting business or practice area, or want to know how to approach building out your new offering, you’re going to get a ton from this one. Get in touch with Tim at – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-smeaton-424929/ Get in touch with Simon at – https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-walker-8763b9/ Visit Kubrick at – https://www.kubrickgroup.com/ Specific things discussed in the show Good To Great by Jim Collins - https://amzn.to/3p7nHaI This Is Marketing by Seth Godin - https://amzn.to/3uLfZoc Find Your Why by Simon Sinek - https://amzn.to/3fXrOCh Dilts’ Logical Levels - https://bit.ly/3wOmuYw