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

Adrian Bettridge, Managing Partner at Baringa Partners, discusses his upbringing, challenges faced during Baringa's growth, and advice for consulting leaders. They also touch on the impact of not drinking alcohol, developing self-belief, and the role of wives during lockdown. The importance of long-term perspective in business and recommended books are also highlighted.

Angus Ridgway, a McKinsey veteran and peak performance expert, shares insights on success attributes in consulting careers, positive living habits, and celebrating small changes for big goals. The podcast delves into distinguishing success from failure in consulting, transitioning from challenges to acceleration, and standing out with unique qualities in the industry.

In today’s episode of Climb In Consulting I speak with Tom Hewson, Senior Partner at RedCompass Labs, the specialist consultancy that helps financial institutions accelerate their payments and financial crime programmes. Tom’s journey to where he is today has been rather unorthodox and is a great lesson in following your passion and being attuned to the opportunities that can come from it. Over his career he’s gone from running his own record label, to IT contracting, through to launching RedCompass Labs, which he and the team have built into a consultancy of over 100 financial services specialists with offices across the globe. With such a varied career there was a lot for us to dig in to in this one and Tom and I talk about a whole range of really important topics for any consultant. Many of which I’ve not discussed with any other guest before. We cover everything from his early days in music all the way through to his approach to leading the RedCompass Labs team today, and quite a bit in between. Some of the highlights include: - Why following the money is never the right decision and how to cultivate happiness through finding your passion, whether that’s within consulting or outside of it. - Tom’s advice on building a highly diverse team – having created a team with over 20 nationalities represented – what he looks for at interview and why cultivating the ‘immigrant mindset’ could be the key to your career success. - And what you should think about if you’re looking to give back to your industry, the benefits of overinvesting in CSR and the return that RedCompass Labs have seen from their own initiative, the RedCompass Labs RedFlag Accelerator, the most comprehensive global database of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking red flags specific for the financial sector. I really enjoyed this conversation with Tom. We cover a lot of different, and at times, deep topics, that I know you’re really going to enjoy. Having been pointed to Tom by my friend James Mitra at JBM, I was expecting a good interview and Tom certainly exceeded those expectations. Whether you’re trying to find your passion and break into the consulting industry, or you’re looking to learn how you can build a highly diverse team in your current firm, I know you’re going to get a ton from this episode. Get in touch with Tom via email at – tomh@redcompass.com Check out RedCompass Labs at – https://labs.redcompass.com/ Specific things discussed in the show Competing For The Future by Gary Hamel and CK Prahalad – https://amzn.to/3dxz87I The Empty Raincoat by Charles Handy – https://amzn.to/3dA4f2x

Today’s episode is a big milestone for the show, it’s episode 80 of Climb In Consulting! When I started the show three years ago I never expected it to achieve what it has. I originally started the show as a hobby, something to give back to the industry, something to learn from. I thought I'd get a couple of listeners – mainly being my family – and it would be mothballed after just a few episodes. Needless to say that wasn’t the case, and here we are 80 episodes later. I want to say a big thank you to you, my listeners, as without you the show would never have got to where it is today and it's because of you that I keep the show going. I love doing the podcast and my guests really enjoy it, but if there was no one listening, there'd be no point to it. As today is episode 80 I wanted to do something a little bit different and take a break from our usual interview format, to bring you a solo episode on a topic that myself and the team at Create Engage are getting a lot of questions on – What does marketing for consultancies look like ‘post-Covid’. As we slowly exit lockdown and go back to ‘normal life’ many consultancies are starting to think about what this means for their marketing. Will digital marketing disappear? Should I be cancelling my webinars and booking boxes at Twickenham instead? Will remote and flexible working impact my marketing strategy? In today’s episode I answer these questions and share the top four things that you’ll want to be focusing on for your post-Covid marketing strategy. In today’s episode I explain: - Why you need to be starting a podcast today and the hidden benefits it can bring to your consultancy. - Why webinars aren’t going anywhere fast and what you’re missing out on if you aren’t running regular webinars for your firm. - How email has helped our clients during Lockdown and the reasons you should be building it in to your marketing strategy post-Covid. - And the tiny change you can make to your digital marketing to dramatically improve lead generation. The consulting market is ever changing and that’s never been truer than it is today. Just as the world was turned on its head as the global pandemic started, we expect to see the same as we leave lockdown and your marketing has to respond accordingly. Whether you’re just starting out and want to know how you can set your new consultancy on the best path for success, or you’re a large boutique looking to refresh your marketing strategy, you’re going to get a lot from this one. Specific things discussed in the show Podcast: Episode 65 – Creating ROI generating marketing that delivers results – bit.ly/3mFGsRC Podcast: Episode 49 – How to create your own industry leading podcast – bit.ly/3t6a6BF Blog: Your Digital Marketing Framework – bit.ly/2PFsm6J eBook: The digital marketing secrets of the UKs fastest growing Management Consultancy- bit.ly/3myNTK3 eBook: No meetings? No problem: How to use marketing to grow your consultancy’s business development pipeline during the Coronavirus outbreak – bit.ly/3dOMafN