Art of Consulting Podcast

Welcome to another episode of "The Art of Consulting Podcast" with your hosts, Andy Fry and Cat Lam. As seasoned IT consultants, CPAs, and professional development connoisseurs, we aim to bring you inspiring messages to help you discover the X factor in your professional field, leading to the success you truly deserve in your career and life.   In today's episode, Andy shares an insightful experience he had while reviewing a book. When asked for feedback, he took a moment to clarify the author's expectations. This simple step made him realize the importance of understanding what type of feedback someone is seeking. As professionals, we often find ourselves in situations where others ask for our opinions or reviews, whether it's on a document, a presentation, or even a piece of code.   Andy emphasizes the crucial need to inquire about the specific feedback the person is looking for. Is it content-related, structural, or just a quick once-over for errors? Without this clarity, one may end up investing time in providing feedback that the recipient doesn't want or need.   Drawing parallels to his experience in sports, Andy notes that constant feedback is integral to improvement, especially in activities like sports, acting, or music. However, not every adult seeks or appreciates feedback in the same way. Andy learned that not everyone wants his opinion, and if they do, they prefer it in a particular manner.   He identifies two common approaches people tend to take when giving feedback: the critic and the cheerleader. The critic tends to be harsh, focusing on pointing out flaws, while the cheerleader tends to be overly positive, often avoiding constructive criticism. Andy advises finding a balance by incorporating two positive aspects and one constructive suggestion when providing feedback.   Moreover, Andy stresses the importance of ensuring that the recommended changes are feasible and can be implemented in the given context. It's vital to consider time constraints and practicality, avoiding suggestions that cannot be realistically executed.   In conclusion, Andy encourages listeners to be mindful of the feedback they give, understanding that people may fall into either the critic or cheerleader categories. By providing constructive feedback in a positive manner, one can contribute to others' growth and success. Remember, three positives and one or two areas for improvement can strike the right balance.   As always, keep staying awesome, keep doing your thing, and keep working hard. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving it five stars to help others discover it. Thank you for listening, and until next time, stay committed to your professional journey.  

Welcome back to another episode of "The Art of Consulting Podcast" with your hosts, Andy Fry and Cat Lam. As seasoned IT consultants, CPAs, and enthusiasts of professional development, we are here to provide you with inspiring messages to help unlock your professional X factor and achieve the success you truly deserve in your career and life.   In today's episode, Andy draws inspiration from Tim Grover, the renowned trainer of basketball legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Tim Grover's wisdom is centered around a powerful concept: instead of just worrying about things within your control, focus on actually controlling them. The idea is to tackle the things you can manage efficiently so that you are better equipped to handle the inevitable challenges that are beyond your control.   This approach goes against the traditional advice of not worrying about the things you can't control. Andy resonates with this perspective, emphasizing that our responsibility is not just to passively accept the uncontrollable but actively prepare and deal with them.   He uses the example of the COVID-19 pandemic, a situation no one could control. However, Andy points out that individuals could control their health-related habits – washing hands, getting enough sleep, exercising, and maintaining overall well-being. By managing what is within our control, we are better positioned to confront unforeseen challenges.   Applying this philosophy to the consulting world, Andy highlights the role of project managers. Their primary responsibility is to control and manage the aspects of a project within their reach, creating a strong foundation to navigate the uncertainties that may arise.   The key takeaway is clear: in consulting and life, focus on taking charge of the things you can control. Whether you're a project manager meticulously overseeing every detail or an individual contributor handling a specific project aspect, proactively managing your responsibilities sets the stage for success.   Andy concludes by encouraging listeners to stay awesome, keep pushing forward, and remain dedicated to their hard work. Success is an ongoing journey, and by focusing on the controllable elements, we empower ourselves to tackle the unexpected with resilience and determination.   If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, and consider giving us a five-star rating. Your support helps others discover valuable insights from "The Art of Consulting Podcast." Until next time, keep working hard and stay unstoppable!

Episode Highlights: -Andy discusses how you establish and handle career problems. Serve clients but you also have to serve yourself. NO matter who serves our paycheck. Learn the lessons and take care of our career because it is who we are.   If you look at yourself and imagine that it is your business, you always make sure to provide a solution to your business problem. You will see the opportunity in client sights, the pain that they're feeling in engagements and you will support them better. 

Introduction: Welcome back to the Art of Consulting Podcast, where we explore the Having to share an opinion without being argumentative. Today, we'll delve into a thought-provoking experience from John Wooden and how he’s ways and approach from sports is being used in business.   Episode Highlights:   -John Wooden - caoch basketball best of all time. He have the best way of managing people and approaching problems and looking at things in a different way. "You can disagree without being disagreeable." -Conversations don't have to become confrontational when you disagree with somebody.   -Our host shares a personal experience of situations where he encounters situations that he needs to disagree - like an approach or decision in a project. -Differentiated the Consultant and a contractor - consultants give solutions, plans and recommendations and from that they are open to agreeing and disagreeing situations. - To solve a problem, we need to put effort on finding a solution and come up with some level of knowledge in that problem. Be open on conflicting ideas. Its important to let other people to work it through the problem and host said that being open, you’re allowing other answer to the problem and there’s always more answer to a one problem. - Worked up and agitated self put yourself on mute. GIve yourself some time and some moment slow things down. - You are not there to make friends.Host shares that he does have problems with creating a boundary with clients.The most important thing is to treat each other with respect. Conclusion: As we conclude this episode of the Art of Consulting Podcast, we leave you with a powerful reminder: There are more solutions to one problem. Having an open mind to other conflicting ideas will establish a healthy relationship between you and the client. Thank you for joining us today on the Art of Consulting Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. We look forward to sharing more valuable insights in our upcoming episodes. Until next time!  

Introduction: Welcome back to the Art of Consulting Podcast, where we explore the intersections of sports and business. Today, we'll delve into a thought-provoking experience from this summer, involving our host's daughter and her track and field journey. Through this story, we'll uncover valuable lessons about competition, sportsmanship, and striving for excellence. Episode Highlights: Lessons from Track and Field: • Our host's daughter participated in the US track Nationals, competing in multiple events, including high jump. • Despite coming in ranked first, she finished fifth in the competition, sparking reflections on competition and results. Acknowledging Excellence: • Our host shares a personal experience of neglecting to congratulate the winning athlete and her parents immediately after the high jump event. • This missed opportunity highlighted the importance of recognizing and respecting the accomplishments of others. The Competitive Landscape: • In both sports and business, competition is a constant presence. • Competing against accomplished individuals can push us to prepare better, acknowledge the process, and understand that results are not always within our control. Accepting Results and Maturity: • Accepting competition results, whether favorable or not, is a sign of maturity. • Learning to gracefully handle both success and setbacks is crucial for personal growth and development. Embracing the Journey: • Competition serves as a valuable tool for personal improvement. • Recognizing that competing against strong opponents makes us better can lead to a more resilient and mature approach to life's challenges. The Power of Congratulation: • Congratulating competitors and colleagues on their achievements demonstrates maturity and sportsmanship. • Building positive relationships in competitive environments can lead to better collaboration and growth. Conclusion: As we conclude this episode of the Art of Consulting Podcast, we leave you with a powerful reminder: competition is a part of life, whether in sports or business. Embracing competition with maturity, recognizing the accomplishments of others, and striving for personal growth are essential elements of success. Keep being awesome, and remember that competition is not just about winning; it's about the journey and the lessons learned along the way. Thank you for joining us today on the Art of Consulting Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. We look forward to sharing more valuable insights in our upcoming episodes. Until next time!

Title: The Power of Helping Others: A Journey of Transformation Episode Highlights: Starting from Humble Beginnings: • In 1993, after graduating from college, our host found himself working as an operations supervisor for a furniture retailer. • His responsibilities included managing the warehouse, office tasks like invoicing and sales processing, customer service, and deliveries. • The challenges of customer service and frequent delivery mishaps were draining, and he questioned his long-term career prospects. A Chance Encounter with Marjorie: • Marjorie, a colleague, saw potential in our host and introduced him to a life-changing opportunity. • Marjorie's brother, a vice president at Oracle, needed someone for a crucial role during maternity leave. • Our host's journey into the world of Oracle began, opening doors to a new career path. Lessons from Mentors: • Throughout his consulting career, our host had the privilege of being mentored by experienced professionals. • These mentors accelerated his learning curve, offering invaluable insights and guidance. The Importance of Giving Back: • Our host and his co-host, Cat, started their podcast with a mission to share their knowledge and experiences. • They emphasize the significance of helping others when the opportunity arises, even in small ways. • Personal experiences have shown that helping others can lead to life- changing transformations. Ethical Help: • The story of a colleague's unethical request reminds us that genuine help should be unconditional. • Manipulative tactics should be avoided when seeking or offering assistance. • The act of helping should come from a place of sincerity and empathy. The Ripple Effect: • Our host challenges listeners to make a difference in others' lives by offering support and seeking help when needed. • Life and career choices are influenced by the choices we make and the choices others make for us. • Giving back and being open to helping others can lead to a fulfilling and purposeful life. Conclusion: As we conclude this episode of Art of Consulting Podcast, we are reminded of the profound impact that helping others can have on our lives. The story of our host's journey from a furniture retailer to a successful consultant showcases how one person's kindness can change the course of another's career. Remember, being a giver, not a taker, can lead to a more meaningful and interconnected world. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in future episodes. Thank you for joining us today on Art of Consulting Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Keep spreading kindness, and we'll talk to you soon!

**Podcast Title:** "Mastering ERP Implementation: Insights from an OCM Expert"   **Show Notes:**   **Introduction:** In this episode of Art of Consulting, we dive deep into the world of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) implementation with a focus on Organizational Change Management (OCM). Our special guest, Frederique Oberlin, an OCM extraordinaire with 18+ years of experience, shares invaluable insights and wisdom gained from various ERP projects.   **Episode Highlights:**   1. **Understanding Organizational Change Management (OCM):**    - Frederique defines OCM as the people side of a software implementation, emphasizing the importance of bringing employees along the project journey from the beginning rather than surprising them with a new system at the end.   2. **Challenges in ERP Implementation:**    - The conversation highlights how employees sometimes create their own processes outside of the ERP system, known as "shadow IT," due to various reasons like system limitations or lack of training.   3. **Measuring Success in ERP Implementation:**    - Frederique discusses key metrics for measuring success, such as assessing training effectiveness, tracking post-Go Live support tickets, and ensuring users are adopting the system as intended.   4. **Proactive Change Management:**    - The importance of proactive change management is emphasized, including the concept of the ADKAR journey (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement) and how it aids in preparing employees for change.   5. **Hypercare:**    - Hypercare, the critical period immediately following Go Live, is explained as a time when additional support is crucial. Frederique shares strategies like deploying super users and providing a human presence for support, both in-person and virtually.   6. **Leadership's Role in OCM:**    - Frederique advises leaders to engage in candid conversations with OCM experts, understanding the expectations and requirements for communication, training, and support. Leaders' active involvement in training can significantly impact the success of the project.   **Conclusion:** Organizational Change Management is a vital aspect of any ERP implementation, and proactive planning, effective training, and leadership involvement are key to a successful transition. We appreciate Frederique Oberlin for sharing her expertise on this essential topic. Connect with her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederique-oberlin-86251712/     Stay tuned for more insightful episodes of Art of Consulting as we continue to explore the world of ERP and business transformation.  

Welcome to the Art of Consulting, your go-to source for expert insights on mastering ERP success. Today we have a special guest with us, Andy, a highly experienced ERP consultant with over 25 years in the industry.    In this episode, Andy shares invaluable insights into ensuring ERP project success. He emphasizes the importance of defining clear success metrics from the outset and keeping the project team aligned with a shared mission. Andy also highlights the critical need for project teams, both internal and external, to deeply understand the core business of the organization they are working with.   Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:   1. **Defining Success Metrics:** Andy stresses the significance of defining what success looks like for your ERP project. He suggests moving beyond generic statements like "on time, on budget, within scope" and instead encourages creating a detailed and tangible definition of success.    2. **Shared Mission:** Establishing a clear project mission statement and ensuring everyone understands why the project is being undertaken is vital. Andy draws parallels with real-life examples, emphasizing the importance of everyone rowing in the same direction.   3. **Understanding the Business:** Whether you're an internal employee or an external consultant, understanding the core business of the organization is crucial. Andy explains that it's not just about what the business sells but identifying the primary revenue-generating functions and optimizing around them.   By the end of this episode, you'll have a deeper understanding of the key factors that contribute to ERP project success and how to apply these insights to your own projects.   So, if you're ready to master ERP success, stay tuned and let's dive into this enlightening conversation with Andy. Remember to subscribe to our podcast to get more expert insights on ERP and other related topics.   Thank you for joining us, and enjoy the episode!  

Discover how active exploration can unlock your creativity and enhance mental growth. Engaging in hands-on activities, like parkour, offers unique learning methods crucial for consulting success. The synergy between technology and design illustrates the impact of diverse interests on innovation. Embrace curiosity and transform passive observation into active participation. Plus, learn how pursuing passions and embracing mistakes fosters personal growth and fulfillment. Tune in for insights that spark new perspectives!

Introduction: In this podcast episode, hosts Andy and Cat dive deep into the significance of rest for self-employed consultants. They discuss the mental and financial aspects of taking breaks, setting rates, and building a sustainable consulting career. Whether you're a seasoned consultant or considering a career in consulting, this episode offers valuable insights to help you achieve a balanced and prosperous consulting lifestyle.   Episode Highlights:   1. **The Need for Rest (00:02:20)**    - Andy and Cat emphasize the importance of taking breaks, even for self-employed consultants.    - They draw parallels between consultants and athletes, highlighting the necessity of rest and recovery in both fields.    - Cat shares her personal experience of feeling recharged after taking a break and how it positively impacted her mindset.   2. **Visualizing Success (00:11:45)**    - The hosts discuss the power of visualization and the effectiveness of vision boards.    - Cat shares a story about how visualizing a reward helped her stay motivated during a challenging project.    - They stress the idea that having a clear vision of your goals can provide the mental energy needed to overcome obstacles.   3. **Financial Planning for Consultants (00:21:05)**    - Andy and Cat delve into the financial aspect of being a consultant.    - They suggest calculating your hourly bill rate by considering factors like sick days, vacation time, and taxes.    - Cat recommends basing your calculations on ten months of work per year and accounting for potential downtime.   4. **Setting a Floor Rate (00:28:45)**    - The hosts explain the concept of a floor rate, which represents the minimum rate needed to maintain your desired lifestyle.    - They emphasize the importance of factoring in expenses like taxes, insurance, and savings into your consulting rate.    - Cat underscores that setting a realistic floor rate is crucial for long-term financial stability.   5. **Balancing Work and Personal Interests (00:35:15)**    - Andy and Cat discuss the significance of cultivating personal interests and hobbies outside of work.    - They stress that finding productive and enjoyable activities can lead to personal growth and a more fulfilling life.    - Cat highlights the importance of trying new things to stimulate mental growth and well-being.   Conclusion: In this episode, Andy and Cat stress the importance of rest, financial planning, and personal growth for self-employed consultants. They encourage listeners to prioritize mental and physical well-being, visualize their goals, and set realistic financial expectations. Balancing work and personal interests is key to building a successful and fulfilling consulting career.