Art of Consulting Podcast

By: Andy Fry and Cat Lam
  • Summary

  • You'll learn our top strategies to improve your career, confidence, lifestyle from us and other crazy successful seasoned consultants in IT and Management. Engage in the conversation as we discuss everything that brought us longevity and success over the years in the consulting industry.
    © 2017 – Art of Consulting Podcast
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Episodes
  • 248 | Decoding Consulting Secrets: The Art of Knowledge Transfer
    Nov 2 2024

    In this episode of The Art of Consulting podcast, hosts Andy and Cat reunite for a rare “together episode” discussing the nuances and importance of knowledge transfer in the consulting space. As consultants from various fields, they explore the idea of consulting as a temporary yet impactful role, emphasizing the value of effectively transitioning their knowledge to clients and the critical role of documentation and interpersonal skills in a consultant’s success.

    Episode Summary:
    • [00:05] Andy and Cat kick off a special co-hosted episode, reflecting on their individual expert interviews and the rarity of their joint episodes these days.

    • [00:38] They talk about their intense collaboration periods in the past, contrasting it with their recent individual projects.

    • [00:46] Core Topic: The transfer of knowledge. They highlight the paradox of good consultants—working themselves out of a job—while maintaining strong client relationships, with clients often returning for help with new challenges.

    • [01:37] They discuss the necessity of identifying a key person within the client's organization for knowledge transfer, ensuring smooth operations post-consultancy.

    • [04:36] Discussion on the optimal timing for identifying a successor at the client site, stressing the importance of involving them from the start of the project.

    • [06:46] Andy expresses concern about clients deferring knowledge transfer until after go-live, leading to gaps in understanding key project decisions.

    • [10:47] The conversation shifts to the importance of moving from people-centric to system-centric operations and the risks of not having redundancy in organizational knowledge.

    • [14:48] Andy and Cat discuss transferring not only technical knowledge but also the interpersonal skills and sensitivities critical to successful consulting.

    • [16:55] They emphasize the need for user-friendly tools to document technical knowledge and the tact needed to convey information about team dynamics.

    • [22:34] They provide an action plan for listeners on how to approach knowledge transfer. They advise identifying primary and secondary successors, choosing a starting point, using effective documentation tools, and considering the human aspect of knowledge transfer.

    • [39:20] The episode closes by affirming the value of human relationships in the consulting process.

    Episode Highlights:
    • [00:05] – Introduction: Andy and Cat discuss the rarity of co-hosting due to their individual interviews with experts.

    • [00:38] – Reflection on past episodes and the evolution of their interactions.

    • [00:46] – Consultant’s Paradox: Good consultants work to make themselves unnecessary while maintaining client relationships.

    • [01:37] – Key Individual for Knowledge Transfer: The importance of identifying a key person within the client's organization.

    • [04:36] – Timing of Knowledge Transfer: Optimal timing for selecting the right person for knowledge transfer.

    • [06:46] – Continuity Concerns: Issues with waiting until post go-live for knowledge transfer.

    • [10:47] – Shift to System-Centric Operations: Importance of having redundancy in organizational knowledge.

    • [14:48] – Comprehensive Knowledge Transfer: Technical and soft skills are equally important.

    • [16:55] – User-Friendly Documentation Tools: Creating effective documentation for knowledge transfer.

    • [22:34] – Action Plan for Listeners: Steps to approach knowledge transfer in consulting.

    • [39:20] – Conclusion: The human aspect remains central to consulting work.

    About the Hosts:

    Andy and Cat are seasoned consultants with a passion for sharing their insights and experiences. They specialize in guiding organizations and individuals through complex projects, advocating for knowledge transfer to ensure sustained excellence and growth. For listeners looking to enhance their consulting skills or gain insights into the art of knowledge transfer, this episode offers valuable strategies and field anecdotes. Join Andy and Cat as they unravel the complexities and rewards of consulting, where imparting knowledge is essential for success.

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    40 mins
  • 247 | Building Out an Expert Position in Consulting - with Mark Amtower
    Oct 19 2024
    Welcome to another episode of The Art of Consulting, where we delve deep into the strategies and experiences of seasoned professionals in the consulting sphere. Today's guest is none other than Mark Amtower, the founder and partner of Amtower & Company, a firm specializing in marketing to the government. With a career spanning 39 years, Mark has been at the forefront of acknowledging and leveraging the nuances of marketing within the government contracting world. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 - 00:01: Speaker 1 (Host) opens the episode with a greeting to the audience. 00:15 - 00:22: Speaker 2 introduces Mark Amtower, highlighting his role as the founder of Amtower & Company. 00:23 - 00:25: Mark Amtower expresses his gratitude for being invited to the show. 00:25 - 00:36: The conversation touches upon a previous discussion, and Mark is prompted to share details about his background and focus. 00:38 - 01:27: Mark discusses the beginnings of his company in 1985, his background in literature, and his dive into the unique discipline of marketing to the government. 01:27 - 01:31: Mark humorously acknowledges the longevity of his career. 01:33 - 01:36: Speaker 2 jokes about Mark's long-standing career. 01:36 - 01:37: Mark responds with a light-hearted comment. 01:39 - 02:50: The dialogue shifts to the theme of non-traditional paths to consulting, highlighting the diverse skills that people bring to the industry. 02:50 - 03:04: Speaker 2 asks Mark how his non-traditional background shaped his consulting approach. 03:04 - 03:45: Mark recounts experiences, such as telemarketing and IT sales, that provided valuable skills for his consulting career. 03:45 - 04:27: Mark discusses his entry into advertising and how he identified a niche in marketing to government, which led to establishing his consulting presence. 04:28 - 05:14: Challenges of creating a client pipeline and managing financial concerns as a new consultant are discussed. 05:15 - 05:44: Speaker 2 reflects on the difficulty of securing subsequent contracts and the importance of building a client pipeline. 05:44 - 06:09: Speaker 2 asks how Mark identified and pursued the niche in government marketing. 06:09 - 06:54: Mark shares how he recognized unmet needs in the market and became the first to address federal marketing issues. 06:54 - 07:39: Mark explains positioning strategies and being first-to-market, referencing Jack Trout and Al Ries’ marketing insights. 07:40 - 08:21: Mark's journey of writing about government business and giving speaking engagements is discussed. 08:21 - 08:27: Mark mentions how ad agencies in D.C. often overlooked marketing to the government. 08:29 - 09:01: Speaker 2 discusses the concept of market awareness and recognizing gaps in the market. 09:01 - 09:32: Speaker 2 and Mark talk about the importance of acting on ideas when opportunities arise. 09:32 - 09:50: Mark shares his strategy for building expertise through experience and addressing industry issues like mailroom logistics. 09:51 - 10:37: Mark explains his innovative solution to improve mail delivery in federal agencies by understanding internal processes. 10:37 - 11:14: Mark discusses founding an association to facilitate collaboration between mailers and federal mail managers. 11:14 - 11:51: The importance of addressing industry-specific problems through communication and collaboration is emphasized. 11:51 - 12:29: Mark's experience with influencing mail routing in federal agencies is shared. 12:31 - 13:07: Speaker 2 appreciates Mark’s problem-solving approach and the importance of recognizing critical roles within organizations. 13:07 - 13:29: Speaker 2 relates Mark's experiences to modern challenges in delivering messages effectively. 13:29 - 14:16: Mark discusses how his business pivoted due to the rise of online platforms, affecting his direct mail business, and how he adapted. 14:21 - 14:35: Mark shares how engaging with a federal webmasters group helped him understand the changing landscape and adapt his consulting approach. 14:44 - 15:19: Speaker 2 highlights the importance of specialization and continuous learning in consulting. 15:19 - 15:51: Speaker 2 emphasizes the role of critical thinking and deepening domain expertise through industry involvement. 15:52 - 15:55: Speaker 2 notes the evolving nature of consulting and the need for specialization to stay competitive. 15:56 - 16:26: Mark discusses how consultants need to evolve their subject matter expertise to remain relevant in the industry. 16:26 - 16:29: Speaker 2 agrees with Mark's point. 16:27 - 16:29: Mark briefly mentions that his expertise doesn't cover all markets. 16:30 - 16:57: Speaker 2 talks about the dynamics of generalists versus specialists and how to find one's niche. 17:36 - 18:07: Mark shares a story about how Netscape disrupted the market, forcing him to pivot his business. 18:10 - 18:20: Mark emphasizes the ongoing need for consultants to adjust and innovate in response to technological ...
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    54 mins
  • 246 | The Gift of Recurring Thought - with Katie Weldon
    Oct 12 2024

    In this insightful episode of The Art of Consulting podcast, we're joined by Coach Katie, also known as Katie Weldon, who not only excels as a business mentor and mindset coach but also shines in the real estate world as Katie the Mortgage Lady. With a rich history of bold decisions and transformative life changes, Katie opens up about her journey and the pivotal moments that led her to adopt a life-changing mindset.

    00:13 - Introduction: We welcome Coach Katie to the show, discussing her multifaceted career and the courageous choices that have defined her path, from a drastic relocation to powerful personal developments.

    00:59 - Life-Altering Decisions: Katie reflects on the significant decisions she's made, including a spontaneous move, medication changes, and notably, her choice to stop drinking—a frequent habit that pervaded her social and professional life.

    02:50 - Intuition and Identity: A keynote moment at a Hay House conference triggers Katie's intuition, leading her to a decision that would not only alter her habits but challenge her identity. She narrates the process of facing and embracing her true self without alcohol.

    05:34 - The Extrovert's Challenge: Katie discusses the surprising nervousness that comes with being an extrovert and the reliance on alcohol for social courage. She reveals the journey of redefining her social strategies and relationships in the absence of her previous crutch.

    09:57 - Intuition's Role in Personal Change: The conversation shifts to the power of intuition, how it guided Katie's life choices, and the importance of acting upon these persistent inner calls for the sake of growth and alignment with one's true self.

    15:19 - Dealing with Fear and Change: Katie and the host delve into the natural fear associated with change, the significance of being true to oneself, and the strength required to walk through uncertainty while reshaping one's identity.

    22:48 - Acting on Intuitive Messages: We explore how vital it is to acknowledge and act on intuitive messages, recognizing the impact of those decisions on personal well-being and how they can manifest in unexpected and profound ways.

    31:58 - Filling the Void with Positivity: Finally, Katie emphasizes the importance of consciously choosing what to fill the void with when removing a habit or element from one's life, ensuring it contributes positively to one's journey towards a fulfilling life.

    Episode Highlights:

    00:13 - Introduction to Coach Katie Weldon, a business mentor, mindset coach, and also known as Katie the Mortgage Lady in the real estate industry.

    00:59 - Katie shares her story of making life-altering decisions, including moving from Massachusetts to Florida, getting off medications, and her significant decision to stop drinking.

    05:34 - Discussion on introverts, extroverts, and the surprising shyness extroverts can experience. Katie talks about the role of alcohol in social settings and her journey to navigate social interactions without it.

    09:57 - The critical role of intuition in personal change and the importance of listening to those persistent internal messages that guide life choices.

    15:19 - How fear and change can challenge one's identity, and the importance of staying true to oneself through the uncertainty of transformative periods.

    22:48 - The necessity of acknowledging and acting upon intuitive messages for personal well-being and the profound impact these decisions can have.

    31:58 - Katie emphasizes the importance of filling the void with positive actions and choices when removing a habit or element from one's life.

    About Our Guest:
    Katie Weldon is an entrepreneur combining her talents as a business mentor, mindset coach, and successful figure in the real estate industry. With a history of unabashed decisions leading to personal rediscovery, Katie inspires through her journey and passion for helping others find balance and success in both business and life.

    Where to Find Our Guest Online:
    For more on Katie Weldon's work and to connect, visit:

    Website: www.katieweldon.com
    Facebook and Instagram: @Katiesimpsonweldon
    Facebook Group: KatieKollective

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    48 mins

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