Art of Consulting Podcast

In this episode, the host Catherine Lam sits down with Stephanie Forbes, founder and CEO of The Forbes Group. Stephanie is an internationally recognized expert in supply chain strategy and operational resilience. To explore her groundbreaking new book, Global Wealth, Local Impact. From the gladiators of the Roman Coliseum to the East India Company, from the Silk Road to the Strait of Hormuz, Stephanie reveals how the invisible machinery of global trade has always shaped local lives, and why understanding that history is the ultimate playbook for navigating today's volatile world economy. This episode is part history, part world affairs, part leadership guide. It will change how you see every product and every business decision. Key Insights You'll Learn · Supply Chains Are as Old as Civilization: From Caesar's gladiator games to the Silk Road to the East India Company, the mechanics of global trade, logistics corridors, currency exchange, quality control, insurance, letters of credit, have been evolving and compounding for over two thousand years. · The East India Company Changed Everything: At its peak, it controlled two-thirds of world trade. It created the modern company, shared ownership, and insurance. It also shows what happens when one company controls too much. · The Silk Road Was the World's First Trust Economy: It ran for over 1,300 years. Merchants used early credit systems and reputation to do business. Think of it as the first five-star review system. · Trust and Reputation Are Still the Foundation of Commerce: From Silk Road merchants to Facebook Marketplace sellers, the rules haven't changed. People do business with those they trust. Stephanie's book dedicates an entire chapter to this truth — and why trust remains the single most important asset in any business relationship. · The Strait of Hormuz Is a Global Pressure Point Right Now: About 20% of the world's energy passes through it. Any disruption hits fuel, shipping, food, and whole economies. Geopolitics and supply chains are connected. · Disruption Is the New Normal — Build for Resilience: Big unexpected events happen more often now. Leaders need backup plans. They need multiple suppliers. The question isn't whether something goes wrong, it's how fast you can adapt. · Critical Minerals Are the New Geopolitical Battleground: Lithium, cobalt, potash, and other critical minerals are redefining global power dynamics. Who controls these resources controls leverage over the infrastructure of the modern economy, from electric vehicles to defense systems. · History's Lessons Are the Best Strategic Playbook: Every challenge facing supply chain leaders today, monopoly risk, geopolitical disruption, infrastructure bottlenecks, trust breakdowns, has a historical precedent. Stephanie's book connects the dots between ancient trade systems and modern business strategy in a way that is both illuminating and immediately actionable. Global Wealth, Local Impact is a rare book that makes the complex feel personal and the historical feel urgent. Whether you're a supply chain professional, a business leader, or simply someone trying to make sense of why the world feels increasingly unstable, this book will give you the context, the language, and the framework to lead with confidence. 🌐 Official Podcast Title From Ancient Trade Routes to Modern Supply Chains: Inside Global Wealth, Local Impact 🔗 Where to Find Our Guest What Stephanie is Promoting: Global Wealth, Local Impact (Book) https://globalwealthlocalimpact.com Book available at: Amazon | Indigo | Barnes & Noble | globalwealthlocalimpact.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calgaryforbes/ 👤 Guest Bio – Stephanie Forbes Stephanie Forbes is the founder and CEO of The Forbes Group. She has 25+ years of experience in global supply chain strategy. Her book draws on thousands of years of trade history. It covers everything from Roman logistics to the East India Company. Stephanie...

Success Circles: How Peers Propel You Forward In this solo episode, the host makes a compelling case for one of the most undervalued assets in any professional's career: a strong peer group. While mentorship gets most of the attention, it's your peers — the people who are in the trenches alongside you — who challenge your thinking, push you to grow, and give you a space to work through your toughest decisions. Drawing from his own inner circle of trusted peers, the host breaks down exactly what makes a peer relationship real, why they become harder to find as you advance, and the specific qualities to look for — and watch out for — when building your own success circle. Key Insights You'll Learn · Peers and Mentors Are Both Essential — But Different: Mentors guide you from experience above. Peers walk beside you. Both are critical to long-term success, but the peer relationship offers something a mentor cannot: mutual accountability, equal exchange, and a space where nobody has positional power over the other. · Finding Real Peers Gets Harder as You Advance: The more senior you become, the smaller the pool of people who can truly meet you where you are. This is one of the most significant — and least talked about — challenges of career growth. Start building your peer network now. · A True Peer Relationship Is Never One-Sided: Both parties must contribute. If one person is always leaning on the other, always extracting value without reciprocating, it's not a peer relationship — it's a drain. Equal investment over time is non-negotiable. · Eliminate Ulterior Motives Immediately: Real peer relationships have no hidden agendas. The moment someone wants to recruit you, use you for access, or leverage the relationship for personal gain, the dynamic is corrupted. Recognizing this early saves years of misplaced trust. · Power Imbalance Kills the Relationship: If one person holds influence, authority, or leverage over the other, genuine conversation becomes impossible. True peers must be able to speak freely, share ideas openly, and trust that nothing will be used against them. · Mutual Respect Is the Foundation — Not Optional: There must be warmth, not friction, between real peers. Mocking, condescension, or subtle disrespect — even in small doses — erodes the relationship. Respect is the minimum requirement, not a bonus. · Look for Curiosity, Not Just Expertise: The best peer relationships aren't built on who knows the most — they're built on who is actively engaged with the world. A curious peer who researches, asks questions, and challenges their own conclusions is worth more than an expert who stopped learning. · Safe to Be Wrong — That's Where Trust Lives: Real peers let you make mistakes. They don't hold past statements over you or weaponize what you said in a vulnerable moment. The ability to think out loud, float wild ideas, and work through messy thoughts without judgment is what makes the relationship transformational. · Competitive With the World, Not With Each Other: Great peers want to win — but they want you to win too. Even when you're going after the same opportunity, a true peer competes hard and fairly, never sabotages, and celebrates your success as genuinely as their own. · When You Find the Right Peer — Protect It: Real peer alignment is rare. Not every person you meet will mesh with you across every area of life and work. But when you find someone who does — who energizes you, challenges you, and has your back — that is golden. Invest in it. You will spend much of your career searching for true peers — and that search is worth every effort. When you find the right people, everything accelerates: your thinking sharpens, your confidence grows, and the path forward becomes clearer. Keep searching. Keep showing up. Your success circle is out there. 🌐 Official Podcast Title Success Circles: How Peers Propel You Forward TRANSCRIPTION Episode: Success Circles – How Peers Propel...

Energized by Design: Managing Your Energy Through Self-Awareness In this solo episode, the host explores the powerful concept of the ambivert—someone who blends both introverted and extroverted tendencies—and makes the case that understanding your personal energy type is one of the highest-leverage investments you can make in your performance and well-being. Rather than getting stuck on labels, this episode challenges you to go deeper: identify where and how you truly recharge, protect that energy with intention, and design a life that works with your nature—not against it. Key Insights You'll Learn · Introducing the Ambivert: Not everyone fits neatly into introvert or extrovert categories. Ambiverts sit in the middle, drawing energy from both people and solitude depending on context—and understanding this spectrum is the starting point for better energy management. · How Introverts and Extroverts Recharge Differently: Extroverts gain energy from being around others; introverts restore themselves through solitude. Knowing which end of the spectrum you lean toward—and when—is foundational to sustainable performance. · It's Not Just Who—It's Which People: For extroverts, being around people isn't always recharging. The quality and compatibility of the people around you matters enormously. Find the individuals who genuinely energize you and prioritize those connections. · Recognize What Drains You: Pay close attention to the content you consume, the environments you spend time in, and the people in your orbit. If something consistently depletes your energy—whether it's certain TV shows, specific social dynamics, or particular interactions—acknowledge it and reduce your exposure. · Labels Are a Starting Point, Not the Destination: Whether you're an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert matters far less than knowing specifically what restores your energy. Use the label as a doorway, not a box. · Many Introverts 'Perform' Extroversion at Work: In professional settings, many introverts present as extroverts out of necessity. This performance has a real energy cost—one that demands intentional and protected recovery time. · Protect Your Recovery Window After High-Drain Events: After conferences, large gatherings, or emotionally demanding days, guard your schedule. Stacking more social commitments on top of a depleted state only prolongs your recovery and diminishes your effectiveness. · Design Your Environment for Energy: Proactively design your days, weeks, and environment to maximize what restores you—and minimize what drains you. This is the difference between surviving each week and thriving through it. Energy is your ultimate performance asset. When you stop managing your schedule alone and start managing your energy with the same intentionality, everything changes—how you show up, how you connect, and how sustainably you lead. 🌐 Official Podcast Title Energized by Design: Managing Your Energy Through Self-Awareness

00;00;00;01 - 00;00;31;05 Andy Hey, everybody, today I want to talk about the things we can do and decisions we can make ahead of time before something becomes an issue. Recently, most of us know about the government shutdown that had recently occurred. This is being recorded, November 24th, so of 2025. So anybody who wasn't aware of it in the US, the government had shut down, which was affecting air traffic because the air traffic controllers, some of them were having difficulty getting to work and some of them were being overworked because the government wasn't funded and they weren't getting paid. 00;00;31;05 - 00;00;47;13 Andy So I had to travel during that week. And what happened was I was I knew I would be able to get out of my home airport in Phoenix, of course, if the flight gets delayed. I just got home so it wasn't as big of a deal, but if I was going to my destination, I had to connect to get home. 00;00;47;13 - 00;01;10;21 Andy I couldn't get a direct flight, so I knew already I had to connect through another airport, which was a was another challenge. And of course, the whole network of of flights were being affected. So what I ended up doing was I postponed that trip because my feeling really was that once I get on that plane out of Phoenix, I had no control over when I could get back. 00;01;10;23 - 00;01;32;18 Andy I knew I had a flight booked to come home and you know, that was scheduled to come home, but I didn't know if that flight was going to be there. And and during the time when I was supposed to return home, there's about 10% of the flights they were expecting to be affected in the US. So there was a high potential that I was I was going to have an issue with my flight getting home. 00;01;32;18 - 00;02;08;08 Andy So really what I looked at was, you know what decisions can I make today to affect or put myself in a place where I'm not negatively affected by decisions that are out of my control? And so that's what I did. I just rescheduled my my trip to that client and, and, going in the future. But when I looked at, you know, look, talked about this, I thought about other sort of decisions that we make where they are one off things where we can make a choice and look at, you know, what decision can I make today where it's something that's not out of my control, but there's also much of our lives are spent 00;02;08;08 - 00;02;34;01 Andy dealing with things that have already occurred and where especially there's possibly high stress. And I go back. I recorded an episode way, way, way, way back. It was episode number nine. So this goes back to early in the Art of consulting days, one of the first episodes. So and in that episode, I talk about a lot of stress, especially when your subconscious is working on things as you sleep. 00;02;34;02 - 00;02;50;13 Andy This is one reason why we wake up at 3:00 or 3 a.m., and we have a hard time going back to bed, is because our subconscious is really working on the issues that are unresolved, and in that episode, I talk about some ways to deal with that. A couple of ways. You know, I recommend going back and listening to it. 00;02;50;13 - 00;03;14;03 Andy You can hear how young my voice might sound back then, and hopefully it sounds young. But anyways, one of the things is to immediately get up and write down all the things that are that you know are on your mind that are causing stress, and then immediately identify which ones are connected because. And then identify a step that you're going to make today to deal with that. 00;03;14;03 - 00;03;33;22 Andy One of the approaches to that is because often we can we can do things that will affect multiple areas in our lives. So and, you know, in that episode, I talk about the fact that if we don't do it, it's okay, because tomorrow morning we'll just wake up at 3 a.m. and our subconscious will remind us that we still have an outstanding task to do. 00;03;33;22 -...

The Art of Consulting Podcast – Episode Transcript Hosts: Andy Fry & Cat Lam Episode Topic: Non-Disclosure Agreements and the Power of Keeping Information Confidential [00:00 – Intro Music] Andy Fry & Cat Lam (together): Welcome to the Art of Consulting Podcast with Andy Fry and Cat Lam. We are seasoned IT consultants, CPAs, and professional-development connoisseurs. Each episode we bring you an inspiring message to help you discover that X-factor as a professional in your field so you can gain the success you know you deserve in your career and in your life. [00:15] Andy Fry: Hey everybody, today I want to talk about non-disclosure agreements and keeping information close to our chest. One of the things that, as a consultant, you've either already signed or you will sign—especially if you're new to consulting—is a non-disclosure agreement, or what's commonly called an NDA. It really is a confidentiality agreement that says you're not going to share information that is not already public with people who shouldn't have it. Publicly traded companies require this because if you have access to their financials, or you're in meetings where they're about to disclose material non-public information, you possess something valuable. If you start talking to other people, sharing that privately, or—worse—publicly, you can be sued, fired, or face a whole range of consequences depending on the severity. Most NDAs are signed purely for protection; you sign it, you agree not to share, and most of us never have to worry about it day-to-day. But the broader concept of confidentiality is absolutely critical in consulting—and, honestly, in our personal lives too. [01:10] The number-one reason it matters? We're trying to prove we're trustworthy. Trust is a huge thing for me. I even wrote a book called The Trust Paradigm (there are actually three books with that title, but mine's the one with Andy Fry on the cover). I wrote it because I wanted to figure out: What is trust? How do you build it? How do you measure it? As consultants, we prove trustworthiness through integrity—making sure the information we hear isn't used for our own benefit. "Our own benefit" can be financial (classic corporate espionage—yes, it happens at the corporate level too, not just governments). Or, more commonly, it's the ego boost of feeling important because we "know something" and get to tell it. [02:05] I've always treated any confidentiality agreement as lifelong. I have clients I haven't worked with in years. The information I learned back then—probably all public by now—but there could still be context, reasons behind decisions, who said what about letting someone go or selling a division… I view that NDA as in perpetuity. I'm never going to talk about it. I recommend everyone adopt that mindset. I actually had a client bring me into a highly sensitive project with only a handful of people in the loop. They told me point-blank: "We're bringing you in because you've proven in the past you don't share things you hear." They still made me sign another NDA. I signed it and said, "Just so you know—when I sign this, I treat it as forever." [03:00] Organizations can and do test for leaks. At high-clearance levels it's obvious, but even regular companies sometimes plant slightly different versions of the same information to see who's talking. So ask yourself with every piece of information: Is this my story to tell? I once had a family member share something very personal that was happening with my immediate family—me, my wife, and our two kids. It wasn't their story. I told them, "That wasn't yours to tell." It hurt because it showed a lack of boundary awareness. [03:45 – Personal story – Calgary street encounter] I was walking in Calgary for a client, and a friend's wife comes out of an apartment building that definitely wasn't where they lived. Eyes got big, I nodded, kept walking. I spent the next week wondering, "Do I tell my friend?" A week later...

Why We Should Assume Someone Is Always Recording In this solo episode, Andy Fry reflects on how everyday behavior—inside and outside the workplace—shapes our personal brand and professional reputation. Through personal stories and relatable lessons, he reminds listeners that in today's world of smartphones and social media, every action could be on record. Andy shares an eye-opening story about visiting a college track team whose coach insisted her athletes greet everyone politely because "you never know who you're talking to." That lesson sparked a deeper conversation about professionalism, reputation, and emotional control—especially when stress, anger, or frustration threaten to take over. 💡 Key Takeaways Professionalism never turns off: Your personal and professional conduct are one and the same. Every interaction matters: Treat people kindly—you never know who's watching or recording. Control the triggers: Catch negative emotions early and reset before reacting. Grace and forgiveness: If you make a mistake, own it, apologize, and move forward. Stop glorifying others' failures: Resist the online culture of finding joy in others' missteps. Andy closes with a reminder to lead by example, forgive quickly, and always put your best self forward—on and off camera.

Power Moves: Inside Energy Innovation and Consulting with Ashton Fox In this episode, Cat sits down with Ashton Fox, President of Onix Energy, to explore how consulting and executive leadership are reshaping the future of energy. With an impressive career spanning renewable energy, natural gas, and electricity supply, Ashton brings a wealth of experience on scaling organizations, transforming business models, and leading companies through high-stakes change. Ashton shares how he helped transform a negative-revenue startup into a $150M powerhouse, scaled solar and renewable operations across new markets, and shifted an energy supplier from 10% to 100% renewables. But beyond the numbers, he dives into what it really takes to be a transformational leader: building trust, managing culture during rapid growth, and creating sustainable strategies that last. Key Insights You’ll Learn Energy Leadership: How Ashton navigated the transition from fossil fuels to renewables while maintaining profitability and growth. Scaling with Purpose: Lessons on expanding a company’s footprint from one market to six while multiplying revenue by 15x. The Consulting Mindset: Why consulting skills are crucial for energy executives — from solving complex problems to guiding strategic pivots. Sustainability in Action: How to implement efficiency programs that save clients 25% on energy costs while driving impact. Executive Lessons: Ashton’s take on building recurring revenue streams, transforming company culture, and positioning businesses for long-term success. This conversation is a must-listen for consultants, executives, and anyone interested in how innovation, leadership, and consulting expertise intersect in one of the world’s most important industries. 🌐 Official Podcast Title Power Moves: Inside Energy Innovation and Consulting with Ashton Fox 🔗 Where to Find our Guest What Guest is Promoting: https://onixenergy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonfox1/ 👤 Guest Bio – Ashton Fox Ashton Fox is a visionary C-Suite executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership, enterprise transformation, and organizational growth in the renewable energy sector. As the former CEO of a solar EPC company and COO of a natural gas and electricity supplier, Ashton has a proven track record of scaling organizations, driving market expansion, and delivering exceptional shareholder value. During his tenure at the energy supply company, Ashton transformed the organization from a negative revenue startup to an entity with $150M in assets, expanded its footprint from one market to six, and increased the customer base and revenue by 15x. He pioneered the company's transition from 10% to 100% renewable energy sources and developed comprehensive energy efficiency programs resulting in average customer savings of 25%. At the solar EPC company, Ashton led strategic growth and market expansion, scaling the sales organization by 50% while maintaining profitability and establishing strategic partnerships with key equipment suppliers. Currently, Ashton is the President of Onix Energy, where he focuses on energy procurement and specialized sustainability programs for commercial clients. He also provides executive-level consulting services to renewable energy and cleantech organizations, focusing on strategic growth initiatives, operational excellence, and market expansion strategies. He specializes in transforming traditional energy companies into renewable energy leaders while establishing recurring revenue streams and optimizing financial performance.

In this episode of the Art of Consulting Podcast, hosts Andy Fry and Cat Lam sit down with Drew Mair, President of Ridgeline Solar, to explore his inspiring journey from Alberta’s oil and gas sector to building one of the most respected solar manpower companies in Western Canada. Drew shares how his early career as an electrician shaped his transition into renewable energy, and the challenges of moving from “one guy in a truck” to running a full-fledged solar construction business. He talks candidly about balancing golden handcuffs with flexibility, the risks of entrepreneurship, and the mindset shift from being self-employed to leading a team. The conversation dives into: Starting Ridgeline Solar – why Drew left the oilfields to build something of his own Golden Handcuffs vs. Flexibility – making the choice to prioritize freedom and family over security Scaling a Business – moving from solopreneur to building teams, hiring operations managers, and creating systems Pipeline Fears – how Drew manages the ever-present fear of “dry spells” in project work Quality and Transparency – why Ridgeline Solar stands apart, with in-house electricians, rigorous QA, and complete transparency with customers Future of Solar Energy – the growth of utility-scale projects, opportunities in Alberta and beyond, and why Drew welcomes any innovation that moves clean energy forward Whether you’re an entrepreneur, energy enthusiast, or someone curious about the future of renewables, this episode delivers real-world lessons on resilience, leadership, and innovation. Where to Find our Guest What Guest is Promoting: Ridgeline Solar LinkedIn: Drew Mair Guest Bio Drew Mair – President, Ridgeline Solar Drew Mair is the President of Ridgeline Solar, a company specializing in utility-scale solar manpower solutions. With over a decade of experience as an electrician in Alberta’s energy sector, Drew transitioned from oil and gas to renewable energy, driven by a desire for flexibility and a passion for building something of his own. Starting as a solopreneur—just one person and a truck—he grew Ridgeline Solar into a respected organization known for its operational excellence, transparency, and commitment to quality. Drew’s leadership focuses on building strong teams, delivering high-value solar projects, and continuously improving processes to set new standards in the industry.

Breaking Barriers: Svetlana Winters’ Journey from Russia to CFO in American Oil & Gas In this episode, we sit down with Svetlana Winters, CFO at Alteriver, whose journey from Russia to the executive boardroom of a U.S. oil & gas company is nothing short of inspiring. Svetlana shares how she left a top finance role in Russia to start over in the United States—facing language barriers, cultural challenges, and the uphill climb of rebuilding her career from the ground up. Her story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the strength required to thrive in male-dominated industries. Key Insights You’ll Learn Starting Over with Courage: How Svetlana navigated language and cultural barriers while rebuilding her career in a new country. Leadership in Oil & Gas: The realities of being a woman leader in a highly male-dominated sector—and how she earned respect through expertise and resilience. The CFO’s Role Beyond Numbers: Why financial leadership is about relationships, trust, and proactive decision-making, not just balance sheets. Building Trust as a Leader: Svetlana’s three-part formula for becoming a trusted advisor: build credibility through action, anticipate needs, and communicate with clarity. Global Lessons in Leadership: The cultural differences in management styles she’s observed across Russia, the U.S., and beyond—and how they’ve shaped her approach. Svetlana’s journey shows that even when you have to start over, determination, strategy, and a positive outlook can take you to the very top. 🌐 Official Podcast Title Breaking Barriers: Svetlana Winters’ Journey from Russia to CFO in American Oil & Gas 🔗 Where to Find our Guest What Guest is Promoting: https://alteriver.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svetlanawinters/ 👤 Guest Bio – Svetlana Winters Svetlana Winters is a seasoned finance and accounting leader with over 25 years of experience spanning FP&A, regulatory compliance, and strategic financial management. Currently serving as CFO at Alteriver, Svetlana has driven transformative initiatives including a $70 million cost recovery, IPO-critical audits, and the overhaul of asset management systems. Her career includes senior roles at industry giants like Baker Hughes, CNJ Energy Services, and Tubular Solutions, where she led GAAP/IFRS compliance, tax strategy, and capital planning. Svetlana holds both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in accountancy and auditing from the East Siberian University of Technology, is a certified financial director and professional accountant through IFAC, and is fluent in English and Russian. Her global perspective, technical expertise, and passion for mentoring make her a powerhouse in the world of finance and a role model for aspiring leaders.

Fractional CFOs: Turning Financial Chaos Into Strategic Wins with Emily Statler In today’s episode, Cat welcomes Emily Statler, a seasoned Fractional CFO and Financial Coach who has spent more than 20 years helping consultants transform financial headaches into strategic victories. Emily shares how fractional CFOs are no longer just for big corporations — consultants, solopreneurs, and small-to-mid-sized firms can all benefit from high-level financial guidance without the burden of a full-time hire. Together, Cat and Emily dive into three key perspectives: For solopreneurs and consultants: How to know when it’s time to bring in financial expertise (hint: when your bank balance is always scraping zero or you’re working nonstop with little to show for it). For growing firms: Why having clean books, cash flow clarity, and an exit strategy early on is critical if you want to scale or eventually sell. For aspiring fractional CFOs: Emily’s own journey from bookkeeper to trusted financial partner, including how to land that first client and build confidence in this fast-growing field. They also unpack hot topics like: How CFOs often bridge finance and operations What buyers really look for when valuing a consulting business Why having a clear exit strategy is essential, even if you never plan to sell The mindset shift required to stop “DIY-ing” everything and start building a sustainable business This episode is packed with actionable insights for consultants who want to not only hit revenue goals but also build a business (and life) they actually love. 🔗 What Guest is Promoting Emily’s latest work can be found at Starr Books. If someone enjoyed the show, shoot me a connection on LinkedIn—I'm all about meeting new people, swapping ideas, and growing together... 👉 Connect with Cat on LinkedIn 👤 Guest Bio – Emily Statler Meet Emily Statler, a Fractional CFO and Financial Coach with 20+ years of experience helping consultants turn financial headaches into strategic wins. Emily empowers consulting professionals to master cash flow, boost profitability, and truly enjoy their financial journey. Her passion lies in connecting financial strategy to both business growth and personal fulfillment—ensuring clients not only hit revenue targets but also achieve the life goals that matter most. Emily’s approach goes beyond spreadsheets, focusing on financial freedom that lets consultants scale their impact and live their dream lifestyle. Outside of work, you’ll find her soaring on new adventures, spending time with family, and prioritizing self-care.

Andy shares a story of a difficult time in his life where an apparent unassuming event helped move him forward and change his perspective. This began a path a consistent changes for the better.

In this episode Andy walks through two approaches he's used to achieve goals that take a long time to accomplish. How to breakdown goals into smaller components and how to continue a consistent approach to achievement.

In this episode Andy discusses that there is typically one project that defines our career, will we continue in consulting, or will will switch careers. He discusses the signs and when this typically occurs as well as how to approach it. Its also a reminder for more seasoned consultants that this happens to others (and you may have forgotten it happened to you) and it may happen with minor changes in our careers.

In this episode of The Art of Consulting, Andy Fry explores the transformative concept of the Law of Abundance, challenging the scarcity mindset that often limits our potential. He highlights the universe's boundless resources and emphasizes the need to move beyond beliefs such as "there’s not enough time, money, or opportunities." Through personal stories and actionable strategies, Andy offers guidance on shifting perspectives and embracing abundance as a pathway to success. From identifying how scarcity is used in sales tactics to underscoring the value of creativity and consistent effort, Andy provides practical tools for breaking mental barriers and unlocking hidden opportunities. His message is inspiring yet pragmatic: abundance is real, but achieving it requires belief, intentional action, and the willingness to collaborate. Episode Summary: Understanding the Law of Abundance: The universe provides abundant resources, but scarcity is a mindset that often limits us. Scarcity creates urgency and pressure, often used in sales tactics like "limited time offers" or "only a few left." Shifting the Mindset: Focusing on abundance allows for creative solutions and opportunities. Stress and limitations arise when scarcity dominates your thoughts. Work and Action: While resources are abundant, effort and work are required to access them. Examples include desalinating water from the ocean or mining natural resources. Belief and Creativity: Believing in abundance helps you see opportunities where others see limitations. Creativity plays a key role in defining and pursuing your goals. Personal Stories and Insights: The speaker shares a story about finding money at Legoland and the importance of effort, even when resources seem readily available. They highlight that collaboration and persistence are often necessary to achieve goals. The Takeaway: The law of abundance is not about waiting for things to magically appear but believing that resources exist and working towards them. Visualizing your goals, staying creative, and taking action are essential for success. Episode Highlights:

In this thought-provoking episode of The Art of Consulting podcast, Andy discusses the "50-Minute Focus" technique. Throughout the conversation, he sheds light on critical lessons about identifying productivity pitfalls, the significance of adapting dynamic strategies, and leveraging unconventional approaches to foster successful personal and professional habits. From the transformation of time management techniques to the essential role of prioritizing tasks, Andy offers a treasure trove of insights and practical guidance for consultants seeking to excel in their personal and professional lives. Episode Summary: Introduction and Reflections from 2020 (00:06 - 00:44): The episode begins with a reflection on previous discussions from 2020 and the changes brought on by COVID-19. The Impact of Distractions (00:44 - 01:18): The speaker highlights the constant distraction posed by social media and smartphones, and their effect on productivity. Increased Distractions Over Time (01:18 - 02:00): A discussion on how distractions have become more pervasive over time, despite advancements in app efficiency. Understanding "Coffee is for Closers" (02:01 - 02:34): The speaker explains the phrase "coffee is for closers" employed as a motivational tool in sales. Strategies for Maintaining Productivity (02:34 - 03:15): The speaker shares personal strategies for maintaining productivity, such as task lists and prioritization. The Importance of a Task List (03:15 - 03:50): Emphasizes the role of task lists in proactive work and productivity. Approach to Task Prioritization (03:50 - 04:23): The speaker shares his approach to task prioritization, considering due dates and personal satisfaction. Evaluating and Prioritizing Tasks (04:24 - 04:53): Further explanation on task evaluation and prioritization. Considering Personal Satisfaction in Task Prioritization (04:53 - 05:29): The speaker advises prioritizing tasks that bring personal satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. Interdependencies in Task Prioritization (05:29 - 06:01): The speaker discusses the role of interdependencies when prioritizing tasks within a team. The Importance of Task Prioritization (06:02 - 06:31): A reiteration of the importance of prioritizing tasks for a productive day. Time Boxing Tasks (06:32 - 07:17): The speaker introduces the concept of time boxing tasks to manage workload and time effectively. Task List Preparation for the Next Day (07:18 - 07:50): Discusses the strategy of preparing a task list for the next day the night before. Concept of Time Boxing (07:51 - 08:29): The speaker discusses the concept of time boxing, a productivity strategy. Benefits of Time Boxing (08:31 - 09:06): Emphasizes the benefits of time boxing in managing tasks and time. Starting With Difficult Tasks (09:07 - 09:43): The speaker advises starting with the most difficult tasks to build momentum and ease into the day. Benefits of Time Boxing (09:44 - 10:17): The benefits of time boxing, particularly in managing unexpected schedule changes, are discussed. Reiterating Importance of Prioritization and Time Boxing (10:17 - 10:52): The speaker reiterates the importance of task prioritization and time boxing. Rewarding Oneself Upon Task Completion (10:53 - 11:37): The speaker emphasizes the importance of rewarding oneself after completing tasks. Tackling Difficult Tasks First (11:37 - 12:22): Discusses the strategy of tackling difficult tasks first to build momentum and reduce stress. Importance of Rewarding Oneself (12:23 - 13:02): A reiteration on the importance of self-reward after task completion. 50-Minute Increments for Larger Tasks (13:02 - 13:37): The speaker shares his strategy of working in 50-minute increments for larger tasks. Benefits of the Speaker's Approach (13:37 - 14:16): Discussion on the personal benefits of the speaker's approach, including better production and momentum. Risk of Burnout (14:18 -...

In this insightful episode of The Art of Consulting podcast, Andy welcomes Mark Amtower, a seasoned expert in government marketing and the founder of Amtower and Company. Throughout the discussion, Mark delves into his unique journey from a background in American literature to becoming a leading consultant in the niche market of government contracting. He shares valuable lessons on identifying market gaps, the importance of adapting to industry changes, and leveraging non-traditional paths to carve out a successful consulting career. From the evolution of marketing strategies to the crucial role of building a professional network, Mark provides a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for consultants aiming to excel in specialized sectors. Episode Summary: 00:25-01:18: Mark Amtower's Background and Company Foundation Mark Amtower shares his background, including his academic qualifications in American literature and the founding of his company, Amtower and Company, in 1985. He emphasizes his focus on marketing to the government, recognizing it as a distinct discipline due to its unique nuances. 01:20-02:18: Value of Non-Traditional Paths in Consulting The conversation touches on the value of non-traditional paths to consulting, highlighting how diverse backgrounds can bring valuable perspectives and skills to the field. 02:51-04:16: Early Career Experiences and Identifying a Niche Mark discusses his early career experiences, including roles in telemarketing, management training sales, and as a Circulation Director at Government Computer News. These roles helped him identify a niche in marketing specifically to the government sector. 05:01-06:43: Building a Pipeline and Transition Challenges The discussion covers the importance of building a pipeline and the challenges of transitioning to self-employment or consulting, focusing on the need for awareness and continuous client engagement. 06:44-07:33: Filling a Market Void with Expertise Mark talks about the lack of resources on government marketing when he started his career, which led him to write a book on the subject to fill that void. 08:21-09:42: Specialization Over Generalization The concept of spotting gaps in the market and the idea of becoming a specialist rather than a generalist is discussed. Specialists can leverage their focused expertise to stand out and succeed in their chosen fields. 10:37-12:21: Overcoming Government Mailing Challenges Mark shares insights into the challenges of mail delivery within large government agencies and how he addressed these by understanding the internal mailing systems and starting an association to facilitate better communication between mailers and government mail managers. 14:09-15:27: Adapting to Market Changes The conversation shifts to adapting to changes in the market, like the shift from direct mail to digital communications, highlighting the importance of staying flexible and responsive to technological advancements. 17:29-18:45: Building and Demonstrating Expertise The importance of building a demonstrable area of expertise and the necessity of continuous learning and engagement with one’s professional community are emphasized. 22:53-24:10: Leveraging LinkedIn for Professional Growth LinkedIn is discussed as a critical platform for professionals to establish their expertise and engage with their audience, with tips on how to optimize one's profile and content to make impactful first impressions. 25:47-27:22: Importance of a Complementary Professional Network Mark discusses the importance of building a professional network that complements one's skills and filling in knowledge gaps by collaborating with other experts. 35:34-39:46: Strategies for Building a Consulting Pipeline The discussion covers strategies for building a consulting pipeline, including defining the target audience, understanding the decision-makers, and the role of gatekeepers in large...

In this episode Andy discusses steps you can take to deal with and preprare for potential Geo Political events.

In this compelling episode of The Art of Consulting podcast, Stephanie Forbes brings her expertise to the table, discussing the prevalent and often sophisticated issue of corporate fraud and cybersecurity. Throughout the conversation, we navigate the different ways in which fraud can occur within an organization, the impacts it can have, and the steps that can be taken to prevent it. From harrowing stories of payroll fraud to the intricacies of implementing governance models, Stephanie provides actionable insights to secure the financial and informational assets of companies. Episode Summary: [00:00-01:05] Introduction: Hosts recap previous discussions and introduce today’s focus on how funds may be fraudulently siphoned from organizations. [01:06-02:41] Stephanie Forbes on Payroll Fraud: Forbes shares insights on payroll vulnerabilities and fraud risks. [02:42-03:35] Payroll Fraud Case Study: Example of payroll fraud involving fictitious employees under a single manager. [03:36-05:11] Sophisticated Fraud Techniques: Discussion of fraud types, including wire fraud, and their significant impact. [05:12-07:20] Cybersecurity Incidents: Forbes recounts a cyber breach resulting in company system loss. [07:21-12:47] Cloud System Risks: Exploring cloud access risks and keychain security vulnerabilities. [12:48-18:05] Cyberattack Recovery: Strategies for recovery, backup importance, and governance frameworks. [18:06-21:16] SMB Cybersecurity Tips: Affordable, effective cybersecurity practices for small to medium businesses. [21:17-29:00] Final Tips: Emphasis on advanced authentication and data protection strategies. Catch Stephanie next at The P-World Conference in Toronto December 4th.Click here for more info https://thepworld.com/event/the-supply-chain-summit Episode Highlights: [01:06] Money Leak Channels: Forbes agrees with the host on limited money outflow channels and details fraud-prone areas. [01:19] Payroll and Procure-to-Pay Systems: Identified as high-risk zones for fraud, with a reference to a 2023 fraud report. [02:42] Payroll Fraud Example: Case where one individual received 74 checks, linked to a manager's scheme. [03:36] Fraud Complexity: Forbes describes another fraud instance involving last-minute bank account changes. [06:21] Cybersecurity Focus: A real-world case where a company lost cloud control due to a cyberattack. [07:21] Cloud Security Explained: Forbes clarifies cloud risks, including hackers gaining access to a company’s keychain. [12:48] Cyberattack Recovery: Importance of offsite backups and system restoration strategies. [18:06] Governance Models: Forbes advocates for governance models covering people, processes, and technology to defend against fraud. [21:17] SMB Cybersecurity Advice: Tips on cybersecurity insurance and routine data backups for small and medium businesses. [29:01] Final Insights: Forbes calls for barriers between cloud and operational systems and highlights authentication protocol needs. About Our Guest: Stephanie Forbes is a seasoned executive with over two decades in business, risk management, and supply chain. Her extensive experience has driven high-profile projects across the energy and construction sectors. As interim vice chair of Supply Chain Canada, Alberta Institute, Forbes actively supports supply chain development, with expertise in governance and supplier lifecycle management. Where to Find Our Guest Online: LinkedIn – Stephanie Forbes: linkedin.com/in/calgaryforbes Website – The Forbes Group