Smart Consulting Sourcing

Thinking about digitizing your consulting procurement process? Before you hit “deploy,” make sure you’ve got the right foundation in place. In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Laffitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, explains why digital tools can’t fix broken processes and why starting with a Procurement Maturity Assessment is essential. You’ll learn how to diagnose your consulting procurement capability, avoid costly tech missteps, and build a transformation roadmap with clarity and confidence. Tune in to discover how to set your digital journey up for real success!

Can your consulting spend be smarter — just by using better tools? In this episode of Quick Takes on Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Laffitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, breaks down how digital platforms are revolutionizing the way companies manage their consulting spend. Discover what the latest tools can really do — and why strategy still comes first. Tune in now.

How do you get the most from your consulting budget without compromising impact? In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Laffitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, shares a pragmatic, no-fluff approach to consulting utilization. Discover how to prioritize projects, choose the right delivery model, and unlock new sourcing options that stretch your budget and accelerate transformation. Tune in now.

Think spend analysis is just adding up invoices? Think again. In this episode of Quick Takes on Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, breaks down why real spend analysis is about insight; not just data. She shares five smart questions every procurement leader should ask to uncover inefficiencies, align suppliers with project needs, and boost the ROI of consulting spend. If you want to stop reacting and start optimizing, this is your playbook. Tune in now and turn your consulting data into a strategic advantage!

Change management might not be in your procurement job description, but it should be. In this Quick Takes on Smart Consulting Sourcing episode, Hélène Lafitte explains why procurement professionals play a critical role in setting consulting projects up for success. From spotting misalignment early to designing collaboration into the process, Hélène shows how procurement can act as a catalyst for change even before the consultants are hired. Tune in to discover how change fluency can make you a smarter, more strategic sourcing leader. Don’t miss this one!

A consulting agreement might not be flashy — but it’s one of the most critical tools in your consulting procurement arsenal. In this episode of Quick Takes on Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, breaks down the seven must-have elements every procurement pro should scrutinize before signing a consulting contract. From scope clarity and payment terms to IP rights and termination clauses, she highlights how a well-crafted agreement sets the stage for project success — and protects your organization from costly surprises. Don’t miss this power-packed episode because smarter contracts mean smarter sourcing. Tune in now!

In this thought-provoking episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Helene Lafitte unpacks a question that every organization faces but few answer strategically: should you handle a consulting project in-house or bring in external experts? With humor, clarity, and a practical five-pillar framework, Helene guides you through the complexities of the make-or-buy decision—looking beyond cost to consider capability, strategic value, and long-term impact. If you’re tired of defaulting to habit and ready to treat consulting as a true strategic lever, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t miss it—your next big project might just depend on it.

Should you invest in an internal consulting team? In this episode of Quick Takes with Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, breaks down the strategic considerations behind this crucial decision. From analyzing consulting spend to defining a clear team mandate, she explains why internal consulting is about more than just cutting costs; it's about driving long-term efficiency, retaining knowledge, and optimizing ROI. Discover when to build in-house expertise, when to rely on external consultants, and how to ensure your internal team aligns with broader business goals. Don’t miss this quick but insightful episode to smarter consulting decisions!

Companies spend billions on external consultants, but is there a better way? In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, explores the growing trend of Internal Consulting Groups and how they can serve as a powerful strategic asset. Far from being just a cost-cutting measure, internal consulting helps organizations retain knowledge, develop future leaders, and optimize consulting spend without sacrificing expertise. Discover how leading companies like Siemens and BASF have leveraged internal teams to drive transformation and why striking the right balance between internal and external consultants is key. Don’t miss this insightful episode—tune in now and rethink how your organization approaches consulting!

Change management is crucial in any procurement transformation, but when it comes to consulting, it takes on a whole new level of complexity. In this episode of QuickTakes with Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, explores why change management in consulting procurement is fundamentally different. From the intangibility of consulting services to the high-level stakeholder sensitivities, she unpacks the unique challenges and shares key strategies to ensure success. If you want to drive real impact in consulting procurement, understanding these nuances is essential. Tune in now for expert insights that will help you navigate change with confidence!

Digitalizing consulting procurement offers immense potential—efficiency, transparency, and smarter decision-making. But without the right approach, organizations can fall into common traps that hinder progress. In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, breaks down the five biggest pitfalls companies face when implementing digital procurement solutions. From mistaking tools for the solution to ignoring stakeholder buy-in and overcomplicating the process, she shares actionable strategies to ensure a smooth and successful transformation. Don’t let digitalization become a roadblock instead of an enabler. Tune in now to discover how to avoid these pitfalls and unlock the full potential of your consulting procurement!

In today’s fast-paced digital world, effective collaboration between procurement and business lines is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. In this episode of Quick Takes with Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, unpacks how organizations can break down silos and foster seamless collaboration. From understanding each other’s priorities to leveraging digital tools for transparency, she shares actionable strategies to build trust and co-create processes that drive impact. Don’t miss this insightful video on how to align procurement and business teams for smarter consulting decisions. Tune in now and start transforming your approach to collaboration!

Digital transformation isn’t just about flashy new tools—it’s about redefining how we work. In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Helene Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, dives deep into the pivotal role of change management in digital procurement transformation. From real-world challenges like misaligned teams to actionable strategies for driving success, Helene breaks down why transformation in consulting procurement requires more than technology—it demands a mindset shift and strategic alignment across the board. Don’t miss this insightful episode that uncovers the secrets to unlocking the full potential of your consulting spend. Tune in now and start transforming smarter!

In the world of procurement, centralised vs. decentralised procurement structures is one of the most debated topics. Should you centralize your consulting procurement? Opt for a decentralised approach? Or is the ideal solution a balanced hybrid? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but in this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Helene dives deep into these concepts to help you determine which structure best suits your organisation. She explores what centralised and decentralised procurement structures look like, how they influence your organisation’s ability to maximise value from consulting, and how to organize your consulting procurement for optimal results. Don't miss it. Tune in.

We’re back with another Q&A episode of the Smart Consulting Sourcing Podcast! Today, we're tackling a critical topic: the impact of early procurement involvement in consulting projects. Ever wondered how involving procurement right from the start can transform your consulting outcomes? What strategies can help align stakeholders effectively? And how do you overcome the common challenges of gaining buy-in from senior executives? If you’re ready to elevate your consulting game and maximize the value of your investments, Helene is here with insights and strategies you won’t want to miss. Let’s jump right in!

When it comes to optimizing consulting spend, you're not just fine-tuning a few processes—you’re fundamentally shifting how your organization selects and manages consulting services. And let’s be honest, that kind of change often faces resistance, especially from the top. To succeed, you need everyone on board, from procurement to senior leadership. At Consulting Quest, we rely on John Kotter’s 8 Steps for Leading Change, a proven framework to ensure smooth transitions and lasting success. Optimizing consulting spend touches every part of your organization, so getting buy-in, communicating clearly, and embedding new practices is essential. In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing Podcast, your host Helene will take you through how we use Kotter’s model to help organizations like yours get the most out of their consulting spend. Tune in!

Welcome to the Smart Consulting Sourcing Podcast's LIVE Q&A session! Today, we’re diving into some of the most pressing questions about consulting sourcing. What’s the first step in choosing the right consulting project? How do you weigh cost versus value when selecting consultants? Should you go with boutique firms or stick to the big players? If you're looking to invest wisely in expertise and get the most out of that investment, you’re in the right place. This session is packed with the advice you need! Tune in.

In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, your favourite host, Helene, dives into the fascinating world of specialised and niche consulting—a trend that’s revolutionizing how businesses tackle their most pressing challenges. Think of niche consultants as your business's expert surgeons: for general health, you consult your GP, but for a heart condition, you want a cardiac specialist. Similarly, as your challenges grow in complexity, so does the need for tailored expertise. From cybersecurity to sustainability, specialized consultants are equipped with the deep knowledge required to provide the precise solutions you need. Tune in to discover how to choose the right specialist for your unique business needs!

In this exciting new episode, we’re launching a fresh segment that’s sure to become a staple in your listening routine—a live monthly Q&A session. Each month, we’ll tackle a hot topic and answer the questions that matter most to you. This week, we’re kicking things off with a deep dive into a subject that every consultant or procurement professional faces sooner or later: negotiations. Today’s session is all about preparation. Specifically, how do you gear up for negotiating a consulting agreement? Are the strategies the same as in any other negotiation, or do consulting services require a unique approach? As we explore this foundational question, we’ll uncover the key factors that set consulting negotiations apart—factors you can leverage to secure the best outcomes for your business. Whether you're a seasoned negotiator or stepping into these discussions for the first time, today’s episode will sharpen your negotiation edge. Listen in and discover the key insights into consulting agreements that could be the deciding factor in your next deal.

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, the role of consulting services has never been more pivotal. For Strategy, Finance, and Procurement Executives, understanding the nuanced overlap between these domains is essential. It is this very overlap that can spell the difference between a consulting project that delivers transformative value and one that merely scratches the surface. In this episode of our Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, your host, Helene delves into this critical topic, offering a treasure trove of actionable insights designed to enhance your consulting sourcing processes. Tune in. Don't miss it.