Smart Consulting Sourcing

Can AI replace procurement when buying consulting? The narrative suggests automation is inevitable — the reality is more nuanced. In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Laffitte explains what AI actually changes in consulting procurement — and what it doesn’t. AI isn’t replacing buyers — it’s exposing weak briefs, loose evaluation criteria, and superficial proposal analysis. It can sharpen RFPs, structure comparisons, and challenge fuzzy thinking. But it cannot assume accountability, interpret organisational context, or distinguish persuasive language from proven capability. Hélène outlines where AI genuinely strengthens the sourcing process, where its limits become clear, and why human judgment remains the critical control point. From avoiding “algorithmic overconfidence” to using AI as a disciplined challenger, this episode offers a grounded perspective on smarter sourcing in the age of automation. Tune in to learn how to make AI your procurement ally — not your substitute.

In this Quick Take on Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Laffitte, CEO at Consulting Quest, explains how to handle conflicts of interest in consulting projects and why they represent a critical risk in professional services. Discover how companies can manage consulting conflicts of interest in a practical and balanced way by setting clear boundaries in consulting contracts and MSAs, reinforcing commitments at the project level, and monitoring risks over time — all in under three minutes.

In this Quick Take on Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Laffitte, CEO at Consulting Quest, unpacks how a make-or-buy strategy can help you design smarter consulting delivery models. Discover how this simple framework clarifies what to keep in-house, what to outsource, and how to maximize value from your consulting partners — all in under three minutes! Learn how to avoid over-outsourcing, reduce costs, and get the expertise you really need.

Can ChatGPT really replace McKinsey? The hype says yes—but the truth? Not even close. In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Laffitte cuts through the noise and reveals how Generative AI is truly reshaping the consulting world. AI isn’t killing consulting—it’s killing bad consulting. From flashy claims to “10 prompts to replace McKinsey” memes, Hélène explains why technology can’t substitute for real expertise, context, and judgment. She breaks down how Gen AI actually works, where it genuinely accelerates consulting delivery, and why understanding its limits is just as important as embracing its power. From spotting “AI-washing” in proposals to knowing when to lean on human insight, this episode uncovers how consulting’s real value is evolving—from decks to decisions, insights, and execution. Tune in to discover how to make AI your consulting ally—not your replacement.

Go-live might feel like a win—but it’s not the endgame. In this episode of Quick Takes on Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Laffitte explains why launching your digital consulting procurement platform is just the beginning. True maturity comes from how you use the tool to evolve behaviors, refine processes, and drive better outcomes. From training users effectively to adapting configurations and pushing for continuous improvement, Hélène reveals three powerful levers that help procurement leaders unlock real value post–go-live. Tune in to learn how to turn your digital platform into a true driver of maturity.

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!