Paul Higgins Podcast

You've landed a foothold in a big company, delivered a great project, the client loved it, so why are you still stuck in the same corner six months later winning the same small deals? In this episode, I break down why most consultants stay trapped in one department and how to turn a single project into an enterprise-wide engagement. I share how one Airtable consultant turned a $20,000 clinical trial tracking project at a top-three pharmaceutical company into a $200,000 transformation across three countries, all by making one strategic shift in how he treated his internal champion. If you've got a foothold in a big company and you're watching other consultants land the deals you should be winning, this is your playbook. Resources and Links Apply for a Multiplier Call666 - The partner trapCheck out more episodes of the Paul Higgins Podcast@PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletterSuggested resources

Stuck at 50% of your revenue target because your pipeline depends on someone else's priorities? In this episode, I break down the partner program trap and why so many platform consultants stay dependent on AE referrals even when they know it's holding them back. I walk through the exact 12-month transition sequence I use with clients: pick your niche, build pain-point messaging, start direct outreach, and keep partner referrals flowing as cash while you build. If your best leads only show up when an account executive needs to hit their quota, this episode shows you how to take back control of your pipeline. Resources and Links Apply for a Multiplier Call665 - AI Does 70% of the Work and Here’s What a Salesforce Partner Does With the Other 30 with Ferny BengaliCheck out more episodes of the Paul Higgins Podcast@PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletterSuggested resources

Why you should listen You know you should be using AI in your consulting practice, but where do you actually start without compromising client data or wasting time on tools that don't stick? In this episode, I talk with Ferny Bengali from Sherpaneer, a boutique Salesforce consultancy that works with enterprise clients across high-tech, financial services, manufacturing, and healthcare. Ferny walks me through exactly how her team of 12 uses AI day to day, from feeding anonymized staffing data into models for capacity planning, to using voice notes and LLMs to prep for pitches. We also get into how she structures client knowledge across projects, her approach to AI-optimized content for SEO, and why she hired a part-time BD person instead of going full-time. If you've been experimenting with AI but haven't operationalized it across your practice yet, this conversation will show you what that looks like in action. About Ferny Bengali Farnaz (Ferny) Bengali is Co-President of Sherpaneer, a women-owned, diverse Salesforce consulting partner that helps mid-to-large organizations implement the right way, the first time. With 20+ years of industry experience—including leadership roles at MicroStrategy, Accenture, and The Carlyle Group—Ferny chose the boutique path over big consulting, building a practice that delivers senior-level expertise without the agency bloat. She's also a board member of WISE (Women in Salesforce Entrepreneurship), co-invests in hospitality through Dogwood Hospitality, and is passionate about using AI as an operating layer to scale consulting without scaling headcount. Resources and Links Sherpaneer.comFerny's LinkedIn profileRead.aiNotebook LMScribeChatGPTClaudeGoogle Gemini

Still relying on referrals and hoping the next one brings a decent project? In this episode, I break down why your referral strategy is actually killing your margins, not growing them. I share the pattern I see with over 200 tech consultants who are great at delivery but trapped in legacy business development, constantly auditioning for clients who see them as a vendor instead of a strategic partner. Learn how you can increase your revenue by making two important decisions: the WHO decision and the WHAT decision. If you are tired of the referral lottery and ready to stop competing on price, this episode lays out what actually needs to change. Resources and Links Apply for a Multiplier Call663 - The "Fake Productivity" Trap for Tech ConsultantsCheck out more episodes of the Paul Higgins Podcast@PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletterSuggested resources

Ever finish a 60-hour week and realize you didn't do a single thing to find better clients? In this episode, I break down why most tech consultants stay trapped in work that feels productive but actually keeps them stuck. I share the story of a client who was exhausted, in debt, and over-delivering on every project until we made two critical decisions together: the WHO (estate attorneys only) and the WHAT (productized service with clear scope). Six months later, he cleared his debt and doubled his profits. If you've been avoiding the hard decisions by staying busy with comfortable work, this one will challenge you to finally make the call. Resources and Links Apply for a Multiplier Call662 - How to Build an AI Strategy That Actually Works with Christine DuqueCheck out more episodes of the Paul Higgins Podcast@PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletterSuggested resources

Why you should listen Feeling pressure to "do something with AI" but unsure where to start without wasting budget or burning out your team? In this episode, I talk with Christine Duque, CEO of Alonsera and former Big Four consultant who now helps mid-market companies in highly regulated industries navigate AI implementation. We dig into why most AI initiatives fail before they even launch, and it's not the technology. Christine explains why treating AI like a silver bullet creates more chaos than progress, and what the 10% of companies getting real results are doing differently. If you're tired of the hype and want a grounded perspective on what AI adoption actually requires, this conversation cuts through the noise. About Christine Duque Christine Duque is CEO of Alonsera, a global AI consultancy helping organizations deploy AI solutions that actually scale. With executive experience at Accenture, Deloitte, and IBM, she's overseen $2B+ in AI and digital transformation projects for Fortune 50/100/500 companies—delivering results like 70% faster data ingestion and 30-50% customer engagement efficiency gains. A sought-after speaker on ethical AI and digital transformation, Christine is actively shaping international AI standards through partnerships with Oxford University and UC Irvine. She authored the Amazon best-seller Walking in My Shoes: Shattering Glass Ceilings in Corporate America and co-founded the Women's Empowerment AI Network. An accomplished operatic soprano, she debuted at Carnegie Hall. Resources and Links Duquesacd.comAlonsera.comChristine's LinkedIn profile@christineduqueChristine Duque@duquesacdChristine DuqueWalking In My Shoes:...

Stuck three months into a niche and wondering if you picked wrong? In this episode, I share the story of a client who spent 14 months doubting his industrial automation niche before everything clicked. His first outreach response took 14 months to close. A newsletter reader opened the same email 25 times before becoming a client. I break down why most consultants quit at the exact moment their planted seeds are about to grow, and why your biggest competitor isn't other consultants but your own ability to commit long enough to let your niche work. Resources and Links Apply for a Multiplier Call660 - The Human-Centric AI Shift Every Tech Consultant Should Know with Scott Stafford Check out more episodes of the Paul Higgins Podcast@PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletterSuggested resources

Why you should listen Wondering where to place your bets as AI reshapes the entire SaaS landscape? In this episode, I talk with Scott Stafford, an AI strategist working at the intersection of Salesforce, robotics, and human-centric technology. We dig into why companies that rushed to replace humans with AI are now reversing course, and what that shift means for consultants building practices today. Scott also shares his vision for how personal agents will become your new user interface, making traditional software interactions feel like relics. If you're trying to figure out where to invest your learning time and how to stay relevant as voice interfaces take over, this conversation maps out the territory ahead. About Scott Stafford Scott Stafford is a Human-Centric Technologist, AI Strategy Lead, and technology evangelist with 20+ years of experience bridging business strategy and emerging technology. A 27-time Salesforce certified All-Star Ranger and community leader, Scott focuses on helping people and organizations adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He is co-founder of RiseWithVoice, an initiative that helps individuals strengthen both their literal and metaphorical voice to thrive in an AI-augmented future. Resources and Links Scottstafford.aiScott's LinkedIn profile625 - The Salesforce Partner's AI Dilemma with Sanjeet MahajanBolt.newSuperwhisper659 - How This Salesforce Partner Grew to 25 People by Saying No with Dennis KnodtCheck out more episodes of The Paul Higgins PodcastJoin our newsletter

Why you should listen Trying to grow a Salesforce practice while competing against every other partner who claims they "do it all"? In this episode, I talk with Dennis Knodt, co-founder of Valuent, a Berlin-based consultancy that went from freelancing in 2019 to a 25-person team by making deliberate choices about what to say no to. We dig into why Dennis doubled down on Germany instead of chasing international expansion, and how a setback with Salesforce (when they brought in a competitor) actually led to recruiting the architect who now leads their revenue cloud practice. If you've ever wondered whether focus is really worth the short-term sacrifice, this conversation will challenge how you think about building a defensible position. About Dennis Knodt Dennis Knodt is the Co-Founder of Valuent, a bootstrapped Salesforce consultancy specializing in Quote-to-Cash optimization. After working at Bain and VC-backed startups like Rocket Internet and Enpal, Dennis chose to build a profitable boutique firm focused on deep expertise over growth-at-all-costs. Resources and Links Valuent.ioDennis’s LinkedIn profileLovable658 - The Delivery TrapCheck out more episodes of The Paul Higgins PodcastJoin our newsletterSuggested resourcesFind out more about Paul and how he can help you

Spending 60+ hours a week on client work and wondering why your pipeline is empty? In this episode, I break down why being brilliant at delivery is actually keeping you stuck. You'll learn the four-step framework I use to help consultants escape the delivery trap and start tracking the metric that actually matters: growth hours. If you've built a job instead of a business, this episode shows you how to change that. Resources and Links Apply for a Multiplier Call657 - What's Your Resolution?Check out more episodes of the Paul Higgins Podcast@PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletterSuggested resources

Heading into the new year without a clear focus for your consulting business? In this quick episode, I reflect on 2025 and encourage you to use any downtime to dig into the podcast archives. Whether you're looking for episodes on AI, positioning, partnerships, pricing, or escaping delivery, there's something here for you. I'd also love to hear from you directly. What's your resolution for 2026? What challenge are you tackling first? Drop me a message and let's connect. Resources and Links paul@paulhigginsmentoring.com656 - Don't Do It AloneCheck out more episodes of the Paul Higgins Podcast@PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletterSuggested resources

Did you hit your targets in 2025? Or are you still stuck chasing clients and trying to figure it out alone? In this solo episode, I get brutally honest about my own struggles, including when I couldn't see what needed to change from inside my own business and had to bring back my mentor to push me. I share how one client, Jack, made the WHO and WHAT decisions he'd been avoiding and increased his revenue by 29% with his highest month ever. I also explain why AI, as powerful as it is, can't make the fundamental strategic decisions for you. If you're heading into 2026 without a clear plan, this episode is the wake-up call you need. Resources and Links Apply for a Multiplier Call655 - From Hourly Rates to Outcome PricingCheck out more episodes of the Paul Higgins Podcast@PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletterSuggested resources

Stuck waiting for your platform's marketplace to send you your next lead? In this episode, I break down the three traps that keep SaaS partners grinding on low-margin implementations, and what happened when a Monday.com partner finally made the WHO and WHAT decisions he'd been avoiding. We dig into how he went from competing on price with thousands of other partners to closing his biggest deal ever by selling outcomes instead of configurations. If you're a Salesforce, Zoho, or HubSpot partner who's tired of being at the mercy of algorithm changes, this one shows you what it looks like to own your pipeline. Resources and Links Apply for a Multiplier Call654 - How to Build Automations That Actually Scale With Your Business with Jared WeissCheck out more episodes of the Paul Higgins Podcast@PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletterSuggested resources

Why you should listen Scaling your business but drowning in systems that don't talk to each other and growing pains that get louder by the week? In this episode, I talk with Jared Weiss from Matix Flows, who spent over a decade in the startup trenches before launching his own automation consultancy. We dig into why so many business owners end up with tech debt they don't even realize they're building, and what it takes to create systems that actually support growth instead of creating constant firefighting. If you've ever wondered whether your automation setup is helping or secretly holding you back, this conversation will challenge how you think about your operations. About Jared Weiss Jared Weiss is the founder of Matix Flows, where he helps growing businesses turn messy systems and scattered workflows into smooth, scalable operations. With over a decade of marketing and automation experience—including serving as Director of Marketing at SaaS company Redlist—Jared specializes in business automation, CRM optimization, and strategic consulting with hands-on execution. Known for his holistic approach from working across multiple departments, Jared bridges the gaps between marketing, sales, and operations to create systems that actually work. He partners directly with business owners buried in manual tasks, helping them automate follow-ups, lead routing, and task handoffs so they can focus on growth instead of getting stuck in the weeds. His philosophy is simple: ideas alone don't drive growth—systems do. Resources and Links Matixflows.comJared’s LinkedIn profileZapierUpwork653 - Why Plumbers Get Paid More Than Most ConsultantsCheck out more episodes of the Paul Higgins Podcast@PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletterSuggested resources

Tired of hearing "let me think about it" after every proposal? In this episode, I break down why most tech consultants are stuck grinding on $3K projects while plumbers are one of the highest paid trades. I share the story of David, a CRM consultant who was targeting the right companies but solving the wrong problem, and how one shift took him from $5K projects to his first $250K contract in six months. If you've been told you need better marketing, better positioning, or a tighter niche but nothing's moving the needle, the real issue might be simpler than you think. Resources and Links Apply for a Multiplier Call652 - Building a Top 3% HubSpot Partner Through Vertical Focus and Culture-First Leadership with Gemma PriceCheck out more episodes of the Paul Higgins Podcast@PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletterSuggested resources

Why you should listen How do you compete with bigger agencies when you can't match their salaries? In this episode, I sit down with Gemma Price, founder of HubGem, who built a 20-person HubSpot consultancy focused exclusively on the education sector. Gemma shares the moment she discovered millions of pounds worth of leads sitting in a colleague's bottom drawer on paper, and how that frustration sparked her entrepreneurial journey. We dive into why she resisted the urge to diversify during COVID, the change management principles that make tech adoption actually stick, and how prioritizing human connection over perks created a culture that retains talent. Plus, Gemma's take on where AI meets CRM and why the future belongs to those who don't sacrifice humanity for efficiency. About Gemma Price Gemma Price is an entrepreneur and award-winning CEO recognised for building one of the world’s happiest workplaces. She scaled HubGem to become a Top 3% global HubSpot partner by vertically specialising in education and leading with a culture-first approach. Gemma helps founders harness AI, experience the power of intuitive psychology coaching, and embrace human-centred leadership to build scalable businesses without the burnout. Resources and Links Hubgem.co.ukGemma's LinkedIn profile642 - Stop Being a Platform Expert - Why Business Growth Advisors Win in the AI Era with Sarah McDevittWhy Culture Is the Real Competitive Advantage in the AI Era651 - Platform-Agnostic Consulting: Why SaaS Partners Are Making the Switch to AI with Leandra NisbetCheck out more episodes of the Paul Higgins Podcast@PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletterSuggested resources Gemma offers transformational 1:1 and group Intuitive Psychology Coaching and also consults with leaders on building happier workplaces. Learn more about the different ways you can work with Gemma at Intuitive.co

Why you should listen You're stuck at a revenue ceiling and drowning in delivery work. Every "AI solution" promises to save you time, but you're paralyzed by options and skeptical of the hype. Meanwhile, you're working harder than ever with nothing to show for it. In this episode, I sit down with Leandra Nisbet from Stingray Advisory Group to cut through the AI noise. Leandra shares her battle-tested approach to helping consultants scale without burning out using practical automation that actually moves the needle. We dig into why chasing every new AI tool is killing your productivity, how to know if an implementation will pay off before you start, and why human expertise still wins over bots. About Leandra Nisbet Leandra Nisbet is the Founder & Owner of Stingray Advisory Group, a woman- and minority-owned advisory firm based in Michigan. With a background in finance, marketing, computer technology and team operations, Leandra helps small business owners and entrepreneurs scale with confidence by combining streamlined systems, strategic decision-making and a deep understanding of what drives sustainable growth. Stingray Advisory Group specializes in marketing strategy, financial management and business planning by meeting clients where they are, whether clarifying goals, navigating cash flow challenges or preparing for expansion. The firm is focused on community impact, with a mission to support under-resourced entrepreneurs and empower women and BIPOC business owners to build sustainable, purpose-driven companies. Resources and Links Stingrayadvisorygroup.comLeandra’s LinkedIn profile@LeandraCreates650 - How to Turn a Quiet List into a Revenue MachineCheck out more episodes of the Paul Higgins Podcast@PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletterSuggested resources

You've got a database of hundreds, maybe thousands of leads sitting there not converting, and you're stuck wondering if you should keep chasing new leads or finally fix your positioning. I recently worked with a business owner who had this exact problem—thousands of people in their database, strong team, solid systems, but fuzzy messaging. In this episode, I walk through the three-step process we used to get them on track for 50% growth without adding headcount. I also share why most reactivation campaigns fail and the one thing you need to check before sending a single email. If you've got a list that isn't converting, this episode shows you exactly where to start.

Why you should listen Are you drowning in AI tools and automation tutorials that promise everything but deliver confusion? I sit down with Kelly Fifield, a certified life coach who helps coaches incorporate AI and productivity systems into their businesses. We cut through the hype to discuss what actually works: using AI as your executive assistant and strategic coach, creating content from coaching calls, and why you should avoid the automation rabbit hole until you've solved problems the simple way first. Kelly reveals her honest take on ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini, how to use Notebook LM for processing large content libraries, and the one emotion causing most of your procrastination. If you're tired of wasting time on AI tools that don't deliver, this conversation will help you focus on what matters.  About Kelly Fifield Kelly Fifield is an AI systems strategist, productivity specialist, and certified life coach whose frameworks deliver organized focus and AI-amplified results. She works on Rick Mulready’s AI Playbook team, where she’s fielded thousands of entrepreneur questions about AI and turned that frontline experience into practical, repeatable workflows and systems. A former math teacher, Kelly balanced three jobs while transitioning into AI and operations, pressure-testing the systems she now teaches. On her podcast, she shares plain-English strategies for dramatic productivity gains. With AI in the mix, clients routinely achieve output that once took a team. They say sessions with Kelly are the best part of their week - clear next steps, real momentum, and a coach who’s warm, direct, and genuinely fun to work with. Resources and Links Productivitygeniuscoaching.com@productivitygeniuscoachkelly@productivitygeniuscoaching.comListen to Productivity Genius Podcast on Apple PodcastsListen to Productivity Genius Podcast on SpotifyRick Mulready's AI Playbook CommunityGranola.aiNotebook LMChatGPTClaudeGeminiGoogle...

Why you should listen I'm watching too many consultants get paralyzed by AI—either ignoring it completely or drowning in tool experimentation without a strategy. Mark Emond made a bold pivot, repositioning his B2B marketing consultancy to lead AI transformation for enterprise CMOs. In this conversation, we dig into how he identified the shift before his clients demanded it, how he's separating visionary buyers from tire-kickers, and what he's learning by building an internal AI Innovation Lab where his team plays with everything from ChatGPT to Make and Clay. If you're sitting on technical expertise but wondering how to package it for the AI era without becoming a commodity, this episode shows you exactly how one founder is skating to where the puck is going. About Mark Emond Demand Spring’s founder, Mark has a tremendous passion for helping marketing leaders transform their Revenue Marketing practices with AI, enabling them to become strategic leaders within their organizations. A Forbes Council member and contributor to MarketingProfs, Mark brings thought leadership to the marketing community, sharing insights on cutting-edge strategies, industry trends, and AI-driven marketing transformation. Prior to founding Demand Spring, spent 17 years in marketing leadership roles at IBM, Cognos, Watchfire, and Corel. Mark happily resides in Ottawa, the coldest capital city in the world, with his wife and teenage daughter. He combines his passion for athletics and developing young people as the coach of one of the top competitive girls basketball teams in Ontario. Resources and Links Demandspring.comMark's LinkedIn profileBrandlightMakeClayn8nReplitWispr FlowTiga AI647 - The Cost of Figuring It Out AloneCheck out more episodes of the Paul Higgins Podcast@PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletter