Consulting Success Podcast

Have you ever hit a level of success that's supposed to feel like freedom, and instead, it starts to feel like you've built yourself a job that you can't escape?Well, that's the tension that Elliot Begoun found himself in after building a seven-figure consulting business. He had the systems, the team, repeatable delivery, the whole thing. So from the outside, it looked like everything was dialed in. Internally, he was starting to feel depleted and, honestly, a bit bored.Well, Elliot's story is powerful because he didn't start out as a natural consultant. He climbed the corporate ladder, walked away, and had to learn how to build from zero. Then he went through multiple stages: solo to team, broad to niche, one-to-many to premium advisory. And eventually, he made a full-circle shift that changed everything.So in this episode, you're going to hear the hidden cost of building a model that requires constant funnel feeding, how Elliot reduced client count without taking a revenue hit, and what to change when you want fewer clients, more depth, and more breathing room in your business. If you've ever been thinking to yourself, "Something doesn't feel right about my business," then press play right now and enjoy this episode.Welcome to the Consulting Success podcast. I'm your host Michael Zipursky, and in this podcast, we're going to dive deep into the world of elite consultants where you're going to learn the strategies, tactics and mindset to grow a highly profitable and successful consulting business.Mentioned in this episode:Get Expert Insights into Your Consulting Business: Claim Your FREE Growth Session Now!Want to get personalized feedback and actionable insights on your consulting business from seasoned experts who've been in your shoes? The Consulting Success Clarity Coaching Program offers just that, and you can experience a taste of it with a FREE, no-obligation Growth Session. On this call, you'll explore how to optimize your business model, refine your messaging, and build a predictable stream of high-value clients. https://www.consultingsuccess.com/coaching-for-consultantsYour 3-Day Blueprint for Consulting Growth in San Diego.Imagine your future self looking back on the single event that changed everything. The Consulting Success Mastermind in San Diego (April 30 - May 2, 2026) is designed to be that moment. For three days, you'll be surrounded by high-performing peers, world-class mentors, and a community genuinely dedicated to your success. Walk away with strategic clarity and unstoppable momentum. Create your breakthrough moment. Learn more about the San Diego Mastermind: www.consultingsuccess.com/sandiego

Ready to learn what goes into scaling a tech-focused consulting firm from the ground up? In this episode, Tommy Ogden, co-founder of Activera Consulting, shares the fascinating journey of launching and growing a multimillion-dollar consultancy within just one year. Drawing on his extensive experience in both boutique firms and global giants like Accenture, Tommy delves into the strategic decisions that have propelled Activera’s rapid success. He offers a candid look at the challenges of balancing talent acquisition with business development, the importance of defining and honing in on core service pillars, and the key lessons learned from his transition out of the corporate world. Tommy’s insights provide a blueprint for anyone looking to build a successful, agile consulting business that can adapt and thrive in a competitive market.In this episode, you will learn:How to strategically define and focus on core service offerings for business growthThe importance of balancing talent acquisition with securing big deals in a small firmInsights into transitioning from corporate roles to founding a new consulting businessThe role of relationship-building in business development and client retentionEffective strategies for managing project margins and maintaining profitability in consulting—Welcome to the Consulting Success podcast. I’m your host Michael Zipursky, and in this podcast, we’re going to dive deep into the world of elite consultants where you’re going to learn the strategies, tactics and mindset to grow a highly profitable and successful consulting business.Before we dive into today’s episode. Are you ready to grow and take your consulting business to the next level? Many of the clients that we work with started as podcast listeners just like you, and a consistent theme they have shared with us is that they wished they had reached out sooner about our Clarity Coaching Program rather than waiting for that perfect time. If you’re interested in learning more about how we help consultants just like you, we’re offering a free, no pressure growth session call. On this call, we’re going to dive deep into your goals, challenges and situation and outline a plan that is tailor made just for you. We will also help you identify where you may be making costly and time consuming mistakes to ensure you’re benefiting from the proven methods and strategies to grow your consulting business.So don’t wait years to find clarity. If you’re committed and serious about reaching a new level of success in your consulting business, go ahead and schedule your free growth session. Get in touch today. Just visit Consulting Success – Grow to book your free call today.Mentioned in this episode:Follow Consulting Success!Make sure you're following us on your podcast app! Already subscribed? Tell a friend about the show that you think could benefit as well!Your 3-Day Blueprint for Consulting Growth in San Diego.Imagine your future self looking back on the single event that changed everything. The Consulting Success Mastermind in San Diego (April 30 - May 2, 2026) is designed to be that moment. For three days, you'll be surrounded by high-performing peers, world-class mentors, and a community genuinely dedicated to your success. Walk away with strategic clarity and unstoppable momentum. Create your breakthrough moment. Learn more about the San Diego Mastermind: www.consultingsuccess.com/sandiego

What if the reason your consulting business hasn't grown isn't because you lack the perfect strategy, but because you need to learn how to hold better conversations? In this episode, I'm joined by Manal Sayid, a facilitator and consultant who quietly built a seven-figure practice by helping leaders navigate the conversations most people avoid. Manal didn't start in consulting. She started in non profit HR, volunteered on a suicide prevention line for nearly a decade, and learned at a very human level how trust is built when people feel heard. In this conversation, you'll discover why relationship building without an agenda can outperform traditional business development; how being braver with clients leads to more respect, better work, and stronger outcomes; and what it really takes to facilitate change when there's tension, power dynamics, or uncertainty in the room. If your growth depends on trust, referrals, and leading real conversations, not just selling frameworks, then this episode will change how you think about your role as a consultant and consulting business owner.Welcome to the Consulting Success podcast. I'm your host Michael Zipursky, and in this podcast, we're going to dive deep into the world of elite consultants where you're going to learn the strategies, tactics and mindset to grow a highly profitable and successful consulting business.Before we dive into today's episode. Are you ready to grow and take your consulting business to the next level? Many of the clients that we work with started as podcast listeners just like you, and a consistent theme they have shared with us is that they wished they had reached out sooner about our Clarity Coaching Program rather than waiting for that perfect time. If you're interested in learning more about how we help consultants just like you, we're offering a free, no pressure growth session call. On this call, we're going to dive deep into your goals, challenges and situation and outline a plan that is tailor made just for you. We will also help you identify where you may be making costly and time consuming mistakes to ensure you're benefiting from the proven methods and strategies to grow your consulting business. So don't wait years to find clarity. If you're committed and serious about reaching a new level of success in your consulting business, go ahead and schedule your free growth session. Get in touch today. Just visit Consulting Success - Grow to book your free call today.Mentioned in this episode:Your 3-Day Blueprint for Consulting Growth in San Diego.Imagine your future self looking back on the single event that changed everything. The Consulting Success Mastermind in San Diego (April 30 - May 2, 2026) is designed to be that moment. For three days, you'll be surrounded by high-performing peers, world-class mentors, and a community genuinely dedicated to your success. Walk away with strategic clarity and unstoppable momentum. Create your breakthrough moment. Learn more about the San Diego Mastermind: www.consultingsuccess.com/sandiego

Most consulting firms don't fail because of bad strategy. They stall because the founder becomes the bottleneck. Well, that's why I wanted you to hear from John Quirk, who spent decades inside a consulting firm that grew to eight figures, built extraordinary tenure on the team, and ultimately exited. John lived through the messy middle, hiring mistakes, delivery strain, and leadership gaps, and he helped redesign the business from the inside so that it could grow without breaking.In this episode, you're going to learn how John shifted from founder-led execution to durable leadership systems, the exact mindset change that allowed the firm to scale past early growth ceilings, and how to build a consulting company people don't want to leave. That's both your employees and your clients. If you want to build a firm that creates leverage, longevity, and real optionality, not just more revenue, you're going to get a lot out of this conversation. Enjoy.Welcome to the Consulting Success podcast. I'm your host Michael Zipursky, and in this podcast, we're going to dive deep into the world of elite consultants where you're going to learn the strategies, tactics and mindset to grow a highly profitable and successful consulting business.Before we dive into today's episode. Are you ready to grow and take your consulting business to the next level? Many of the clients that we work with started as podcast listeners just like you, and a consistent theme they have shared with us is that they wished they had reached out sooner about our Clarity Coaching Program rather than waiting for that perfect time. If you're interested in learning more about how we help consultants just like you, we're offering a free, no pressure growth session call. On this call, we're going to dive deep into your goals, challenges and situation and outline a plan that is tailor made just for you. We will also help you identify where you may be making costly and time consuming mistakes to ensure you're benefiting from the proven methods and strategies to grow your consulting business. So don't wait years to find clarity. If you're committed and serious about reaching a new level of success in your consulting business, go ahead and schedule your free growth session. Get in touch today. Just visit Consulting Success - Grow to book your free call today.

Selling over 12 million copies of his books worldwide, Surrounded by Idiots author Thomas Erikson knows a thing or two about human nature. But before the global fame, he spent 20 years writing in obscurity while working a "boring" banking job. He joins Michael to reveal why understanding the four core behavioral styles - Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue - is the ultimate hack for sales, leadership, and negotiation, and offers a proven framework for mirroring your prospects to build instant trust. If you want to stop wasting time on pitches that don't land and start scaling your influence, Thomas shares his blueprint for communication mastery and ruthless productivity.In this episode, you will learn about:The reality behind Thomas’s “overnight success” and why he persisted through 20 years of rejection.A breakdown of the Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue behavioral styles and how to spot them instantly.The "Mirroring" technique: How to adapt your communication style to close deals faster and cut meeting times in half.How to identify a prospect’s personality type without asking them to take a formal assessment.The “Ferrari Strategy”: Why Thomas keeps his coaching high-priced and exclusive to build brand value.Why "follow your passion" is often bad advice, and why you should focus on what you are good at instead.How to scale a global business using a licensing and affiliate model rather than hiring an army of consultants.The secret to high-level productivity: The "I only do what only I can do" framework for extreme delegation.Welcome to the Consulting Success podcast. I'm your host Michael Zipursky, and in this podcast, we're going to dive deep into the world of elite consultants where you're going to learn the strategies, tactics and mindset to grow a highly profitable and successful consulting business.Before we dive into today's episode. Are you ready to grow and take your consulting business to the next level? Many of the clients that we work with started as podcast listeners just like you, and a consistent theme they have shared with us is that they wished they had reached out sooner about our Clarity Coaching Program rather than waiting for that perfect time. If you're interested in learning more about how we help consultants just like you, we're offering a free, no pressure growth session call. On this call, we're going to dive deep into your goals, challenges and situation and outline a plan that is tailor made just for you. We will also help you identify where you may be making costly and time consuming mistakes to ensure you're benefiting from the proven methods and strategies to grow your consulting business. So don't wait years to find clarity. If you're committed and serious about reaching a new level of success in your consulting business, go ahead and schedule your free growth session. Get in touch today. Just visit Consulting Success - Grow to book your free call today.Thomas Erikson is a Swedish behaviorist and author of the global phenomenon Surrounded by Idiots, with over 12 million copies sold in 70+ languages whose mission is to make human behavior understandable. By applying the DISC model, he teaches practical self-awareness for better leadership and communication. Writing for 20 years before his breakthrough, Thomas now lectures 120+ times a year and impacts executives worldwide. He lives in the Swedish countryside with his wife, dogs, and a collection of classic Land Rovers, guided by one idea: you cannot change others, only yourself.Connect with Thomas Erikson: https://www.linkedin.com/company/surroundedbyidiots/Discover more about Surrounded by Idiots: https://www.surroundedbyidiots.com/en/Mentioned in this episode:Your 3-Day Blueprint for Consulting Growth in San Diego.Imagine your future self looking back on the single event that changed everything. The Consulting Success Mastermind in San Diego (April 30 - May 2, 2026) is designed to be that moment. For three days, you'll be surrounded by high-performing peers, world-class mentors, and a community genuinely dedicated to your success. Walk away with strategic clarity and unstoppable momentum. Create your breakthrough moment. Learn more about the San Diego Mastermind: www.consultingsuccess.com/sandiego

Have you ever wondered what happens when you stop trying to serve everyone and double down on one niche you know inside out? That's exactly what Julie Lawless did. From corporate comms for brands like Nissan and Mars Petcare to running her own firm in animal health and AgTech, Julie has built a business that thrives because it's focused. In this episode, we unpack how she made that shift, moving from hourly billing to retainers, building a standout reputation in a small industry, and leading a team that runs smoothly without her in every single detail. If you've been thinking about specializing or tightening your focus, you'll take a ton of practical insight from this one. Enjoy.Welcome to the Consulting Success podcast. I'm your host Michael Zipursky, and in this podcast, we're going to dive deep into the world of elite consultants where you're going to learn the strategies, tactics and mindset to grow a highly profitable and successful consulting business.Before we dive into today's episode. Are you ready to grow and take your consulting business to the next level? Many of the clients that we work with started as podcast listeners just like you, and a consistent theme they have shared with us is that they wished they had reached out sooner about our Clarity Coaching Program rather than waiting for that perfect time. If you're interested in learning more about how we help consultants just like you, we're offering a free, no pressure growth session call. On this call, we're going to dive deep into your goals, challenges and situation and outline a plan that is tailor made just for you. We will also help you identify where you may be making costly and time consuming mistakes to ensure you're benefiting from the proven methods and strategies to grow your consulting business. So don't wait years to find clarity. If you're committed and serious about reaching a new level of success in your consulting business, go ahead and schedule your free growth session. Get in touch today. Just visit Consulting Success - Grow to book your free call today.With over two decades in corporate communications at Elanco, Mars Petcare, and Nissan, Julie Lawless is a proven leader in strategic communications. A Pet Age "Woman of Influence," she notably managed Elanco's IPO and the landmark acquisition of Bayer Animal Health. In 2022, she founded Lawless Comms to provide purpose-driven counsel in M&A, crisis, and ESG communications to the animal health, veterinary, and food production industries, leveraging her deep expertise to make a positive impact.Connect with Julie Lawless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielawless/Discover more about Lawless Comms: https://www.lawlesscomms.com/Mentioned in this episode:The Inner CircleIf you're running a 7-figure consulting business and are ready to be in a room of committed peers, this is for you. The Inner Circle is a high-level mastermind focused on proven strategies for scaling and lifestyle design. This is not for everyone, but if it's for you, you already know. www.consultingsuccess.com/inner-circle

What if the biggest growth opportunity in your consulting business isn't scaling, but in simplifying what you deliver? This week I'm talking with Abhijit Verekar, founder and CEO of Avèro Advisors, a 50-person consulting firm that's helping U.S. cities and counties modernize through smarter tech strategy. And also of course now through AI. Abhijit built his success by breaking the rules that most consultants blindly follow. He's not selling software, he's not doing implementation. He's the independent advisor that government leaders actually trust. And now he's doubling down on AI and Micro-SaaS to deliver faster results without losing what makes consulting valuable: the human experience. So in this episode, you're going to discover why being truly independent is your most powerful differentiator in a crowded market; how to use AI to accelerate delivery without eroding your fees and authority; and the surprising way that Abhijit turned government bureaucracy into a high-margin, moat-protected niche. If you ever wondered how to build a consulting business that wins hard-to-acquire clients and stays ahead of technology, this one's for you. Welcome to the Consulting Success podcast. I'm your host Michael Zipursky, and in this podcast, we're going to dive deep into the world of elite consultants where you're going to learn the strategies, tactics and mindset to grow a highly profitable and successful consulting business.Before we dive into today's episode. Are you ready to grow and take your consulting business to the next level? Many of the clients that we work with started as podcast listeners just like you, and a consistent theme they have shared with us is that they wished they had reached out sooner about our Clarity Coaching Program rather than waiting for that perfect time. If you're interested in learning more about how we help consultants just like you, we're offering a free, no pressure growth session call. On this call, we're going to dive deep into your goals, challenges and situation and outline a plan that is tailor made just for you. We will also help you identify where you may be making costly and time consuming mistakes to ensure you're benefiting from the proven methods and strategies to grow your consulting business. So don't wait years to find clarity. If you're committed and serious about reaching a new level of success in your consulting business, go ahead and schedule your free growth session. Get in touch today. Just visit Consulting Success - Grow to book your free call today.Abhijit Verekar is the Founder & CEO of Avèro Advisors, dedicated to modernizing local governments through tech innovation. With 20+ years of experience, he bridges the gap between technology and public service, guiding agencies through complex ERP implementations and strategic IT overhauls. Combining a finance background with creative problem-solving, Abhijit helps municipalities save millions and streamline operations. Under his leadership, Avèro has earned multiple Inc. 5000 honors. A Forbes Technology Council member, he is a speaker known for turning daunting IT projects into success stories.Connect with Abhijit Verekar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verekar/Discover more about Avèro Advisors: https://averoadvisors.com/Mentioned in this episode:The Inner CircleIf you're running a 7-figure consulting business and are ready to be in a room of committed peers, this is for you. The Inner Circle is a high-level mastermind focused on proven strategies for scaling and lifestyle design. This is not for everyone, but if it's for you, you already know. www.consultingsuccess.com/inner-circle