Consulting Success Podcast

How exactly does a former Marine and professional magician eventually find himself leading a global hospitality consulting powerhouse? In this episode, John Fareed, Global Chairman of Horwath HTL, takes us on a journey through his unconventional career path—from his early days as a magician to becoming a respected leader in the hospitality industry. John shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from negotiating a life-changing deal with his Egyptian grandfather to founding and scaling a multimillion-dollar consulting business. He explains how he transitioned through various personal brands, built a successful consultancy, and eventually joined a global firm to compete with fellow industry giants.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to strategically build a consulting brand that stands out in competitive markets
• The power of professional networking and active involvement in industry associations
• Insights on transitioning from a small consulting firm to a global leader
• The importance of niche expertise in winning major clients
• Practical advice on balancing self-care with high-level business demands

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.

John Fareed, MSc CHME ISHC, is the Global Chairman of Horwath HTL, leading its US offices and global brand. With decades of consulting experience, his clients range from Fortune 500 companies to international investors. A recognized expert in the hotel, tourism, and leisure industries, he has spoken at events worldwide and appeared on major media outlets like ABC, CNN, and in the New York Times. Fareed holds advanced degrees from Dublin Institute of Technology and Cornell University, and has earned top industry honors, including HSMAI’s "Top 25 Extraordinary Minds."

In today’s episode, you’ll discover how to strategically build a consulting brand that stands out in competitive markets and the key role professional networking and active involvement in industry associations play in success. You'll gain valuable insights on transitioning from a small consulting firm to a global leader, learn the importance of developing niche expertise to win major clients, and get practical advice on balancing self-care with the demands of running a high-level business.

Want to learn how we can help you grow your consulting business? Schedule your free Growth Session Call today!  www.consultingsuccess.com/grow

Connect with John Fareed

Discover more about Horwath HTL

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/grow

Join an Elite Group of Consulting Founders in Montreal for Serious Growth

Imagine being in a room where every other 6 or 7-figure consulting founder is as serious about growth as you are. That’s the Consulting Success Mastermind in Montreal (Sept 18-20, 2025). This is your opportunity to build real relationships with top-performing consultants, share wins and challenges, and grow strategically together. As one past attendee said, it's "exactly what I’ve been needing."

Want to learn how we can help you grow your consulting business? Schedule your free Growth Session Call today!  www.consultingsuccess.com/grow

Mentioned in this episode:

Join an Elite Group of Consulting Founders in Montreal for Serious Growth

Imagine being in a room where every other 6 or 7-figure consulting founder is as serious about growth as you are. That’s the Consulting Success Mastermind in Montreal (Sept 18-20, 2025). This is your opportunity to build real relationships with top-performing consultants, share wins and challenges, and grow strategically together. As one past attendee said, it's "exactly what I’ve been needing."

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/grow

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 growth
• The importance of balancing talent acquisition with securing big deals in a small firm
• Insights into transitioning from corporate roles to founding a new consulting business
• The role of relationship-building in business development and client retention
• Effective 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.

Tommy Ogden is the Director and Delivery Excellence Lead at Activera Consulting, a Houston-based boutique firm specializing in the future of energy. With 22 years of experience in roles like financial analyst, strategy consultant, and project manager, Tommy leads teams in delivering impactful, tailored solutions. His expertise spans M&A, AI & Tech Readiness, and Change Innovation. Certified in PMP, PSM, and SAFe, Tommy is recognized for his innovative problem-solving and ability to drive measurable business outcomes.

In this episode, you'll discover how to strategically define and focus on core service offerings to drive business growth, along with the critical balance between talent acquisition and securing big deals in a small firm. You'll gain insights into transitioning from corporate roles to founding a consulting business, and understand the vital role of relationship-building in business development and client retention. Additionally, you'll learn effective strategies for managing project margins and maintaining profitability in the consulting industry.

Want to learn how we can help you grow your consulting business? Schedule your free Growth Session Call today!  www.consultingsuccess.com/grow

Connect with Tommy Ogden

Discover more about Activera Consulting

Mentioned in this episode:

Join an Elite Group of Consulting Founders in Montreal for Serious Growth

Imagine being in a room where every other 6 or 7-figure consulting founder is as serious about growth as you are. That’s the Consulting Success Mastermind in Montreal (Sept 18-20, 2025). This is your opportunity to build real relationships with top-performing consultants, share wins and challenges, and grow strategically together. As one past attendee said, it's "exactly what I’ve been needing."

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/grow

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.consultingsuccess.com/podcast

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/grow

Join an Elite Group of Consulting Founders in Montreal for Serious Growth

Imagine being in a room where every other 6 or 7-figure consulting founder is as serious about growth as you are. That’s the Consulting Success Mastermind in Montreal (Sept 18-20, 2025). This is your opportunity to build real relationships with top-performing consultants, share wins and challenges, and grow strategically together. As one past attendee said, it's "exactly what I’ve been needing."

Ever wondered just exactly what it takes to scale a consulting business while maintaining agility and delivering high-impact results? Keith Scott, today’s guest, has mastered this art and is here to share his journey. Keith is the CEO and co-founder of K.L. Scott and Associates, a consulting firm that has seen exponential growth, doubling and tripling revenue projections year over year. With a deep background in top-tier firms like Deloitte and Gartner, Keith has successfully transitioned from the structured environment of these corporate giants to running a fully remote, agile consulting firm that serves major federal and state government clients across the U.S. In this episode, Keith dives into the strategies that have propelled his firm to success, from leveraging data-driven insights for public policy impact to building a remote team that delivers top-tier results without the overhead of a traditional office.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The benefits of running a fully remote consulting firm
• How to transition from a corporate role to founding a consulting business
• The key differences between working at large firms like Deloitte and running your own consultancy
• Strategies for winning government contracts and scaling a consulting business
• The importance of agility and intimate client relationships in a small consulting firm
• Lessons on partnership dynamics and structuring a consulting business for growth
• Insights into the role of social impact in shaping a consulting firm's mission and culture

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.

Keith Scott, founder and CEO of K.L. Scott & Associates, LLC, is a seasoned leader in IT and management consulting with over 29 years of experience supporting local, state, and federal government agencies. Renowned for delivering results, he excels in optimizing client performance through strategic planning, organizational transformation, and IT strategy. With a proven track record, he has successfully led complex projects for over 50 government clients. Keith holds a B.S. in Computer Science, an MBA, and certifications in Project Management (PMP) and Business Analytics.

In this episode, you'll explore the benefits of running a fully remote consulting firm and gain valuable insights into transitioning from a corporate role to founding your own business. You’ll also discover the key differences between working at large firms like Deloitte and managing your own consultancy, along with effective strategies for winning government contracts and scaling your business. The discussion also delves into the importance of agility and fostering intimate client relationships within a small firm, lessons on partnership dynamics, and structuring your business for growth. Additionally, you'll uncover the role of social impact in shaping your consulting firm's mission and culture.

Connect with Keith L. Scott

Discover more about K.L. Scott & Associates

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/grow

Join an Elite Group of Consulting Founders in Montreal for Serious Growth

Imagine being in a room where every other 6 or 7-figure consulting founder is as serious about growth as you are. That’s the Consulting Success Mastermind in Montreal (Sept 18-20, 2025). This is your opportunity to build real relationships with top-performing consultants, share wins and challenges, and grow strategically together. As one past attendee said, it's "exactly what I’ve been needing."

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.consultingsuccess.com/podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

Join an Elite Group of Consulting Founders in Montreal for Serious Growth

Imagine being in a room where every other 6 or 7-figure consulting founder is as serious about growth as you are. That’s the Consulting Success Mastermind in Montreal (Sept 18-20, 2025). This is your opportunity to build real relationships with top-performing consultants, share wins and challenges, and grow strategically together. As one past attendee said, it's "exactly what I’ve been needing."

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/grow

Curious about how to transform your industry expertise into a successful consulting business? Steve Hopper, today’s guest, made that leap, and he’s here today to tell the tale. After decades of experience in the logistics and warehousing space, Steve left a larger consulting firm in 2004 to start his own venture, Inviscid Consulting. Today, he shares the journey of building his firm, the challenges of transitioning from subcontracting to direct client work, and the innovative referral program that has become a cornerstone of his business growth. Tune in to learn how Steve navigates the complexities of consulting while maintaining a lean operation and delivering exceptional value to his clients.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The motivation behind starting a consulting firm
• Transitioning from subcontracting to direct client work
• The power of a simple referral program
• Managing client relationships and ethical considerations
• Strategies for growing a consulting business
• Framing business cases for clients
• Overcoming the challenges of running a lean operation
• The importance of networking in consulting success

• Steve Hopper LinkedIn
• Inviscid Consulting

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.consultingsuccess.com/podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

Join an Elite Group of Consulting Founders in Montreal for Serious Growth

Imagine being in a room where every other 6 or 7-figure consulting founder is as serious about growth as you are. That’s the Consulting Success Mastermind in Montreal (Sept 18-20, 2025). This is your opportunity to build real relationships with top-performing consultants, share wins and challenges, and grow strategically together. As one past attendee said, it's "exactly what I’ve been needing."

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/grow

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.consultingsuccess.com/podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

Join an Elite Group of Consulting Founders in Montreal for Serious Growth

Imagine being in a room where every other 6 or 7-figure consulting founder is as serious about growth as you are. That’s the Consulting Success Mastermind in Montreal (Sept 18-20, 2025). This is your opportunity to build real relationships with top-performing consultants, share wins and challenges, and grow strategically together. As one past attendee said, it's "exactly what I’ve been needing."

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/grow

Ever wonder what it would be like to leave a prestigious corporate role and head off to start your own venture? Today’s guest, Boaz Ashkenazy, did just that. He left his executive position at Meta to co-found Simply Augmented, an AI consultancy specializing in solving complex problems using generative AI. In this episode, Boaz shares his inspiring journey and the innovative strategies that have fueled his success in the fast-evolving AI landscape. Tune in to learn from a leader who's made that momentous career transition and is now redefining what's possible with AI!

In this episode, you're going to learn:

• The inside story of transitioning from corporate role to entrepreneurship
• How to build an AI consultancy
• The importance of a customer-first approach in AI solutions
• Networking strategies for entrepreneurs
• How to leverage partnerships with major tech companies
• Ideas for managing intellectual property in consulting partnerships
• Boaz’s advice for aspiring consultants and entrepreneurs

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

Discover more about Simply Augmented

Book your complimentary growth session call

Mentioned in this episode:

Join an Elite Group of Consulting Founders in Montreal for Serious Growth

Imagine being in a room where every other 6 or 7-figure consulting founder is as serious about growth as you are. That’s the Consulting Success Mastermind in Montreal (Sept 18-20, 2025). This is your opportunity to build real relationships with top-performing consultants, share wins and challenges, and grow strategically together. As one past attendee said, it's "exactly what I’ve been needing."

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/grow

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.consultingsuccess.com/podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

Join an Elite Group of Consulting Founders in Montreal for Serious Growth

Imagine being in a room where every other 6 or 7-figure consulting founder is as serious about growth as you are. That’s the Consulting Success Mastermind in Montreal (Sept 18-20, 2025). This is your opportunity to build real relationships with top-performing consultants, share wins and challenges, and grow strategically together. As one past attendee said, it's "exactly what I’ve been needing."

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/grow