Glenn is a professional economist and management consultant who specialises in local and regional economic development. After leaving a senior public sector role in 2013, Glenn has worked as a freelance consultant with local, regional, and national government in the UK, and over the past two years has ramped up his online presence, developing online business ideas — aiming to commercialise his knowledge in new ways whilst maintaining the social purpose of improving economic prosperity for localities and communities. Glenn is a member of Smart Passive Income.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a distinctive consulting brand and create your own breakthrough as an independent expert.

Glenn and I discuss:

• What prompted Glenn to become independent [02:36]
• How Glenn differentiated himself in a competitive consultancy market [06:37]
• How Glenn developed his brand as a visible expert [08:46]
• The tension between financial realities and staying focused [14:49]
• How Glenn uses his peer network to make strategic decisions [18:07]
• How Glenn's definition of success has evolved [20:11]
• The role of community and thinking partners in business growth [23:06]

Learn more about Glenn at https://www.economicdevelopment.world

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About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

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