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Season 2 Episode #8: Scaling smart - How professional services firms can prepare for investor interest
In this episode of Tarka Talks Consulting, we sit down with John Howard, Partner at Garwood Growth, to explore what makes a consultancy truly scalable and investable.
With experience on both sides of the table, John shares his perspective on how professional services firms can prepare for investor interest (whether that’s private equity or trade), build leadership teams that last, and avoid common pitfalls when planning for growth or exit.
We dive into the operational foundations that investors look for, the evolving role of AI in consulting, and why the right leadership hire can make or break your plans. Whether you're scaling now or thinking five years ahead, this is an episode packed with insight.
Episode Breakdown
[1:11] Introduction to John Hawood and Garwood Growth
[03:51] Are there specific trends or focus areas investors are honing in on today?
[07:35] How do you think consultancies can scale?
[12:16] AI in consultancies/due diligence/Garwood Growth
[14:43] Building leadership teams/What traits do you need to join a leadership team?
[19:23] Mistakes in building leadership teams
[25:53] How should consultancies structure variable compensation to balance individual incentives with team collaboration?
[34:22] What are the key drivers that increase a consultancy’s multiple beyond just valuation?
[37:42] What common mistakes do founders make when preparing for an exit?
[39:31] What's the biggest learning you've had of your career?
[40:28] Are there any horror stories from your career?
[42:14] What do you know now that you wish you'd known at the start of your career
A big thank you to John for your insights – it was brilliant to have you on the show! Find out more about our guest:
Hosted by Tarka Talent
Tarka Talks is hosted by Tarka Talent, leading management consulting recruitment agency. Find out more about our work and get in touch for support with your hiring needs.
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By Tarka Talent RecruitmentIn this episode of Tarka Talks Consulting, we sit down with John Howard, Partner at Garwood Growth, to explore what makes a consultancy truly scalable and investable.
With experience on both sides of the table, John shares his perspective on how professional services firms can prepare for investor interest (whether that’s private equity or trade), build leadership teams that last, and avoid common pitfalls when planning for growth or exit.
We dive into the operational foundations that investors look for, the evolving role of AI in consulting, and why the right leadership hire can make or break your plans. Whether you're scaling now or thinking five years ahead, this is an episode packed with insight.
Episode Breakdown
[1:11] Introduction to John Hawood and Garwood Growth
[03:51] Are there specific trends or focus areas investors are honing in on today?
[07:35] How do you think consultancies can scale?
[12:16] AI in consultancies/due diligence/Garwood Growth
[14:43] Building leadership teams/What traits do you need to join a leadership team?
[19:23] Mistakes in building leadership teams
[25:53] How should consultancies structure variable compensation to balance individual incentives with team collaboration?
[34:22] What are the key drivers that increase a consultancy’s multiple beyond just valuation?
[37:42] What common mistakes do founders make when preparing for an exit?
[39:31] What's the biggest learning you've had of your career?
[40:28] Are there any horror stories from your career?
[42:14] What do you know now that you wish you'd known at the start of your career
A big thank you to John for your insights – it was brilliant to have you on the show! Find out more about our guest:
Hosted by Tarka Talent
Tarka Talks is hosted by Tarka Talent, leading management consulting recruitment agency. Find out more about our work and get in touch for support with your hiring needs.