Tarka Talks Consulting Podcast

In this episode of Tarka Talks Consulting, Richard Longstreet is joined by Hannah Farrar, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of CF, a consultancy dedicated to the health sector.

They discuss Hannah’s transition from NHS leadership to founding a consultancy with no prior consulting experience, and how CF has grown into one of the leading health-focused consultancies in the UK and Middle East.

Hannah reflects on the early challenges of building a business from scratch, what it means to blend deep domain expertise with consulting skill, and how to stay grounded in purpose.

In this episode of Tarka Talks Consulting, Richard Longstreet is joined by Hannah Farrar, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of CF, a consultancy dedicated to the health sector.  

They discuss Hannah’s transition from NHS leadership to founding a consultancy with no prior consulting experience, and how CF has grown into one of the leading health-focused consultancies in the UK and Middle East.  

Hannah reflects on the early challenges of building a business from scratch, what it means to blend deep domain expertise with consulting skill, and how to stay grounded in purpose. 

Episode Overview: 

[2:57] What inspired the leap into consultancy? 

A big thank you to Hannah 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.  

In this episode of Tarka Talks Consulting, Richard Longstreet is joined by Chris Tomlinson (“Tommo”), Managing Director of Muuto Consulting.  

They dive into the rise of AI in consulting where it’s already making an impact, and how firms can prepare for what’s next. From org design to operating models, they explore how boutique consultancies can stay nimble, scale smart, and harness AI without losing sight of culture and client value. A must-listen for anyone navigating the future of consulting. 

Episode Breakdown: 

[04:05] Operating from a virtual model 

A big thank you to Tommo 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. 

In this episode, Richard Longstreet is joined by board advisor and transformation expert Karen Thomas-Bland to explore why boutique consultancies are gaining ground on the Big Four.  

From culture and career appeal to IP, private equity interest, and preparing for exit, they cover the key traits that make smaller firms stand out—and scale. A must-listen for founders, leaders and anyone thinking about their next consulting move. 

Episode Breakdown 

[00:56] Introducing Karen and her experience  

A big thank you to Karen 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.  

In this episode of Tarka Talks Consulting, Richard Longstreet is joined by Sam Temperton and Megan Nicholas from Tarka Talent to unpack the key findings from their latest Salary & Benefits Report. 

They discuss how salary trends are shifting, what’s happening with bonuses and promotions, why culture is rising up the priority list for candidates, especially women and how specialist skill sets are driving hiring demand in 2024. A must-listen for anyone navigating the consulting job market this year. 

Episode Breakdown: 

[01:21] Key points on salaries from the survey 

[03:43] How did consultancies find 2024? 

[04:49] Smaller firms more likely to recruit 

[08:47] Seeing a shift in candidate expectations 

[11:51] Expectations when looking for a salary/title uplift 

[13:39] Are promotions in a move changing? 

[18:19] Job titles disparity between businesses 

[21:22] Why are people not getting promoted? 

[26:59] Review on bonuses in 2024  

[36:32] Travel allowance - is this an effort to get more people back into the office? 

[39:35] Are people more willing to travel for work? 

[47:10] Women ranking culture higher than men in priority 

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.  

In this episode of Tarka Talks Consulting, host Richard Longstreet sits down with Anush Newman, co-founder of JMAN Group, to explore the journey of scaling a consulting firm across multiple geographies.  

They discuss JMAN’s growth strategy, the impact of investment on their operations, and the challenges of managing a global business. If you’re interested in how boutique consultancies evolve and expand, this is one you won’t want to miss. 

Episode Breakdown: 

[00:54] Introducing JMAN Group and CEO, Anush Newman  

[03:23] What bought on the idea of launching JMAN 

[06:57] Shaping the JMAN Proposition 

[08:21] Keeping up with evolving technology 

[11:52] What were the early years like at JMAN? 

[18:09] Being more hands-on with multiple locations 

[20:30] The culture at JMAN 

[22:41] How do you assess a junior candidate’s motivation and values without professional experience? 

[28:10] Taking on Private Equity at JMAN & lessons learnt 

[32:52] Focusing on training is at the core at JMAN 

[35:17] What Anush & JMAN look for in a new hire 

[37:24] Recruitment within JMAN  

[44:02] What has been your biggest learning in your career? 

[45:15] Horror stories from career 

[49:12] Is there one thing you wish you knew at the very start of your career? 

A big thank you to Anush 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.  

Welcome back to Tarka Talks Consulting, Season 2.  

In this episode, Founder of Tarka Talent ,Richard Longstreet sits down with Ben Edwards, VP of Consulting at CMap, to explore the rise of boutique consultancies and how they’re competing with the big firms.  

They discuss shifting market dynamics, operational challenges for smaller firms, and how technology and specialisation are driving growth. Ben also shares insights into resource management, pricing strategies, and how boutiques can position themselves for long-term success. 

Episode breakdown: 

A big thank you to Ben 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. 

In the last episode of the first season of Tarka Talks, Richard Longstreet talks to two members of the Tarka Talent team, Fran Regis Rogers and Sam Temperton. Together they discuss the recruitment market in 2024, in particular the movement in salaries.

00:00:00 - 00:02:59: Introduction and guest introductions

00:03:00 - 00:09:33: Overview of the consulting recruitment market

00:09:34 - 00:12:46: Matching responsibility with job title

00:12:47 - 00:16:42: Why do candidates look for a new job?

00:16:43 - 00:26:34: Is the Big 4 or a boutique consultancy better for your career?

00:26:35 - 00:31:48: National spread of candidates

00:31:49 - 00:37:32: Gender diversity in leadership teams

00:37:33 - 00:46:35: Final thoughts

A big thank you to Fran and Sam for your insights – it was brilliant to have you both on the show! Find out more about our guests:

• Connect with Fran Regis Rogers

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.

Richard Longstreet talks to Matt Cheung and Tom Bushell from Clarasys about personal and professional growth, scaling a business and international expansion.

00:00:00 – 00:00:48: Introductions

00:00:49 – 00:07:57: Guest introductions and overview of Clarasys

00:07:58 – 00:13:36: Building the Clarasys brand

00:13:37 – 00:20:36: Establishing the company culture

00:20:37 – 00:33:53: Expanding into North America

00:33:54 – 00:38:59: The culture at Clarasys

00:39:00 – 00:45:33: The recruitment process at Clarasys

00:45:34 – 00:51:31: Final thoughts

A big thank you to Matt and Tom for your insights – it was brilliant to have you both on the show! Find out more about our guests and Clarasys below:

• Connect with Matt Cheung

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.

Richard Longstreet talks to Katherine Fiander and Melissa Edmondson from OC&C Strategy Consultants about diversity in consulting and retaining women into leadership roles!

00:00:00 – 00:00:53: Introductions

00:00:54 – 00:07:19: Guest introductions and overview of OC&C Strategy Consultants

00:07:20 – 00:11:45: Retaining women in consulting

00:11:46 – 00:14:25: How are OC&C improving diversity in their firm?

00:14:26 – 00:16:16: Social mobility and The 93% Club

00:16:17 – 00:22:56: Fostering a company culture of entrepreneurialism belonging

00:22:57 – 00:31:56: What skills do OC&C look for in candidates?

00:31:57 – 00:35:26: What does the recruitment process look like at OC&C Stratey Consultants?

00:35:27 – 00:47:10: Final thoughts

A big thank you to Katherine and Melissa for your insights – it was brilliant to have you both on the show! Find out more about our guests and OC&C Strategy Consultants below:

• Connect with Katherine Fiander

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.

Richard talks to Founder of Shiageto Consultancy, Faris Aranki, about working internationally and launching his own business, and much much more!

00:00:00 - 00:00:43: Introductions

00:00:44 - 00:07:10: Guest introducitons and overview of Shiageto Consulting

00:07:11 - 00:15:05: The equation behind Shiageto

00:15:06 - 00:20:05: Learnings from starting a business

00:20:06 - 00:25:42: Building the consultancy's brand and a personal brand

00:25:43 - 00:30:45: Turning relationships into clients

00:30:46 - 00:35:07: Making the first hires into Shiageto Consulting

00:35:08 - 00:39:05: Taking the leap to work independently

00:39:06 - 00:47:08: Final thoughts

A big thank you to Faris for your insights - it was brilliant to have you on the show! Find out more about our guest and Shiageto Consulting below:

• Connect with Faris Aranki

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.