The Professional Services Pursuit

In this episode of the Professional Services Pursuit, Brent teams up with Kurt Kilgore, the SVP of Global Professional Services at Kantata, to continue our series on simplifying the often daunting process of purchasing technology or software solutions. Together, they explore the complexities involved in buying and implementing tech solutions for businesses. Kurt draws on his extensive experience in professional services to provide valuable insights into the implementation process, highlighting its critical role in driving successful business outcomes.

Key topics include:

• The crucial role of evaluating the service components of a tech solution to ensure business success.
• Various strategies for software implementation and the criteria for decision-making in different scenarios.
• A checklist of essential factors to consider before launching an implementation project.
• The importance of maintaining strong executive support and investing in change management.
• Kurt's top advice for achieving implementation success.

This episode offers actionable insights for any leader looking to make informed decisions when purchasing software, ensuring a smoother path to successful implementation and long-term value.

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In this episode of the Professional Services Pursuit, Banoo is joined by Meredith Brake, VP and Head of Service Ops and Enablement at Altus Group, to kick off a new series simplifying the complex process of purchasing technology or software solutions. This series breaks down each step, making it easier to navigate. Meredith shares actionable insights on evaluating workflows, addressing pain points, and setting clear goals for implementing new software solutions. The discussion highlights the selection and implementation of a platform, offering best practices for success.

Core topics covered:

• Defining business requirements: Separating must-haves from nice-to-haves
• Implementation best practices and successful change management
• Using data to improve decision-making and track engagement margins
• Strategies for effective training and ongoing support

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Happy New Year! Join Brent and Bonoo as they kick off 2025 with a look into the future of the professional services industry. In this insightful episode, they reflect on the events of 2024 and discuss trends and predictions for the coming year, focusing on technology, AI, and talent management. They also explore the evolving landscape of business models and revenue strategies in the professional services sector.

Key concepts covered:

• Reflection on 2024 and the economic, geopolitical, and technological shifts 
• The transformative potential of AI
• The importance of a solid technology stack for effective AI implementation
• The importance of talent development and the need for agile environments 
• Shifting revenue models in the professional services sector
• Optimism for the coming year

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Welcome to another episode of the Professional Services Pursuit. This episode features a recording from a recent webinar hosted by the 4A’s. Brent joins Adam Cotumaccio, COO at 4A’s, and Patricia Rothenberg, Global COO and General Counsel at 72andSunny, to explore the transformative role of AI in creative agencies. They discuss the idea of heroic delivery and how agencies are adjusting to new economic models influenced by AI.

Key topics covered include:

- The unsustainability of heroic delivery due to economic pressures and AI advancements.

- AI's impact on agency pricing strategies.

- Insights into how AI streamlines agency operations and affects client expectations.

- An examination of the legal compliance and security concerns associated with integrating AI.

- Predictions on the evolution of creativity within agencies as AI handles more routine tasks, highlighting the ongoing importance of human talent.

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In this episode of the Professional Services Pursuit podcast, Banoo wraps up our series on Gen Z in the workplace. Featuring insights from three remarkable Gen Z professionals, this conversation delves into how their generation is reshaping work cultures and expectations. Listen in as they share their career journeys, the importance of company culture, and their visions for the future workplace.

Key topics covered include: 

• Career path exploration in the midst of uncertainty and global changes
• The critical role that company culture and values played in their career decisions 
• Essential elements for successful leadership and management in the modern workplace
• Perspectives on risk-taking from a Gen Z viewpoint 
• The importance of networking, mentorship, and leveraging social media to build valuable professional relationships and guidance.

If you would like to listen to the entire series on this topic check out these episodes as well: 

Ep. 72 - Understanding and Engaging Gen Z in the Workforce w/ Tessa Misiaszek

Ep. 76 - Navigating Multi-Generational Workforces w/ Meagan Johnson

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In this insightful episode of the Professional Services Pursuit podcast, host Brent welcomes back John Ragsdale, Distinguished Researcher, Vice President of Technology Ecosystems at TSIA. The conversation dives deep into the key findings from Kantata's State of the Professional Services Industry Report and TSIA's 2024 Technology Survey. Join them as they geek out over some insightful new data and discuss the top trends happening in professional services.

Key topics discussed include:

• Survey insights and market optimism 
• The challenges with legacy PSA tools 
• The importance of data quality and integration for AI implementation  
• The need for better forecasting tools to manage demand and resource allocation
• The shift from a launch and leave mentality to client retention and satisfaction 

Explore the full State of the Professional Services Industry Report now and visit TSIA Featured Insights to become a member and access all of the amazing content that they have available.

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Welcome to a special Halloween-themed episode of The Professional Services Pursuit! Join hosts Banoo and Brent as they share spooky tales from their collective 40 years of experience in the professional services industry. Get ready for a chilling journey through the challenges, unexpected twists, and spine-tingling stories of projects gone wrong, nightmare clients and more.

Key horror stories:

• The marketing microsite nightmare
• Y2K panic
• A demanding client
• M&A culture shock
• A long flight for a short meeting

Tune in for these and other haunting stories from the world of professional services. Don't forget to share your own horror stories with us at [email protected], and stay tuned for a potentially more cheerful episode during the winter holidays!

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In this episode of the Professional Services Pursuit podcast, Brent welcomes Igor Mamut, VP of Strategic Finance at Kantata, for a deep dive into the evolving role of the CFO in the professional services industry. They explore the strategic imperatives and considerations that finance leaders weigh when investing in new technologies and platforms. Igor shares his extensive experience, discussing the importance of aligning technology investments with both current and future business needs. Whether you're running a services company or selling software to one, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the financial and strategic dynamics at play.

Key topics include:

• The CFO's expanded role from financial gatekeeper to strategic advisor
• Critical questions for evaluating new platforms
• Aligning tech investments with future goals and operational efficiency
• Balancing essential needs versus nice-to-haves
• Learning from past mistakes and refining decision-making frameworks
• Preparing for future challenges in a rapidly changing regulatory and economic landscape

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In this episode of the Professional Services Pursuit, we share a recent webinar we did with The Society of Digital Agencies (SoDA). Tom Beck, SoDA’s Executive Director, interviewed Brent, Deborah Heslip and Louise Martens from the Monks Agency. The discussion delves into the transformative trends impacting agencies today, market dynamics, the influence of AI, shifts in commercial models, and the importance of operational efficiency.

Other key topics covered include:

• Agency transformation and AI's role in driving efficiency and innovation
• Traditional hours-based models vs. outcome-focused pricing
• The importance of aligning business operations with client demands
• Practical advice on integrating AI within agencies
• The risks of inaction in the face of technological advancements 

To explore the topic more, check out this report by SoDA and Kantata on the transformation of agency frameworks, focusing on operations, client relations, talent management, and innovation.

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In this episode of the Professional Services Pursuit, Banoo continues her exploration of generational differences in the workplace by talking with Meagan Johnson. Meagan, a renowned generational expert, author, and corporate speaker, shares her insights on bridging the generational gaps to create a cohesive, productive, and harmonious work environment. With a focus on Generation Z, this episode also explores the historical evolution of generational dynamics and offers practical tips for recruitment, retention, and team collaboration.

Other key topics include:

• Understanding generational signposts 
• Effective communication across generations 
• Tips and strategies for fostering collaboration among multi-generational teams
• Recommendations for attracting and retaining Generation Z talent 
• Techniques to keep Gen Z employees engaged and connected in a remote working environment.

Learn more from Meagan by visiting meaganjohnson.com

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