Today we pull back the curtain on why so many companies default to hiring massive consulting firms like IBM, Accenture, or Deloitte—only to be underwhelmed by the results.

We'll break down the real risks and rewards of going with the “safe” choice, and how entrenched procurement processes can stifle innovation and make it tough for nimble, specialized consultancies to get a foot in the door.

We also get candid about the cultural challenges big organizations face: from bureaucratic sprawl that turns nimble speedboats into lumbering aircraft carriers, to the way responsibility and risk are offloaded through layers of process and risk-averse leadership.

Throughout the episode, the hosts draw lively parallels to familiar frustrations—like buying fancy workout equipment that collects dust, or getting stuck with “sticky” SaaS tools like Notion that promise the world but leave teams facing the same old organizational woes. And if you’re looking for an inspiring alternative to all the “safe bets” and corporate bloat, we spotlight 37signals as a bold example of what’s possible when strong opinions, grit, and a refusal to play by the rules drive sustainable success. 

So, whether you’re navigating enterprise procurement, considering your next SaaS tool, or just wondering why your company’s change process feels so sluggish, you’ll find plenty of practical wisdom (and a few laughs) in this episode. Let’s dive in!