Unleashed - How to Thrive as an Independent Professional

Raffi Grinberg is the Executive Director of Dialog and an educator. He also created and taught the course Adulting 101 at Boston College (the most popular course in the undergraduate business school). The course covered personal finance, relationships/communication, positive psychology, and career skills. In this episode, he talks about developing this program and why it has been so successful. You can reach Raffi through Linkedin. Key points include: 05:22: Cognitive skills coaching 14:18: Growth mindset 34:32: Communication skills Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Joana Domingues was an executive coach at McKinsey for 22 years. She is an experienced leadership and organizational consultant, and C-level coach. In this episode, she talks about her services, and her career path. You can connect with Joana through Linkedin or learn more about her work at Outsight.pt. Key points include: 04:29: Favorite open-ended coaching questions 27:16: A breakdown of a typical session 39:33: A case study of coaching a multinational organization Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

After graduating with a BA in History and Education, Krysten knew she wanted a career where she could help people and make a positive impact. She became a teacher at middle school, but three years later she moved to an insurance agency where she led multiple departments, from operations to training to sales. Since the early days of her career, she has used her skills to coach sales in several industries, including entertainment, construction, retail, property management, consulting, health care, financial services, waste management, manufacturing, and software. You can reach Krysten on Linkedin or through her website Crosscuts.io. Key points include: 01:19: Tips on running a successful Linkedin content strategy 12:07: Reaching out to decision-makers 22:13: The importance of engaging with comments Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Kyle McDowell is an author, speaker, and leadership coach. Kyle started his career in a regional bank as a front-line customer service representative. He has nearly three decades of experience leading tens of thousands of employees for some of the biggest companies in the US, and he has recently launched his best-selling book, Begin with We, which he talks about in this episode. Kyle can be reached on his social platforms as Kyle McDowell Inc. and his website KyleMcDowellinc.com. Key points include: 09:47: Dealing with mistakes 18:31: Measuring ourselves by activities or outcomes 25:42: Challenging with diplomacy Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

JJ Kasper is the founder and partner at Blue Collective, a company that invests in extraordinary entrepreneurs. JJ is also a McKinsey alum, a former teacher, and a paper boy. He is also a self-professed failed attorney, disgruntled academic, reformed consultant, retired turnaround guy, wistful musician, and reluctant VC…. You can connect with JJ through his company bluecollective.com or Linkedin. Key points include: 02:53: How venture capitalists make money 13:17: The different stages of investment 32:04: The backstory of Blue Collective Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Nicolai is a global leadership and transformation expert and a leading authority on developing human-centered organizations that shape the future. He has worked with more than 30 Fortune 500 companies and government ministries across 5 continents globally, and he has written best-selling books on leadership, personal development and navigating the future. You can learn more about Nicolai and access his books at nicolaicn.com and Linkedin. Key points include: 07:46: Defining achievement, well-being, and growth 14:36: The challenges of being a DJ 25:07: Issues clients are struggling with Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Tom Critchlow is a freelance strategy consultant and writer of the book The Strategic Independent - Theory & Practice for Independent Consultants. Tom specializes in digital marketing and how to generate leads, understand clients and their needs, and how to shift to a leadership mindset. You can check out Tom's work at tomcritchlow.com or connect with him on Linkedin. Key points include: 04:18: SEO consulting 22:27: Fees and pricing 34:41: Examples of new content initiatives Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Nick Gray is an entrepreneur and the author of The 2-Hour Cocktail Party. He is the founder of Museum Hack. Nick started a web hosting company called vs3 Web Services in high school, and he has sold two multi-million dollar businesses. In this episode, Nick talks about his new book and shares the secret to the success of the 2-hour cocktail party. To learn more about Nick and his businesses, check out the following links. How to Host a Party Website The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: Website The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: Amazon How to Host a Clothing Swap How to Plan a Networking Event How to Host a Happy Hour My Parents Hosted a Party: Here's What They Learned Mocktail Party: How to Host When You Don't Drink Alcohol If I Had $10 Million Dollars, How Would I Live Differently? Nick Gray's personal website Nick Gray's blog Key points include: 06:05: The NICK formula 18:08: Icebreakers 27:07: Cocktails and concluding the evening Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Joe "Hark" Herold is a former Air Force colonel, he is the CEO of Design Thinking Denver, a consulting firm that takes a human-centred approach to innovation, and the president and COO of Bunker Labs. Hark's background covers information technology, cyber, civil engineering, and academia, in addition to strategy development and execution. In this episode, he talks about Bunkerlabs, an organisation that provides community, programs and courses to help military veterans and military spouses start and grow successful businesses and startups. To find out more, visit www.bunkerlabs.org. Key points include: 05:01: The programs at Bunkerlabs 08:44: Bunkerlabs' funding sources 13:27: The CEO Circle 16:49: The Mastermind Session Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Umbrex co-founders, Margarita Soto and Jing Liang discuss the development of the nonprofit organization they established to support orphans in Ukraine. For more information and to donate to the organization visit: GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ukrainian-orphans-need-help SUNFLOWER ACADEMY: https://sunfloweracademy.org.ua/ To support on social media: SUNFLOWER ACADEMY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sunflower.academy.ua/?hl=en SUNFLOWER ACADEMY FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SunflowerAcademyUA/ Key points include: 01:10: The background on the orphan-foster situation 06:26: Growing from supporting two families to 60 10:84: Oversight on GoFundMe for nonprofits 13:44: Raising awareness for the nonprofit Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Thomas Breuer is a McKinsey alum with over 26 years of executive line level experience in the medical devices industry. He has held management positions in various international markets and regions, including Hollister Incorporated. He has also worked on a broad range of management consulting assignments in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America with McKinsey. You can reach Thomas through his website at www.breuerpartners.com, or through Umbrex. Key points include: 05:50: First line role in Mexico 11:48: Starting his own consulting firm 13:45: A case study 18:24: Creating his own subsidiary Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Bryant Suellentrop is the founder of Elevate and Delegate, a virtual staffing company that helps professionals hire the assistants they need to run their business efficiently. In this episode, Bryant talks about hiring professionals in the Philippines and how his business facilitates the process. Learn more about Bryant's business at ElevateandDelegate.com or reach out to him on Twitter @SullyBusiness. Key points include: 05:50: The range of rates and salaries 11:22: Tips on success in hiring and managing the relationship 15:15: Payment processes 18:58: Online security Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Gabe Nelson is the owner operator of a registered investment advisory firm, a fee-based financial planning and investment advisory services to solopreneurs and self-employed professional clients. In today's episode, Gabe talks about the important details of financial planning for solo entrepreneurs. Access Gabe's book, The Solopreneurs Money Manifesto on Amazon, listen to his podcast, Solopreneur Money, or visit his website, GabeNelsonFinancial.com. Key points include: 04:22: The services of a financial advisor 10:16: Insurance planning 20:27: Retirement accounts 31:38: Tax changes for an S corporation Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Dorie is a strategy consultant, executive coach, keynote speaker, a recognized branding expert, and author of several books, including the bestseller The Long Game, Entrepreneurial You, Reinventing You, and Stand Out, which was named the #1 Leadership Book of the Year by Inc. magazine and one of the Top 10 Business Books of the Year by Forbes. She has worked with a variety of high-profile clients including Google, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, Fidelity, Yale University, the IMF, and the World Bank. In today's episode, Dorie talks about her working philosophy and her newest book, The Long Game: how to be a long-term thinker in a short-term world. Learn more about Dorie's work at www.DorieClark.com. Key points include: 07:53: How to maximize connection dinners 18:51: Setting boundaries 25:03: The Long Game toolkit 31:01: Creating an online course Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Maria Gabriela Brito is a Venezuelan-born curator, art advisor, and author. She is the author of How Creativity Rules the World, the art and business of turning your ideas into gold. Her published works also include Out There: Design, Art, Travel Shopping, and Greek Gotham. Maria is a graduate of Harvard Law, and after school, she moved to New York City to pursue a career as a corporate attorney. She started collecting contemporary art in the same year, and after nine years practicing law and acquiring art, Brito opened her own interior design and art advisory company. Learn more about Maria's work at MariaBrito.co, and access her book, How Creativity Rules The World: The Art and Business of Turning Your Ideas Into Gold Key points include: 01:50: From Harvard Law school to art advisor 09:17: Her work as an art advisor and NFTs 15:28: Advice on buying art 34:02: Advice on building creative muscle Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Justin Nassiri is the founder and CEO of Storybox Inc, a McKinsey alum, and president of Executive Presence, a company that helps executives become thought leaders on LinkedIn. He has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Academy, he is a qualified nuclear engineer, and he is a graduate of Stanford University's School of Business. In today's episode, Justin talks about his business and how he helps executives build a following on LinkedIn. You can learn more about Justin's company at ExecutivePresence.io or reach out to him on LinkedIn. Key points include: 05:26: Common mistakes executives make 10:06: Social rules on LinkedIn 15:46: A case study 20:21: Content strategies Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Brad Schneider ran a data analytics firm for five years before founding Nomad Data in New York City where he is currently CEO. His experience includes but is not limited to HR technology engineer at Goldman Sachs, an equity analyst at Palo Alto Investors and Aragon Global Management, and CEO of the software company Adaptive Management. In today's episode, Brad shares insights on how to find the data you need. You can learn more about Brad's company at Nomad-Data.com. Key points include: 01:12: How the Nomad Data network works 04:13: The vendors of data - who they are 06:45: The company pricing model 08:35: Surprising data sources Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Tushar Shah is currently a Managing Partner at Kinderhook Partners, LLC. Prior to Kinderhook, Tushar was a Principal at Geocapital Partners, a leading venture capital firm, a strategy consultant with the Monitor Group, where he led a range of projects in New York, London and Tel Aviv; he is a CFA charterholder and he received a B.A. in Economics from Williams College. In today's episode, Tushar explains the fundamentals of search funds. To learn more about Tushar's company, visit KinderhookPartners.com or reach out to him on LinkedIn. Key points include: 00:30: What a search fund is 10:51: Who can apply for the fund 15:53: Examples of business and services acquired 28:12: Assembling a pool of investors Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Paul Millerd is a McKinsey alum, modern-day nomad, entrepreneur, and author of The Pathless Path - Imagining a New Story for Work & Life. Paul provides online courses on strategy consulting and freelance consulting. He is also the creator and contributor of the popular website, Boundless, a site that explores how to have a better relationship with work, and a podcast that is designed to help creatives reimagine work. In today's episode, Paul talks about his book. You can order the book and learn more about Paul's programs or sign up for his newsletter at Think-Boundless.com. Key points include: 02:59: What people believe about work 05:23: Tips on exploring the pathless path 19:43: The results of curiosity conversations 21:41: Disappointments on the pathless path Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Jennifer Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Scribe, a Princeton and Harvard alum, and a former VC and McKinsey consultant turned accidental CEO. She interviewed more than 1,200 business leaders on a quest to understand everything there is to know about corporate processes, best practices, and productivity. In today's episode, Jennifer talks about her startup Scribe, and how she's empowering people to own their processes by building the world's first operating system for know-how. To sign up for a free account, visit scribehow.com/signup To try a free month of Pro, use promo code UNLEASHED Key points include: 00:49: An overview of the product 06:09: Who uses Scribe and how it's used 09:57: Finding the right scribe for your needs 12:00: Pricing model of the product Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Karen is an independent consultant who focuses on transformation projects. She has 25 years' experience leading complex enterprise-wide transformations and M&A integrations to $105bn turnover. Karen has proven expertise in strategy and transformation of complex global businesses, as an executive in IBM Global, she led IBM's global transformation. Karen has strong cross-sector B2B and B2C, cross-functional and broad geographical experience, including operating in 180+ countries across five continents. In today's episode, she talks about her work on operational transformation and integration. You can learn more about Karen's company at SevenTransformation.com, or reach out through LinkedIn. Key points include: 10:14: Board member vs consultant to the company 17:00: An example of an operational transformation 23:26: Examples of cost-saving opportunities 35:58: Getting published in high profile publications Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Celine Teoh is an executive coach who helps senior leaders convert potential into performance by making the soft skills practical. She is a certified Tiny Habits Coach with Stanford's Behavior Design Lab, and a facilitator for Stanford Business School's popular Interpersonal Dynamics course. She is also an ex-McKinsey consultant, business operator, marketing strategist, and investment banker with years of strategy consulting experience with Fortune 500 executives in Asia and the USA. She holds an MBA from Stanford and a BSc from the London School of Economics. Agnès Le is an executive coach with a focus on emotional intelligence with 20 years of experience in talent development, a multicultural background, and an MBA from Stanford. She's a leadership coach in the Executive Education and MSx programs at Stanford business school, and a group facilitator for the school's most popular elective, Interpersonal Dynamics, also known as Touchy Feely. She is also an instructor at Stanford Continuing Studies where she teaches the class "Building a Career of Meaning and Impact." Key points include: 10:54: The challenges of practicing empathy 15:22: Three hacks based on our research and experience 25:53: Unpacking status 44:38: Understanding the market Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Shane Heywood on Go-to-Market Strategy Shane Heywood is a Bain-trained consultant with 10+ years experience in Marketing, Sales, Operations and Strategy across a variety of industries. He has on the ground experience in 13 countries and currently works in private sector Emerging Market strategy. Shane is passionate about building businesses, delivering impact and helping organisations grow, and in today's episode, he talks about his practice and processes. Shane can be contacted through LinkedIn, and you can learn more about his company at PortlandVenturesInc.com. Key points include: 05:44: Steps an organisation can take to make sponsorship happen 10:42: Sponsorship and mentorship for independent professionals 16:25: What's included in a go-to-market project 18:38: A case example from a Sub-Saharan market Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Phillip Morgan has helped thousands of consultants use specialization to find a beachhead that leads to greater visibility, profitability, expertise, and success. He has recently published his book, The Positioning Manual for Indie Consultants, and in today's episode, he talks about his expertise incubator, his book, and setting up a thought leadership program. You can learn more from Phillip's book, and the 10-part email course. Key points include: 03:01: Examples of small scale research 06:52: Examples of projects in the program 13:02: The platformer advantage 21:51: Earning visibility without a platform Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

McKinsey alum with an MBA from Harvard Business School, Nidhi Chadda has 20+ years of experience as an investment banker, strategic consultant, and investor. She is the Founder and CEO of Enzo Advisors, a global sustainability consulting firm focused on helping companies build best-in-class sustainable business models within an ESG construct. In today's episode, she talks about ESG in business. You can reach out to Nidhi on LinkedIn or visit her website EnzoAdvisors.com. Key points include: 02:12: ESG and investing in asset management 08:20: The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) factor 11:19: ESG and value creation 20:32: Trends in ESG Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Founder of Aminad Consulting, Lido Ramadan has over 25 years of experience in founding, growing, leading, and sustaining services organizations. Prior to establishing Aminad, Lido founded multiple successful small businesses and led the operations of several rapidly growing consulting firms. In today's episode he talks about serving the federal government. To find out more about Lido's firm or to contact him directly, visit LinkedIn or AminadConsulting.com. Key points include: 05:17:Consulting analysis unique to the government 09:54: Surprising insights from interviews 13:55: An effective strategy 20:11: Projects for the SEC Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Alexei Leonard is a Partner at Golenblock, Eisman, Assor Bell, and Pescoe where he leads the firm's labor and employment practice. His practice spans nearly all employment counseling and litigation matters affecting employers today. In today's episode, he talks about the legalities involved with hiring and retaining an employee. To learn more about Alexei's services, visit www.golenblock.com or email him at [email protected]. Key points include: 02:00: Key considerations 13:19: Payroll providers 19:06: Background checks 34:09: Non-disclosure agreements Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Erik Lautier is an expert in ecommerce, marketing, and digital strategy. After over two decades in roles dealing with ecommerce and marketing for brands like Lacoste, Bebe, and Francesca's, he founded Erik & Co, an ecommerce and marketing consultancy serving seven and eight-figure DTC brands, retailers, and/or their private equity owners. In today's episode he shares his expertise in ecommerce. Learn more about Erik and his company at www.Erik.co. Key points include: 07:17: The shift from theatre to ecommerce 10:14: The layers of an ecommerce assessment 12:38: Benchmarks and opportunities 18:26: The choke points in ecommerce Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Andrew is a former engagement manager at Mckinsey where he specialized in asset productivity and served a broad range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, consumer products and mining. He is now the lead consultant at Seay Associates, focusing on operations transformation and corporate strategy. In today's episode, Andrew talks about how to use Smartsheet on a transformation project. To learn more about Andrew's company, visit www.SeayAssociates.com. Key points include: 09:41: Smartsheet for Google Users 21:21: The Smartsheet dashboard 29:56: Smartsheet vs Excel and Google Sheets 44:51: Licensing and sharing with clients Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Marshall has over twenty years of experience defining, managing, and growing the world's best-known investing brands. He has been an executive committee leader and CMO for Fortune 250 businesses in North America and the Asia-Pacific region. In today's episode, he talks about how the world of data is revolutionizing marketing, particularly for wealth and investment management firms. You can learn more about the work Marshall does at WellsFargo.com, or reach out to him on LinkedIn. Key points include: 00:50: Data in terms of wealth Investment Management 08:39: Lead scoring in practice 20:10: Identifying poor leads 22:53: Identifying customer tiers Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Mike is an innovative and entrepreneurial Chief Information Officer (CIO) with over 30 years in executive leadership positions with global technology organizations across multiple industries, including retail, telecommunications, research, and energy. His vast range of experience includes building teams in cybersecurity, application development, cloud services, infrastructure, data centers, software as a service, and more. In today's episode, Mike talks about strategic technology leadership. Learn more about Mike's company at Stratus Key Advisors or reach out to Mike directly at [email protected]. Key points include: 05:26: Data in the utility industry 14:54: Security of information 21:30: How companies are monetizing energy usage data 24:54: Key areas of focus in the utility and energy industry Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Johannes Hoech is a C-level Silicon Valley executive who is experienced in "Growth Architecting". He is an expert analyst and motivational leader with proven skills in general management, strategy, product management, and customer success. With 25+ years of experience leading technology startups through early stage, high growth, and turnaround phases, he has a strong understanding of the software entrepreneurs and consultants need to organize business operations. In today's episode, he shares his knowledge of an affordable MarTech stack. You can access Johannes' company blog, on Premonio.com, and the links to the tools discussed on the show are as follows: patternai.co goldcast.io dux-soup SalesHandy Pipedrive Dedupely Crunchbase LinkMatch CrystalKnows Sharetivity Hootsuite Paper.li apollo.io Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Stan is a senior executive with deep expertise in digital and traditional media with a focus on food & beverage and hospitality-related businesses. As a food industry consultant, he has worked with a diverse range of global clients including Sony Pictures International; BBC Worldwide; and India Today Group. In today's episode, he talks about his strategic consulting service in the entertainment and media space, food and hospitality, and the intersection of the two. You can reach out to Stan at [email protected]. Key points include: 05:52: Types of projects 10:53: Menu insights - pricing and items 18:27: Working with developers 25:17: Room service issues Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Belinda Li was a senior advisor at McKinsey before she founded CiTTA, a company that focuses on promoting and facilitating the growth of the social enterprise business model and economy. Belinda has a passion for combining the power of business with the promise of social impact, and in today's show, she talks about how her company helps foster growth in that direction. Visit the website to learn more about CiTTA or reach out to Belinda on LinkedIn. Key points include: 02:00: An overview of work with social enterprises 07:49: ROI to shareholders 17:41: A working example of a social enterprise 24:29: Consulting skills for social enterprises Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Sam Lee has held numerous prestigious positions: he was a consultant at the World Bank, the chief of staff, Executive Office Division at Goldman Sachs, and the head of business planning and operations at AOL. He is now the founder and CEO at IndeCollective, a company that offers expert guidance to the most seasoned professionals, and that is what he is going to talk about on today's episode. You can learn more about the program at IndeCollective.co. Key points include: 02:45: What IndeCollective offers members 04:36: The 10-week experience 21:30: Authentic ways to stay top-of-mind 31:18: Sales conversations Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Josh Spector is the founder of the For The Interested newsletter; a weekly newsletter featuring ideas "to help you learn, do, and become." He is also an audience growth strategist and a digital marketing consultant. But in this episode, he shares his expertise on newsletters. To sign up for Josh's newsletter visit, https://fortheinterested.com/, and to learn more about Josh's newsletter tips visit, https://joshspector.com/. Key points include: 03:51: Newsletters created 06:40: Josh's consulting strategy 12:46: Newsletter tips on technology, design, sign-ups, and frequency 40:27: Curating content Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Will Bachman hosts a panel discussion on hiring your first associate. The panel includes top-tier consultants J. Andrew McKee, David Burnie of The Burnie Group, and Belinda Li. Key points include: 04:32: Deciding to hire your first employee 07:45: The pros and cons of having employees 11:20: The right time to add additional employees 17:17: Recruiting through LinkedIn Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Jen Rudd, PMP is a Business Coach, Consultant, and a Cross-Platform Automation expert with an extensive background in creating systems and automation for a variety of business types. She is the CEO of Grow With Jen, an author, and has presented at numerous conferences and events, most recently at the Airtable User's Conference, which she talks about in this episode. To learn more about Jen's company visit GrowWithJen.com. Key points include: 02:19: A case study on how Airtable works 10:26: Applications of Airtable 15:23: Different use cases for Airtable 17:49: Programming skill requirements Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Joe has been a successful start-up CEO and operating executive at high-growth tech companies. He was named Entrepreneur of the Year in 2012 by Crain's New York Business and was #9 on Business Insider's 2013 "Silicon Alley 100" list. Joe is the Founder & CEO of ExecThread, a VC-backed crowdsourcing platform and premium job-sharing network that enables professionals to access the "hidden job market". ExecThread is the largest global aggregator of unpublished executive-level job opportunities, and this is what he talks about in today's episode. You can learn more about Execthread at www.ExecThread.com. Key points include: 02:15: How ExecThread works 09:18: The ExecThread vetting process 14:49: Advice to people looking for executive roles 20:44: Advice for employers Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Gaurav was a consultant with McKinsey and a leader in their Organization Practice in North America. Before McKinsey, he worked in marketing for Pepsi Cola International and Procter & Gamble in Europe, the Middle East, and India, and he has counselled and coached hundreds of senior leaders as they lead their organizations through transformation, with a special focus on coaching them on personal mastery, difficult conversations, and strategic thinking. Mark is an engineer by training, he began his career as a Navy officer and member of the US Naval Construction Battalion. He is also a McKinsey alum and has worked across multiple industries, including financial services, high tech, biotech manufacturing, IT services, and governmental offices. Read more about their book at https://unfearbook.com/. Key points include: 05:24: Gaurav's work in cultural transformation 08:32: The art and science of achieving standing breakthrough results 13:27: Identifying and moving through fear 26:16: Freeing the angel in the stone Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Kay Formanek is a global speaker on Diversity and Inclusion. Kay has also worked for leading global professional services organizations for over 20 years as Partner and Managing Director. Her proven approach to leading diversity strategically draws on extensive research and advisory work with over 50 organizations; she is now an author, and her book, Beyond DNI: leading diversity with purpose and inclusiveness, is coming out this month. In today's episode, Kay talks about the benefits of diversity and inclusion. For more information, you can visit Kay's website at beyonddiversityandinclusion.com Key points include: 01:14: Kay's background, and the inspiration behind her book 06:24: How she helps CEOs reach their aspired level of diversity 11:25: The dimensions of diversity 15:19: Implementing diversity initiatives Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Adam Anderson is a graduate of Stanford Business School, a McKinsey alum, and he is now a strategy consultant and project manager. He has led and participated in over one hundred projects for clients from startups to multinationals, and in this episode, he shares case studies on driving bottom-line results. Adam can be reached through his LinkedIn profile, or emailed at [email protected]. Key points include: 00:47: A case study on Lotek, chemical manufacturer: 20 production facilities, five countries 09:59: A case study on a small business in healthcare 20:22: Creating a competitive advantage in healthcare 25:38: Health clinics and the customer experience Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

David Edelman spent 30 years as a Chief Marketing Officer (at Aetna/CVS), and consultant to executives on Digital and Marketing Transformation with McKinsey, Digitas, and the Boston Consulting Group. He is now a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School and serves as an advisor to top executives in start-up, Private Equity, and larger enterprises. In today's episode, David talks about the use of AI in marketing. You can reach David through his LinkedIn profile or email him at [email protected]. Key points include: 03:44: The different aspects of marketing 08:38: How AI can be used in marketing 15:50: The prerequisites a company needs to employ AI 21:16: Measuring the ROI on AI-driven tools Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Michael Katz is the author of four books, an award-winning humorist, and the founder of Blue Penguin, a company that helps professional service firms and solos talk and write about their work in a clear and compelling way. He has an MBA from Boston University and a BA in Psychology from McGill University in Montreal. In today's episode, Michael talks about how he helps his clients. Learn more about Michael's business at www.bluepenguindevelopment.com. Key points include: 02:15: Business newsletter best practices 13:41: Results that can be achieved through a newsletter 15:27: Building an email list 18:46: Newsletter management software comparison Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Sven Beiker has a PhD. in Mechanical Engineering and Vehicle Dynamics; he is a technology expert in the field of automotive and high-tech topics with a strong interest in consumer products with a holistic view regarding the impact on the environment, society, business, and policy. His special focus is in autonomous, connected, electric, shared vehicles, which is what we explore in this episode. You can learn more about ACES at www.siliconvalleymobility.com, or reach out to Sven on LinkedIn. Key points include: 12:47: The issue of charging electric vehicles 18:33: Electric vehicle charging infrastructure 23:52: Shared mobility 26:54: Micro mobility Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Peter Costa is the founder and leader of Capman LLC, a company that provides Executive Coaching and Organizational Consulting. Peter draws on his experience leading public and private international businesses, in addition to extensive study and training in coaching, leadership, and organizational effectiveness. In today's episode, he talks about his business' best practices. You can listen to Peter's Leading Excellence podcast on Spotify or Apple, learn more about his company at www.capmanllc.com, or email him at [email protected]. Key points include: 02:05: Coaching executives and rising talent 06:07: Exercises to change behaviors 12:54: The best leadership development programs 19:12: Building the client list and developing the practice Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Melisa is a former corporate tech executive turned management consultant and coach. She built and led a global professional services organization for a SaaS startup, before establishing her own coaching business where she helps consulting business owners increase their revenue. In today's episode, she talks about identifying potential clients, pursuing leads, and the Independent Consultant's Toolkit. You can learn more about Melisa's services from her website, www.melisaliberman.com, tune in to her podcast at www.melisaliberman/podcast, check out The Independent Consultant's (IC) Toolkit, and connect with her on LinkedIn. Key points include: 05.59: Marketing content headlines 10:22: How Melisa works with her clients 16:48: Aligning business methods 21:32: Ways to stay top of mind Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Michael is a McKinsey alum and executive coach. He is a former Green Beret, where he was a team medic, serving in Afghanistan. In this episode, Michael he talks about his transition from military service to McKinsey, how he healed from trauma, and how that shaped his coaching practice. To learn more about Michael's coaching practice visit www.wsdmcoaching.com or connect through LinkedIn. Key points include: 04:10: His experiences as a Green Beret 07:20: The transition to coaching and managing PTSD 10:38: His experience with psychedelics 18:39: Finding his purpose through the healing 20:31: Michael's clients and how he serves them Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Vijay is a former digital and technology leader at KKR leader and a founding member of McKinsey Digital Labs in South East Asia. He is a highly accomplished expert consultant and Interim Chief Information Officer, and he currently serves Fortune 500 enterprises and companies invested in by the PEI 300. In this episode, he talks about a case example that illustrates the Agile methodology play in real life. Vijay can be reached through LinkedIn or Umbrex. Key points include: 03:08: Case example: a legacy bank in S.E. Asia going digital 08:48: Getting people to participate in hackathons 18:15: The concept of the sprint delivery cycle 22:38: The Agile process from having the business and making it a working product Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

David A. Fields is the co-founder of Ascendant Consulting and is the author of the #1 most recommended book on Amazon.com for consultants interested in building a practice, The Irresistible Consultant's Guide to Winning Clients, and the Executive's Guide to Consultants. David is well-known throughout North America for his expertise in the consulting arena, and in today's episode, he shares valuable insights and advice on planning strategies. Key points include: 02:47: Planning 90 minutes each week for eight weeks 08:08: Focusing on data and lessons learned 11:32: Revisiting your mission, vision, and values 31:27: Budgets and resources To learn more about the 8-week planning process, visit 8 Weeks to Get Juiced. To learn more about the focus wheel, visit Use This Unique Tool to Focus Your Consulting Firm, and to subscribe to David's weekly articles where you will find a plethora of valuable insights, visit www.davidafields.com/blog. Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.