• 253 | The Ingredient for the Law of Abundance
    Jun 21 2025

    In this episode of The Art of Consulting, Andy Fry explores the transformative concept of the Law of Abundance, challenging the scarcity mindset that often limits our potential. He highlights the universe's boundless resources and emphasizes the need to move beyond beliefs such as "there’s not enough time, money, or opportunities." Through personal stories and actionable strategies, Andy offers guidance on shifting perspectives and embracing abundance as a pathway to success.

    From identifying how scarcity is used in sales tactics to underscoring the value of creativity and consistent effort, Andy provides practical tools for breaking mental barriers and unlocking hidden opportunities. His message is inspiring yet pragmatic: abundance is real, but achieving it requires belief, intentional action, and the willingness to collaborate.


    Episode Summary:

    Understanding the Law of Abundance:

    • The universe provides abundant resources, but scarcity is a mindset that often limits us.

    • Scarcity creates urgency and pressure, often used in sales tactics like "limited time offers" or "only a few left."

    Shifting the Mindset:

    • Focusing on abundance allows for creative solutions and opportunities.

    • Stress and limitations arise when scarcity dominates your thoughts.

    Work and Action:

    • While resources are abundant, effort and work are required to access them.

    • Examples include desalinating water from the ocean or mining natural resources.

    Belief and Creativity:

    • Believing in abundance helps you see opportunities where others see limitations.

    • Creativity plays a key role in defining and pursuing your goals.

    Personal Stories and Insights:

    • The speaker shares a story about finding money at Legoland and the importance of effort, even when resources seem readily available.

    • They highlight that collaboration and persistence are often necessary to achieve goals.

    The Takeaway:

    • The law of abundance is not about waiting for things to magically appear but believing that resources exist and working towards them.

    Visualizing your goals, staying creative, and taking action are essential for success.


    Episode Highlights:

    • Introduction to the Law of Abundance
    • The Scarcity Mindset in Sales and Daily Life
    • Overcoming Scarcity: A Framework
    • Personal Story: Finding Time Through Belief
    • Personal Story: Discovering Abundance in Unexpected Places
    • Abundance Requires Action and Effort
    • Creativity and Resourcefulness as Keys to Abundance
    • Achieving Greatness Through Collaboration and Hard Work
    • Closing Thoughts: Embrace Abundance





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    12 mins
  • 252 | Coffee Is For Closers - Revisited
    Mar 21 2025
    In this thought-provoking episode of The Art of Consulting podcast, Andy discusses the "50-Minute Focus" technique. Throughout the conversation, he sheds light on critical lessons about identifying productivity pitfalls, the significance of adapting dynamic strategies, and leveraging unconventional approaches to foster successful personal and professional habits. From the transformation of time management techniques to the essential role of prioritizing tasks, Andy offers a treasure trove of insights and practical guidance for consultants seeking to excel in their personal and professional lives. Episode Summary: Introduction and Reflections from 2020 (00:06 - 00:44): The episode begins with a reflection on previous discussions from 2020 and the changes brought on by COVID-19. The Impact of Distractions (00:44 - 01:18): The speaker highlights the constant distraction posed by social media and smartphones, and their effect on productivity. Increased Distractions Over Time (01:18 - 02:00): A discussion on how distractions have become more pervasive over time, despite advancements in app efficiency. Understanding "Coffee is for Closers" (02:01 - 02:34): The speaker explains the phrase "coffee is for closers" employed as a motivational tool in sales. Strategies for Maintaining Productivity (02:34 - 03:15): The speaker shares personal strategies for maintaining productivity, such as task lists and prioritization. The Importance of a Task List (03:15 - 03:50): Emphasizes the role of task lists in proactive work and productivity. Approach to Task Prioritization (03:50 - 04:23): The speaker shares his approach to task prioritization, considering due dates and personal satisfaction. Evaluating and Prioritizing Tasks (04:24 - 04:53): Further explanation on task evaluation and prioritization. Considering Personal Satisfaction in Task Prioritization (04:53 - 05:29): The speaker advises prioritizing tasks that bring personal satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. Interdependencies in Task Prioritization (05:29 - 06:01): The speaker discusses the role of interdependencies when prioritizing tasks within a team. The Importance of Task Prioritization (06:02 - 06:31): A reiteration of the importance of prioritizing tasks for a productive day. Time Boxing Tasks (06:32 - 07:17): The speaker introduces the concept of time boxing tasks to manage workload and time effectively. Task List Preparation for the Next Day (07:18 - 07:50): Discusses the strategy of preparing a task list for the next day the night before. Concept of Time Boxing (07:51 - 08:29): The speaker discusses the concept of time boxing, a productivity strategy. Benefits of Time Boxing (08:31 - 09:06): Emphasizes the benefits of time boxing in managing tasks and time. Starting With Difficult Tasks (09:07 - 09:43): The speaker advises starting with the most difficult tasks to build momentum and ease into the day. Benefits of Time Boxing (09:44 - 10:17): The benefits of time boxing, particularly in managing unexpected schedule changes, are discussed. Reiterating Importance of Prioritization and Time Boxing (10:17 - 10:52): The speaker reiterates the importance of task prioritization and time boxing. Rewarding Oneself Upon Task Completion (10:53 - 11:37): The speaker emphasizes the importance of rewarding oneself after completing tasks. Tackling Difficult Tasks First (11:37 - 12:22): Discusses the strategy of tackling difficult tasks first to build momentum and reduce stress. Importance of Rewarding Oneself (12:23 - 13:02): A reiteration on the importance of self-reward after task completion. 50-Minute Increments for Larger Tasks (13:02 - 13:37): The speaker shares his strategy of working in 50-minute increments for larger tasks. Benefits of the Speaker's Approach (13:37 - 14:16): Discussion on the personal benefits of the speaker's approach, including better production and momentum. Risk of Burnout (14:18 - 14:55): Highlights the risk of burnout if one does not reward themselves and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Early Requests for Collaboration (14:56 - 15:28): The speaker discusses the importance of initiating collaborative requests early in the day. 50-Minute Increments for Larger Tasks (15:30 - 16:16): Reiteration of the strategy of breaking up larger tasks into 50-minute increments. Benefits of the Speaker's Strategies (16:17 - 16:58): The speaker emphasizes the benefits of his strategies, including increased productivity and improved personal life. Early Requests for Collaboration (16:59 - 17:28): A reiteration of the importance of sending tasks or requests to colleagues early in the day. Nightly To-Do List Preparation (17:29 - 18:07): The speaker recommends preparing a to-do list the night before for a productive start to the day. Early Morning Collaboration Requests (18:08 - 18:40): Discusses the benefits of sending collaborative requests first thing in the morning. 50-Minute ...
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    24 mins
  • 251 | How to Deal with Communication Challenges
    Mar 14 2025

    Andy shares his thoughts on how to keep communication on track.

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    48 mins
  • 250 | How to Prepare for a Geo-Political Event
    Mar 7 2025

    In this episode Andy discusses steps you can take to deal with and preprare for potential Geo Political events.

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    21 mins
  • 249 | Unmasking Corporate Fraud and Cybersecurity: Real Stories and Practical Tips with Stephanie Forbes
    Nov 9 2024

    In this compelling episode of The Art of Consulting podcast, Stephanie Forbes brings her expertise to the table, discussing the prevalent and often sophisticated issue of corporate fraud and cybersecurity. Throughout the conversation, we navigate the different ways in which fraud can occur within an organization, the impacts it can have, and the steps that can be taken to prevent it. From harrowing stories of payroll fraud to the intricacies of implementing governance models, Stephanie provides actionable insights to secure the financial and informational assets of companies.

    Episode Summary:

    • [00:00-01:05] Introduction: Hosts recap previous discussions and introduce today’s focus on how funds may be fraudulently siphoned from organizations.

    • [01:06-02:41] Stephanie Forbes on Payroll Fraud: Forbes shares insights on payroll vulnerabilities and fraud risks.

    • [02:42-03:35] Payroll Fraud Case Study: Example of payroll fraud involving fictitious employees under a single manager.

    • [03:36-05:11] Sophisticated Fraud Techniques: Discussion of fraud types, including wire fraud, and their significant impact.

    • [05:12-07:20] Cybersecurity Incidents: Forbes recounts a cyber breach resulting in company system loss.

    • [07:21-12:47] Cloud System Risks: Exploring cloud access risks and keychain security vulnerabilities.

    • [12:48-18:05] Cyberattack Recovery: Strategies for recovery, backup importance, and governance frameworks.

    • [18:06-21:16] SMB Cybersecurity Tips: Affordable, effective cybersecurity practices for small to medium businesses.

    • [21:17-29:00] Final Tips: Emphasis on advanced authentication and data protection strategies.

    • Catch Stephanie next at The P-World Conference in Toronto December 4th.Click here for more info https://thepworld.com/event/the-supply-chain-summit

    Episode Highlights:

    • [01:06] Money Leak Channels: Forbes agrees with the host on limited money outflow channels and details fraud-prone areas.

    • [01:19] Payroll and Procure-to-Pay Systems: Identified as high-risk zones for fraud, with a reference to a 2023 fraud report.

    • [02:42] Payroll Fraud Example: Case where one individual received 74 checks, linked to a manager's scheme.

    • [03:36] Fraud Complexity: Forbes describes another fraud instance involving last-minute bank account changes.

    • [06:21] Cybersecurity Focus: A real-world case where a company lost cloud control due to a cyberattack.

    • [07:21] Cloud Security Explained: Forbes clarifies cloud risks, including hackers gaining access to a company’s keychain.

    • [12:48] Cyberattack Recovery: Importance of offsite backups and system restoration strategies.

    • [18:06] Governance Models: Forbes advocates for governance models covering people, processes, and technology to defend against fraud.

    • [21:17] SMB Cybersecurity Advice: Tips on cybersecurity insurance and routine data backups for small and medium businesses.

    • [29:01] Final Insights: Forbes calls for barriers between cloud and operational systems and highlights authentication protocol needs.

    About Our Guest:
    Stephanie Forbes is a seasoned executive with over two decades in business, risk management, and supply chain. Her extensive experience has driven high-profile projects across the energy and construction sectors. As interim vice chair of Supply Chain Canada, Alberta Institute, Forbes actively supports supply chain development, with expertise in governance and supplier lifecycle management.

    Where to Find Our Guest Online:

    • LinkedIn – Stephanie Forbes: linkedin.com/in/calgaryforbes

    Website – The Forbes Group

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    43 mins
  • 248 | Decoding Consulting Secrets: The Art of Knowledge Transfer
    Nov 2 2024

    In this episode of The Art of Consulting podcast, hosts Andy and Cat reunite for a rare “together episode” discussing the nuances and importance of knowledge transfer in the consulting space. As consultants from various fields, they explore the idea of consulting as a temporary yet impactful role, emphasizing the value of effectively transitioning their knowledge to clients and the critical role of documentation and interpersonal skills in a consultant’s success.

    Episode Summary:
    • [00:05] Andy and Cat kick off a special co-hosted episode, reflecting on their individual expert interviews and the rarity of their joint episodes these days.

    • [00:38] They talk about their intense collaboration periods in the past, contrasting it with their recent individual projects.

    • [00:46] Core Topic: The transfer of knowledge. They highlight the paradox of good consultants—working themselves out of a job—while maintaining strong client relationships, with clients often returning for help with new challenges.

    • [01:37] They discuss the necessity of identifying a key person within the client's organization for knowledge transfer, ensuring smooth operations post-consultancy.

    • [04:36] Discussion on the optimal timing for identifying a successor at the client site, stressing the importance of involving them from the start of the project.

    • [06:46] Andy expresses concern about clients deferring knowledge transfer until after go-live, leading to gaps in understanding key project decisions.

    • [10:47] The conversation shifts to the importance of moving from people-centric to system-centric operations and the risks of not having redundancy in organizational knowledge.

    • [14:48] Andy and Cat discuss transferring not only technical knowledge but also the interpersonal skills and sensitivities critical to successful consulting.

    • [16:55] They emphasize the need for user-friendly tools to document technical knowledge and the tact needed to convey information about team dynamics.

    • [22:34] They provide an action plan for listeners on how to approach knowledge transfer. They advise identifying primary and secondary successors, choosing a starting point, using effective documentation tools, and considering the human aspect of knowledge transfer.

    • [39:20] The episode closes by affirming the value of human relationships in the consulting process.

    Episode Highlights:
    • [00:05] – Introduction: Andy and Cat discuss the rarity of co-hosting due to their individual interviews with experts.

    • [00:38] – Reflection on past episodes and the evolution of their interactions.

    • [00:46] – Consultant’s Paradox: Good consultants work to make themselves unnecessary while maintaining client relationships.

    • [01:37] – Key Individual for Knowledge Transfer: The importance of identifying a key person within the client's organization.

    • [04:36] – Timing of Knowledge Transfer: Optimal timing for selecting the right person for knowledge transfer.

    • [06:46] – Continuity Concerns: Issues with waiting until post go-live for knowledge transfer.

    • [10:47] – Shift to System-Centric Operations: Importance of having redundancy in organizational knowledge.

    • [14:48] – Comprehensive Knowledge Transfer: Technical and soft skills are equally important.

    • [16:55] – User-Friendly Documentation Tools: Creating effective documentation for knowledge transfer.

    • [22:34] – Action Plan for Listeners: Steps to approach knowledge transfer in consulting.

    • [39:20] – Conclusion: The human aspect remains central to consulting work.

    About the Hosts:

    Andy and Cat are seasoned consultants with a passion for sharing their insights and experiences. They specialize in guiding organizations and individuals through complex projects, advocating for knowledge transfer to ensure sustained excellence and growth. For listeners looking to enhance their consulting skills or gain insights into the art of knowledge transfer, this episode offers valuable strategies and field anecdotes. Join Andy and Cat as they unravel the complexities and rewards of consulting, where imparting knowledge is essential for success.

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    40 mins
  • 247 | Building Out an Expert Position in Consulting - with Mark Amtower
    Oct 19 2024
    Welcome to another episode of The Art of Consulting, where we delve deep into the strategies and experiences of seasoned professionals in the consulting sphere. Today's guest is none other than Mark Amtower, the founder and partner of Amtower & Company, a firm specializing in marketing to the government. With a career spanning 39 years, Mark has been at the forefront of acknowledging and leveraging the nuances of marketing within the government contracting world. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 - 00:01: Speaker 1 (Host) opens the episode with a greeting to the audience. 00:15 - 00:22: Speaker 2 introduces Mark Amtower, highlighting his role as the founder of Amtower & Company. 00:23 - 00:25: Mark Amtower expresses his gratitude for being invited to the show. 00:25 - 00:36: The conversation touches upon a previous discussion, and Mark is prompted to share details about his background and focus. 00:38 - 01:27: Mark discusses the beginnings of his company in 1985, his background in literature, and his dive into the unique discipline of marketing to the government. 01:27 - 01:31: Mark humorously acknowledges the longevity of his career. 01:33 - 01:36: Speaker 2 jokes about Mark's long-standing career. 01:36 - 01:37: Mark responds with a light-hearted comment. 01:39 - 02:50: The dialogue shifts to the theme of non-traditional paths to consulting, highlighting the diverse skills that people bring to the industry. 02:50 - 03:04: Speaker 2 asks Mark how his non-traditional background shaped his consulting approach. 03:04 - 03:45: Mark recounts experiences, such as telemarketing and IT sales, that provided valuable skills for his consulting career. 03:45 - 04:27: Mark discusses his entry into advertising and how he identified a niche in marketing to government, which led to establishing his consulting presence. 04:28 - 05:14: Challenges of creating a client pipeline and managing financial concerns as a new consultant are discussed. 05:15 - 05:44: Speaker 2 reflects on the difficulty of securing subsequent contracts and the importance of building a client pipeline. 05:44 - 06:09: Speaker 2 asks how Mark identified and pursued the niche in government marketing. 06:09 - 06:54: Mark shares how he recognized unmet needs in the market and became the first to address federal marketing issues. 06:54 - 07:39: Mark explains positioning strategies and being first-to-market, referencing Jack Trout and Al Ries’ marketing insights. 07:40 - 08:21: Mark's journey of writing about government business and giving speaking engagements is discussed. 08:21 - 08:27: Mark mentions how ad agencies in D.C. often overlooked marketing to the government. 08:29 - 09:01: Speaker 2 discusses the concept of market awareness and recognizing gaps in the market. 09:01 - 09:32: Speaker 2 and Mark talk about the importance of acting on ideas when opportunities arise. 09:32 - 09:50: Mark shares his strategy for building expertise through experience and addressing industry issues like mailroom logistics. 09:51 - 10:37: Mark explains his innovative solution to improve mail delivery in federal agencies by understanding internal processes. 10:37 - 11:14: Mark discusses founding an association to facilitate collaboration between mailers and federal mail managers. 11:14 - 11:51: The importance of addressing industry-specific problems through communication and collaboration is emphasized. 11:51 - 12:29: Mark's experience with influencing mail routing in federal agencies is shared. 12:31 - 13:07: Speaker 2 appreciates Mark’s problem-solving approach and the importance of recognizing critical roles within organizations. 13:07 - 13:29: Speaker 2 relates Mark's experiences to modern challenges in delivering messages effectively. 13:29 - 14:16: Mark discusses how his business pivoted due to the rise of online platforms, affecting his direct mail business, and how he adapted. 14:21 - 14:35: Mark shares how engaging with a federal webmasters group helped him understand the changing landscape and adapt his consulting approach. 14:44 - 15:19: Speaker 2 highlights the importance of specialization and continuous learning in consulting. 15:19 - 15:51: Speaker 2 emphasizes the role of critical thinking and deepening domain expertise through industry involvement. 15:52 - 15:55: Speaker 2 notes the evolving nature of consulting and the need for specialization to stay competitive. 15:56 - 16:26: Mark discusses how consultants need to evolve their subject matter expertise to remain relevant in the industry. 16:26 - 16:29: Speaker 2 agrees with Mark's point. 16:27 - 16:29: Mark briefly mentions that his expertise doesn't cover all markets. 16:30 - 16:57: Speaker 2 talks about the dynamics of generalists versus specialists and how to find one's niche. 17:36 - 18:07: Mark shares a story about how Netscape disrupted the market, forcing him to pivot his business. 18:10 - 18:20: Mark emphasizes the ongoing need for consultants to adjust and innovate in response to technological ...
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    54 mins
  • 246 | The Gift of Recurring Thought - with Katie Weldon
    Oct 12 2024

    In this insightful episode of The Art of Consulting podcast, we're joined by Coach Katie, also known as Katie Weldon, who not only excels as a business mentor and mindset coach but also shines in the real estate world as Katie the Mortgage Lady. With a rich history of bold decisions and transformative life changes, Katie opens up about her journey and the pivotal moments that led her to adopt a life-changing mindset.

    00:13 - Introduction: We welcome Coach Katie to the show, discussing her multifaceted career and the courageous choices that have defined her path, from a drastic relocation to powerful personal developments.

    00:59 - Life-Altering Decisions: Katie reflects on the significant decisions she's made, including a spontaneous move, medication changes, and notably, her choice to stop drinking—a frequent habit that pervaded her social and professional life.

    02:50 - Intuition and Identity: A keynote moment at a Hay House conference triggers Katie's intuition, leading her to a decision that would not only alter her habits but challenge her identity. She narrates the process of facing and embracing her true self without alcohol.

    05:34 - The Extrovert's Challenge: Katie discusses the surprising nervousness that comes with being an extrovert and the reliance on alcohol for social courage. She reveals the journey of redefining her social strategies and relationships in the absence of her previous crutch.

    09:57 - Intuition's Role in Personal Change: The conversation shifts to the power of intuition, how it guided Katie's life choices, and the importance of acting upon these persistent inner calls for the sake of growth and alignment with one's true self.

    15:19 - Dealing with Fear and Change: Katie and the host delve into the natural fear associated with change, the significance of being true to oneself, and the strength required to walk through uncertainty while reshaping one's identity.

    22:48 - Acting on Intuitive Messages: We explore how vital it is to acknowledge and act on intuitive messages, recognizing the impact of those decisions on personal well-being and how they can manifest in unexpected and profound ways.

    31:58 - Filling the Void with Positivity: Finally, Katie emphasizes the importance of consciously choosing what to fill the void with when removing a habit or element from one's life, ensuring it contributes positively to one's journey towards a fulfilling life.

    Episode Highlights:

    00:13 - Introduction to Coach Katie Weldon, a business mentor, mindset coach, and also known as Katie the Mortgage Lady in the real estate industry.

    00:59 - Katie shares her story of making life-altering decisions, including moving from Massachusetts to Florida, getting off medications, and her significant decision to stop drinking.

    05:34 - Discussion on introverts, extroverts, and the surprising shyness extroverts can experience. Katie talks about the role of alcohol in social settings and her journey to navigate social interactions without it.

    09:57 - The critical role of intuition in personal change and the importance of listening to those persistent internal messages that guide life choices.

    15:19 - How fear and change can challenge one's identity, and the importance of staying true to oneself through the uncertainty of transformative periods.

    22:48 - The necessity of acknowledging and acting upon intuitive messages for personal well-being and the profound impact these decisions can have.

    31:58 - Katie emphasizes the importance of filling the void with positive actions and choices when removing a habit or element from one's life.

    About Our Guest:
    Katie Weldon is an entrepreneur combining her talents as a business mentor, mindset coach, and successful figure in the real estate industry. With a history of unabashed decisions leading to personal rediscovery, Katie inspires through her journey and passion for helping others find balance and success in both business and life.

    Where to Find Our Guest Online:
    For more on Katie Weldon's work and to connect, visit:

    Website: www.katieweldon.com
    Facebook and Instagram: @Katiesimpsonweldon
    Facebook Group: KatieKollective

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    48 mins
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