Episodes

  • 248 | Decoding Consulting Secrets: The Art of Knowledge Transfer

    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

    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

    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
  • 245 | Wired Wisdom: Unraveling the Mysteries of Procurement Fraud with Stephanie Forbes Part 2

    245 | Wired Wisdom: Unraveling the Mysteries of Procurement Fraud with Stephanie Forbes Part 2
    Oct 5 2024
    Join us in a riveting discussion with Stephanie Forbes, a value chain virtuoso with more than two decades of experience overseeing multi-billion dollar projects. Serving as the interim vice chair of Supply Chain Canada, Alberta Institute, she is frequently sought out for her wealth of knowledge in the supply chain realm. In this episode, Stephanie delves into the complexities of procurement fraud, elucidating its various forms and imparting crucial strategies for preventing such deceptive practices within organizations. 00:13 - Introduction: Kat introduces Stephanie Forbes, an esteemed value chain expert renowned for her contributions to the field and her tenure in steering significant projects throughout Canada and the United States. 00:56 - Stephanie's Professional Background: The spotlight is on Stephanie's instrumental role in advancing the Supply Chain Excellence Forum and her collaboration with prominent entities like Shell and Chevron, reflecting her dedication to solving complex issues and building best-in-class governance models. 01:40 - Navigating the Topic of Fraud: Today's enlightening conversation ventures into the pressing issue of fraud within the supply chain ecosystem, with Stephanie emphasizing the criticality of understanding the different facets that contribute to vendor-related fraud and illicit cash flow activities. 02:22 - What is Procurement Fraud?: Stephanie lays down a clear definition of procurement fraud, highlighting the element of criminal deception in the procurement process, which aims for personal or organizational financial gain. 03:29 - Exploring Various Fraud Types: We dive deep into the murky waters of procurement fraud, discussing specifics like employee-contractor collusion and bribery, and how such practices circumvent fair processes and inflate organizational costs. 06:53 - The Mechanisms of Bid Rigging: Stephanie offers a breakdown of bid rigging, conflicts of interest, and the preventative measures that organizations can implement to safeguard against such deceptive activities. 08:22 - The Perils of Product Substitution: The conversation shifts to the significant risks associated with product substitution, particularly in sensitive sectors like oil and gas, underscoring the potential dangers and the importance of rigorous quality assurance. 09:55 - The Role of Quality Control and ERP Systems: The episode highlights the vital role of quality control measures and how ERP systems play an integral part in preserving compliance data and preventing procurement fraud. 13:05 - The Advantages of a Vertically Integrated Supply Chain: Stephanie speaks to the benefits of vertical integration in a supply chain, detailing how it can enhance predictability and control, while lowering overall risk. 16:23 - Tales of Fraudulent Activities: We hear chilling real-world accounts of fraud, including a case study of an employee's manipulation of ERP data leading to a significant financial loss for their company. 26:12 - Pinpointing Vulnerabilities and Remedies: The episode concludes with discussions on identifying weak spots in corporate processes susceptible to fraud and the measures that can be taken to train employees on recognizing and preventing these issues. About Our Guest Today: Stephanie Forbes is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in business, risk management, and supply chain, primarily within the energy and construction sectors. Her leadership has driven successful transformations in teams, projects, and programs. She is committed to advancing the supply chain profession by creating value for stakeholders through speaking engagements, mentoring, and leveraging her extensive network. Stephanie’s achievements include implementing best-in-class programs such as full life cycle governance and supplier life cycle management. Eager for new opportunities, she is motivated to make significant contributions to the energy and construction industries, as well as the field of supply chain management. Episode Highlights: 00:13 - Introduction to Stephanie Forbes: Stephanie is introduced as a highly experienced value chain expert and interim vice chair of Supply Chain Canada, Alberta Institute. 00:56 - Stephanie's Influence on the Supply Chain Industry: Her work with major North American organizations and contributions to the Supply Chain Excellence Forum are highlighted. 01:40 - Fraud in the Supply Chain: The conversation turns to how fraud can impact organizations and the need for awareness of various fraud types in the procurement process. 02:22 - Defining Procurement Fraud: Stephanie provides a definition of procurement fraud, emphasizing deception in acquiring goods or services. 03:29 - Types of Procurement Fraud: The discussion delves into different types of procurement fraud, including employee-contractor collusion, and its consequences. 06:53 - Preventing Bid Rigging and Conflicts of Interest: Stephanie discusses how organizations can mitigate the risk ...
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    38 mins
  • 244 | Wired Wisdom: Unraveling the Mysteries of Procurement Fraud with Stephanie Forbes Part 1

    244 | Wired Wisdom: Unraveling the Mysteries of Procurement Fraud with Stephanie Forbes Part 1
    Sep 27 2024

    Welcome to a new episode of the Art of Consulting podcast, where we engage in deep discussions with some of the most knowledgeable and insightful professionals in the business world. Today, we are privileged to welcome Ms. Stephanie Forbes back to the show. Recognized as a national expert in value chain management, Stephanie brings over two decades of experience managing multi-billion dollar projects throughout Canada and the United States. Currently serving as interim vice chair of Supply Chain Canada, Alberta Institute, Stephanie is frequently sought after for her expertise and is known for her impact on the industry through her roles in leading panels, webinars, and podcasts, and as an international speaker. In this episode, Stephanie enlightens us on the complex and pressing issue of procurement fraud in the supply chain space. She shares her wealth of knowledge on the types of fraud organizations might encounter, the effects of such illegal acts, and the crucial steps necessary to prevent them. Prepare for an in-depth look at the importance of governance models, complex problem-solving, and the nuances of fraud prevention within the supply chain.

    00:13 Introduction:
    We introduce Ms. Stephanie Forbes, a value chain expert with extensive experience in leading significant projects across North America. Her involvement with Supply Chain Canada and her reputation as an international speaker set the tone for our discussion on procurement fraud.

    00:56 Stephanie's Vast Experience:
    Stephanie's rich background includes the creation of the Supply Chain Excellence Forum and her work with some of the largest organizations in North America. Her passion for complex problem-solving has made her an authoritative voice in the industry.

    01:40 The Issue of Fraud in Supply Chains:
    We dive into the significant problem of fraud within supply chains, particularly its relation to ERP systems, and Stephanie's encounters with companies that fraudulent activities have victimized.

    02:48 What Is Procurement Fraud?:
    Stephanie offers a precise definition of procurement fraud and discusses its impact on organizations, providing a foundation for further exploration of the subject.

    03:29 Types of Procurement Fraud:
    Detailed explanation of various forms of procurement fraud, including employee collusion, bribery, conflicts of interest, bid rigging, and product substitution, shedding light on their intricacies and consequences.

    05:29 The Case of Data Manipulation and Fraud:
    Stephanie shares a real-life example of data manipulation that led to a $9 million financial loss, emphasizing the need for stringent data management and control measures to prevent such fraud.

    14:54 The Role of ERP Systems:
    The conversation turns to how Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems can play a crucial role in maintaining compliance data and acting as a deterrent against fraud.

    22:43 Lessons Learned from Fraud Cases:
    Stephanie emphasizes the importance of being open about instances of fraud, sharing lessons learned, and implementing continuous education and robust auditing processes to mitigate future risks.

    31:58 Importance of Training in Fraud Prevention:
    The discussion highlights the significance of training staff, sharing information on fraud occurrences, and encouraging a culture of continuous learning to prevent fraudulent activities.

    Episode Highlights:

    00:13 - Introducing the expertise and contributions of Stephanie Forbes in the supply chain management sector.
    05:29 - Insights into the complex world of procurement fraud and the real consequences for organizations.
    14:54 - Discussing the preventative measures and governance that can be put in place to combat fraud within companies.
    31:58 - The importance of employee education and transparent communication in preventing and addressing fraud.

    About Our Guest:
    Stephanie Forbes is a seasoned executive adept in business, risk management, and supply chain disciplines. She has driven transformation within teams, projects, and programs in the energy and construction sectors, leaving a lasting impact. Stephanie is dedicated to advancing the supply chain profession, creating value through her speaking engagements, mentorship, and network. Her achievements include implementing best-in-class programs like full life cycle governance and supplier life cycle management. With an eye toward future opportunities, Stephanie is driven to contribute significantly to her industry and the field of supply chain management.

    Where to Find Our Guest Online:
    LinkedIn - Stephanie Forbes: http://linkedin.com/in/calgaryforbes
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    34 mins
  • 243 | Navigating Success: Pat Kaiser's Trailblazing Journey in Tech Part 2

    243 | Navigating Success: Pat Kaiser's Trailblazing Journey in Tech Part 2
    Sep 20 2024
    Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Art of Consulting podcast, where we delve into the personal and professional journeys of some of the most inspiring leaders in the industry. In today’s special installment, we are thrilled to welcome Ms. Pat Kaiser, a dynamic leader whose extensive background spans operations, marketing, sales, IT, HR, risk management, and mergers and acquisitions. Join us as we explore Pat’s journey, from her impactful career in consulting to her significant contributions to organizations like Agilus Work Solutions. Along the way, Pat shares invaluable insights on preparing a business for sale, the role of intellectual property in consulting, and navigating the challenges of being an independent contractor versus an employee. 00:13 - Introduction: Speaker 1 welcomes the listeners and introduces the guest, Pat Kaiser, who has been a role model and mentor throughout their career in consulting. 00:15 - 00:41 - Introduction Continued: Speaker 2 elaborates on Pat Kaiser’s impressive career in IT and consulting, highlighting her leadership roles in multinational organizations and her experience guiding companies through mergers and acquisitions. 00:41 - 01:38 - Preparing a Business for Sale: Pat discusses the process of preparing a business for sale, which involves ensuring documentation accuracy, maintaining clean financials, and setting up a data room. She explains the importance of keeping the staff unaware of the sale preparation to maintain business stability. 01:38 - 02:20 - Confidentiality and Preparation: Pat elaborates on the necessity of discretion while prepping the business for sale and creating a teaser document for potential buyers. She also talks about the development of a confidential information memorandum (CIM) that provides detailed business insights to interested parties. 02:20 - 02:58 - Engaging Interested Parties: Pat explains the role of letters of intent in the sale process and how they serve as binding agreements indicating serious interest from potential buyers. She highlights the competitive nature of these engagements, particularly when competitors are involved. 02:58 - 03:35 - Valuation of Consulting Firms: Pat discusses the importance of intellectual property, management team stability, and staff skills in the valuation of consulting firms. She emphasizes that the primary assets being acquired are the people and the goodwill with clients. 03:35 - 04:48 - Value of Intellectual Property: Pat underscores the value of intellectual property in a consulting firm, including software and documented best practices that can enhance business operations and client implementations. 04:48 - 05:33 - Importance of Client Lists: Pat emphasizes that client lists are often the most critical asset in a consulting firm’s valuation, followed by the skills and experience of the staff and intellectual property. 05:33 - 07:46 - Detractors from Business Value: Pat identifies factors that detract from a business’s value, such as restrictive client contracts, debt, poor reputation, and inexperienced staff. She explains the importance of managing these elements to maintain business value. 07:46 - 09:40 - Independent Contractor vs. Employee: Pat compares the pros and cons of being an independent contractor versus an employee. She discusses financial rewards, job stability, and opportunities for professional growth in both roles. 09:40 - 13:34 - Discipline in Consulting: Pat highlights the need for discipline as a consultant, from understanding client environments to managing time and continuous learning. She shares tips on how consultants can stay relevant and valuable in the industry. 13:34 - 14:36 - Continuous Learning: The discussion emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and investing in personal development to enhance one’s skills and certifications, ensuring long-term success in consulting. 14:36 - 24:47 - Closing Insights: Pat reflects on the significance of having intentional plans and being proactive in career development, both as an employee and a consultant. She shares personal anecdotes and advice on navigating the consulting industry successfully. Episode Highlights 00:13 - 00:15 - Introduction: Speaker 1 welcomes listeners and introduces the episode. 00:15 - 00:41 - Today's Guest: Speaker 2 introduces Pat Kaiser, highlighting her career in consulting and IT. 00:41 - 00:47 - Opening Question: Speaker 1 asks about preparing a business for sale. 00:48 - 01:38 - Preparing a Business for Sale: Pat explains key steps, focusing on documentation, financials, and confidentiality. 01:38 - 02:20 - Confidential Preparation: Pat discusses keeping sale plans discreet and creating teaser documents and CIMs. 02:20 - 02:58 - Engaging Buyers: Pat covers engaging buyers through letters of intent and binding agreements. 02:58 - 03:35 - Business Valuation: Key assets in a firm’s valuation, including intellectual property and client goodwill. 03:35 - 04:48 - ...
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    25 mins
  • 242 | Navigating Success: Pat Kaiser's Trailblazing Journey in Tech Part 1

    242 | Navigating Success: Pat Kaiser's Trailblazing Journey in Tech Part 1
    Sep 13 2024
    Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Art of Consulting podcast, where we take deep dives into the personal and professional journeys of some of the most inspiring leaders in the industry. In today's special installment, we are thrilled to welcome none other than Ms. Pat Kaiser. Pat is a beacon of dynamic leadership, known for her hands-on approach and her uncanny ability to foster high-performing teams. Her extensive background covers a gamut of functions including operations, marketing, sales, IT, HR, risk management, and mergers and acquisitions, making her insights invaluable. Join us as we explore Pat's storied career, her role in shaping successful organizations like Agilus Work Solutions, and her profound impact on the community through her board positions with the Calgary Homeless Foundation and the Alberta Electric System Operator. Get ready for a session rich in wisdom, lessons learned, and strategies that drive both personal and organizational success. 00:13 Introduction: Welcome to the Art of Consulting podcast! In today's episode, we introduce Ms. Pat Kaiser, an inspiring leader and mentor to many. Pat's diverse background encompasses operations, marketing, sales, IT, HR, risk management, and M&A activities. She sets the stage for a deep dive into her remarkable career journey. 00:55 Pat Kaiser's Role at Agilus: Pat Kaiser served as the president of the Office Professionals and Light Industrial team at Agilus Work Solutions. Her commitment to building diverse, flexible, and resilient workforces is a testament to her leadership and passion for fostering collaborative environments that drive results. 01:52 Pat's Community Involvement: Beyond her corporate role, Pat is actively involved in the community, contributing her expertise as the board chair of the Calgary Homeless Foundation and a board member of the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO). 02:42 Pat's Career Beginnings: Pat shares the serendipitous start to her career in IT consulting, which began with a neighbor's suggestion and led to her landing a job with Montage, a pivotal moment that would shape her career path. 03:29 Pat's Progression at Montage: Pat quickly moved from salesperson to branch manager at Montage, highlighting her natural leadership and operational skills that catalyzed the branch's success. 05:32 Sales Experience in IT: Pat discusses the parallels between sales and consulting, emphasizing the importance of networking, relationship building, and being a trusted partner to clients. 07:31 Consulting Insights: Drawing on her sales experience, Pat offers valuable advice to consultants on the importance of collaboration, establishing credibility, and the significance of strong work ethics. 08:18 Building Relationships: The discussion delves into the role of authenticity and the incremental process of building trust and forming lasting professional relationships. 10:10 Leadership and Team Building: Pat reflects on her ability to bring people together, the power of collaborative vision, and the joy she finds in creating a work culture that values and uplifts its members. 15:40 Pat's Time at Enable and Sierra Systems: Pat's journey took her from Enable to Sierra Systems, where she led as COO for nearly a decade, stressing the critical role of corporate culture and her efforts to replicate the vibrant environment she cherished at Montage. 19:57 Transition and Sale of Business: Pat outlines the strategic process of preparing and selling Sierra Systems to NTT Data Services, providing insight into the complexities of M&A activities involving multiple international branches. 22:30 Transition to Agilus Work Solutions: After the sale of Sierra Systems, Pat moved to Agilus Work Solutions, where she continued her executive trajectory, showcasing her expertise in corporate development and leadership. Episode Highlights: 00:13 - Introduction of Pat Kaiser's vast experience in various leadership roles. 05:32 - Insights into Pat's approach to building performance-driven teams and creating impactful work cultures. 00:55 - Pat's journey from entering the IT industry to becoming a key player in executive leadership. 05:32 - The importance of sales and consulting synergy in achieving business success. 08:18 - Strategies for effective networking, relationship building, and team collaboration. 19:57 - Pat's role in significant M&A ventures and transitioning organizations. About Our Guest Today: Ms. Pat Kaiser is known for her dynamic leadership and her ability to inspire and cultivate high-performance teams. With a proven track record in multiple business areas, Pat's expertise extends to community involvement, where she serves on various boards, contributing significantly to the organizations she supports. Where to find Our Guest online: LinkedIn - Patricia Kaiser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-kaiser-b-comm-icd-d-0337b14/?originalSubdomain=ca Agilus Work Solutions: https://www.agilus.ca/
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    24 mins
  • 241 | Revolutionizing Energy: A Deep Dive with Renewell Energy's CTO on Repurposing Abandoned Oil Wells - Part 2

    241 | Revolutionizing Energy: A Deep Dive with Renewell Energy's CTO on Repurposing Abandoned Oil Wells - Part 2
    Sep 6 2024

    In this engaging second part of our interview with Stefan Streckfus, CTO of Renewell Energy, we continue our exploration of the revolutionary approach to repurposing abandoned oil wells for renewable energy storage. Stefan delves deeper into the operational and technical aspects of this transformative technology, sharing insights from his background in innovation and commercialization. We also discuss the future of energy storage, environmental sustainability, and how Renewell Energy is paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.

    Welcome and Recap (00:13)
    Cat kicks off the episode by welcoming listeners and providing a brief recap of Part 1, setting the stage for this deep dive into energy storage innovations.

    Technical Overview of Repurposing Oil Wells (00:13 - 05:02)
    Stefan explains the detailed process of converting abandoned oil wells into energy storage systems, focusing on the engineering and technology behind it.

    Scaling the Technology for Broader Impact (05:03 - 10:45)
    The discussion turns to scaling this innovative solution, as Stefan outlines the challenges and opportunities in expanding to different regions and industries.

    Partnerships and Regulatory Challenges (10:46 - 15:29)
    Stefan discusses the importance of strategic partnerships with governments, energy companies, and regulatory bodies in making this solution a success.

    Environmental and Economic Benefits (15:30 - 21:15)
    Stefan shares how Renewell Energy’s technology offers both environmental and economic benefits, touching on cost-effective energy storage and reducing the environmental impact of abandoned oil wells.

    Lessons Learned and Next Steps (21:16 - 28:10)
    Reflecting on Renewell Energy's journey so far, Stefan highlights key lessons learned from recent installations and the company’s roadmap for future projects.

    Closing Thoughts and Future Innovations (28:11 - 34:10)
    Cat and Stefan wrap up the conversation by looking ahead to future innovations in renewable energy and how Renewell Energy plans to continue driving change in the industry.

    Outreach and Contact Information (34:11 - 34:40)
    Stefan invites listeners to connect with Renewell Energy and explore potential collaborations.

    Closing Remarks (34:41 - 35:02)
    Cat thanks Stefan for the insightful conversation and reminds listeners to stay tuned for more inspiring episodes.

    Outro (35:02 - 35:20)
    Cat wraps up the episode, encouraging listeners to subscribe and share their thoughts on the topics discussed.

    Where to Find Our Guest Online:

    • Renewell Energy Website: https://renewellenergy.com/

    • Stefan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-streckfus-480ab037/
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    35 mins