Art Of Consulting Podcast

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 F

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

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

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

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 be

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 f

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

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 Ar

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 scali

In this episode of The Art of Consulting Podcast, Cat sits down with Stefan Streckfus, co-founder and CTO of Renewell Energy. With nearly 5 years in renewable energy innovation and a background in designing scalable solutions for crises and commercial efficiency, Stefan shares his journey, challenges, and vision for the future of sustainable energy. Tune in for insights on impactful projects and advice for aspiring innovators. Welcome and Introduction 00:13 - 00:55 Hey, what is up you guys? It's Cat. Today we have a special guest, Stefan Streckfus, co-founder and CTO of Renewell Energy. With nearly 5 years in renewable energy innovation, Stefan is a Westgate fellow and former energy engineer at Mawaw Modular. He designed scalable renewable energy systems for refugee crises and founded Strekworks LLC, a consulting firm. He also led equipment innovation at Restaurant Brands International, improving efficiency and quality for brands like Burger King and Tim Hortons. Welcome, Stefan! Guest Introduction 00:56 - 03

In this episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Da Li, a serial entrepreneur who shared his remarkable journey from entrepreneurship in China to creating sustainable home products. Da Li's diverse experiences and insights provided an enriching conversation on entrepreneurship and cross-cultural engagement. 1. Entrepreneurial Journey in China (00:00-02:16) Da Li founded DEYA Tech, becoming a market leader in China, catering to major clients domestically and internationally, including regions along the Belt and Road initiative. He discussed the challenges faced in the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship in China, highlighting the impact of rising labor costs and changing market dynamics. 2. Challenges of Business in China (02:16-13:00) Da Li emphasized the increasing difficulty of bootstrapping and organic growth in the current market, reflecting on the changes in labor costs and the landscape compared to previous years. He shared lessons learned from DEYA Tech, including the importance of embracin

Welcome back to The Art of Consulting Podcast! In this episode, we feature Da Li, a serial entrepreneur with a rich background in IT and enterprise software development. Da Li shares insights into his diverse ventures, including Kingsway Global Inc., Peer Communications, and Wellcee, showcasing his dedication to sustainable home products, marketing services for luxury brands, and the development of a leading lifestyle and roommate-seeking platform. 00:06 Introduction: Host Kat introduces Da Li as a special guest, highlighting his extensive experience as a serial entrepreneur and the founder of various successful ventures. His expertise in sustainable home products, marketing services for luxury brands, and the establishment of Wellcee, a premier roommate-seeking platform, set the stage for an engaging conversation that follows. 01:11 Current Ventures Overview: Da Li delves into the founding of Wellcee, a platform designed to address the housing challenges faced by young individuals in bustling cities like Be

In this engaging episode of The Art of Consulting Podcast, host sits down with Lauren Baptiste, a life coach and consultant specializing in workplace burnout and well-being. With over 13 years of experience in corporate culture, Lauren is on a mission to help professionals, particularly women, transition from exhaustion to empowerment. Her unique approach incorporates elements of Ayurveda, hormonal health, and evidence-based modalities, making her insights particularly compelling for anyone looking to improve their work-life balance. Key Topics Discussed: 00:06 - Introduction: Host introduces Lauren Baptiste, emphasizing her mission to enhance work culture by prioritizing well-being. Lauren’s diverse background includes expertise in Ayurveda, hormonal health, and evidence-based modalities. She has consulted for a wide range of clients including IBM, TD Securities, EY, NFL, Warner Music, Estee Lauder, Standard Chartered Bank, and the United Nations. 01:11 - Understanding Burnout: Lauren delves into the c

Topic Overview: Join Andy Fry and Cat Lam as they delve into the nuances of ERP systems, comparing on-premise and cloud implementations, discussing the transitions, challenges, and best practices from an expert's perspective in the ERP consulting field. Types of Consultants: External Consultants: Provide independent advice based on an external viewpoint. Internal Consultants: Offer specialized advice within an organization, focusing on continuous internal improvements.   Key Points Discussed: 0:06 - Introduction Welcome back to "The Art of Consulting Podcast" with hosts Andy Fry and Cat Lam. Today, we dive into ERP systems, focusing on the transition from on-premise to cloud implementations and the impact on businesses. 0:34 - Guest Introduction Introduction of Andy Fry, a seasoned Oracle ERP consultant, who shares insights from his vast experience. 0:54 - Historical Context Andy starts by discussing the traditional on-premise ERP systems, their setup, and operations within company facilities. 2:04 - Sh

. Emphasizes that money itself is not a value, but what it represents to an individual is. 0:34 - 1:03 - Finding Meaning Beyond Money Speaker 1 reflects on the importance of understanding why people do their jobs, beyond just earning money. Highlights the idea that meaningful work provides existential safety and keeps the spirit alive. 1:04 - 2:38 - Building Individuals in Organizations Speaker 1 shares an anecdote about a virtual assistance firm that focuses on individual development, leading to higher retention rates. Emphasizes the value of building up individuals within an organization. 3:05 - 3:50 - The Role of Passionpreneurs Speaker 2 talks about passionpreneurs who follow their passion and transform it into work that provides existential safety. Discusses the balance between organizational constraints and personal passion. 3:50 - 5:17 - Finding Passion Within Systems Speaker 2 explains that finding passion is not about blaming the system but finding what makes one feel alive within t

Episode Summary: Welcome back to The Art of Consulting podcast! In this episode, we are joined by the remarkable Zana Goic Petricevic, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in corporate management, entrepreneurship, and executive leadership coaching and consulting. Janna shares her unique insights on bold leadership and introduces her innovative SOUL Framework—self, other, universe, and legacy. Tune in as we explore how leaders can move beyond cautious, head-driven decisions to embrace transformative choices that lead to extraordinary outcomes. Key Discussion Points: Introduction to Zana Goic Petricevic (00:00 - 01:11) Background in corporate management and entrepreneurship Over 15 years of experience in executive leadership coaching and consulting Overview of the SOUL Framework (01:12 - 02:15) Meaning behind the acronym: self, other, universe, and legacy Importance of bold, soul-based decisions in leadership Janna’s Approach to Leadership Development (02:16 - 03:18) Executive

Welcome to another episode of "The Art of Consulting Podcast" with your hosts, Andy Fry and Cat Lam. As seasoned IT consultants, CPAs, and professional development connoisseurs, we aim to bring you inspiring messages to help you discover the X factor in your professional field, leading to the success you truly deserve in your career and life. Welcome back, the one and only Edmund Metera. Edmund Metera is a senior project manager at CWB Financial Group in Canada. He firmly believes that the keys to delivering successful projects are not only founded upon expert project management and business analysis competencies but on recognizing, tailoring and applying the best-suited methodologies and techniques to suit the unique technologies, constraints and opportunities at hand. Topic Overview: Focus on what a trusted advisor needs when embarking on a consulting engagement. Insights derived from Ed Matera’s book and his work at processmodellingadvisor.com. Types of Consultants: External Consultants: Advise c

Episode Description: In this episode of Blue Sky Consulting, Cat continues her insightful conversation with Trevor Blake, a visionary serial entrepreneur and New York Times best-selling author. Trevor shares the innovative strategies behind his success, particularly his unique "hub model" for building companies without traditional employees. Tune in to discover how Trevor has managed to create and sell multiple companies with a combined value nearing a billion dollars, all while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling personal life. Key Takeaways: Introduction to Trevor Blake: Trevor Blake is a successful entrepreneur who has founded and sold three companies since 2003, with a combined value close to a billion dollars. He is known for his unique business model that does not involve traditional employees. The Hub Model: Trevor's "hub model" involves outsourcing all company functions to professional vendors rather than hiring full-time employees. This approach stemmed from necessity, as Trevor didn't ha

0:05 - Introduction by Cat Overview of Trevor Blake's remarkable career. Mention of his achievements: founding, managing, and successfully selling three companies valued at over $300 million since 2003. 0:37 - Trevor's Business Model Description of Trevor's innovative business structure based on alliances, promoting higher profitability and flexibility. Trevor's philosophy of integrating work with personal passions for a balanced life. 1:18 - Trevor's Contributions and Recognition Author of best-selling books: "3 Simple Steps: A Map to Success in Business and Life" and "Secrets to a Successful Startup: A Recession-Proof Guide to Starting, Surviving, and Thriving in Your Own Venture." Featured in Business Insider, CNN, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. Trevor's mantra: Making a positive difference, having fun, and sharing rewards both materially and spiritually. 2:02 - Interview Begins Trevor thanks Kat for the introduction and shares a light-hearted moment about how impressive his ach

Introduction: Andy and Kat introduce the podcast episode, highlighting their focus on valuable banter and dialogue between the hosts. Exploring Specialization and Diversification: Andy and Kat reflect on their backgrounds in ERP consulting, particularly within Oracle implementations, spanning several decades. They discuss the importance of branching out from a niche specialization to explore transferable skills applicable to new niches and areas. Kat emphasizes the significance of understanding both functional and technical aspects of consulting, underscoring the value of bridging the gap between business processes and technology. Andy shares anecdotes illustrating the necessity of consultants to clarify client needs and outcomes, even when clients present partially baked solutions. The hosts stress the importance of humility in consulting, advocating for asking questions to ensure clarity and alignment between consultants and clients. Conclusion: Andy and Kat wrap up the episode by encourag