The Professional Services Pursuit

In this episode, we explore how professional services organizations can reduce project unpredictability by closing the gap between scoping, pricing, and delivery. Banoo sits down with Anish Udayakumar, Senior Vice President of Product Management and Customer Experience at Provus, for a thoughtful conversation on why projects that start with strong plans and healthy margins often end up facing scope creep, resource constraints, margin erosion, and delivery risk.Topics discussed in this episode include:Why margin erosion often goes unnoticed until late in the project lifecycleHow disconnected sales, delivery, operations, and finance workflows create unpredictable outcomesWhy resource availability, skill alignment, and capacity planning should be incorporated earlier in the quoting processHow unified data, AI, and historical project insights can improve scoping accuracy, pricing confidence, and delivery predictabilityLearn more about Provus at https://provus.ai/

In this episode, Brent sits down with Sarah Edwards, Kantata’s Chief Product Strategy Officer, for a practical look at why consulting firms can no longer rely on headcount-driven growth — and how AI is reshaping the traditional talent pyramid.Together, they break down the three critical shifts redefining consulting — and what leaders need to prioritize now to activate smarter resourcing, pricing, and delivery models.Other topics covered in this episode include: Why rising client expectations are putting pressure on delivery speed, cost, risk, and team capacityHow AI is changing consulting talent models, including the shift away from the traditional pyramid structureWhy outcome-based pricing, fixed-fee models, and productized services are becoming more importantHow connected data, trusted systems, and better operational visibility help firms make faster, more confident decisions

In this episode we share a conversation from a recent Leaders in Consulting podcast, where Kantata’s Chief Product Strategy Officer, Sarah Edwards, sits down with James Cawthorne, CEO of FOIL. At the center of the discussion is a shift every services leader is starting to feel: clients no longer want dependency — they want independence. James makes the case for “autonomic consulting” — a model focused on embedding capability directly into the client’s business. Instead of delivering answers, firms must build systems that encode knowledge, drive consistency, and enable better decisions at scale.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why competing on productivity in the age of AI leads to diminishing returnsWhat “system intelligence” actually means, and why it matters more than standalone AI toolsHow client expectations are shifting from support to true capability-buildingWhy dependency-based models are becoming structurally unstableWhat it takes to stay relevant when value, not effort, becomes the primary differentiatorIf you’re rethinking how your firm delivers value, and how to create more predictable, scalable outcomes for clients this conversation is a must-listen.

AI isn’t just disrupting SaaS, it’s forcing a fundamental rethink of what software is actually worth. In this episode, Brent sits down with Kantata CEO Michael Speranza to unpack the growing tension across the market: buyers questioning why they should pay for software they think AI can build, and boards pushing leaders to prove long-term, defensible value. The conversation goes beyond the hype to explore what truly survives in an AI-driven world, and why the future of SaaS has far less to do with code and far more to do with context.Key Topics CoveredThe new “build vs. buy” reality: Why buyers are questioning SaaS in the age of AI, and where that thinking falls shortWho’s actually at risk: The types of SaaS companies most vulnerable in this shift (and why)The death of code as a moat: How value is moving from product to data, workflows, and domain expertiseContext as the new advantage: Why owning deep customer understanding is becoming the ultimate differentiatorWhat survives — and wins: The traits of SaaS companies that will endure and thrive in an AI-driven marketRead Michael’s recent article, AI Is Coming for SaaS. Just Not the Way You Think to learn more about this topic and his perspective on the SaaSpocalypse.

In honor of Women’s History Month, this episode features three very accomplished female leaders — Jennifer Schutz, Lauren Langston, and Melissa Korzun — sharing candid insights on their career journeys, pivotal moments, and the mindset shifts behind their success. The conversation highlights how growth comes not from linear paths, but from embracing opportunity, building confidence, and leading with authenticity.Key Topics CoveredHow curiosity, adaptability, and unplanned opportunities shape successful careersWhy leaning into challenges accelerates growth and opens new doorsThe role of self-awareness and authenticity in effective leadershipThe shift from execution to communication, influence, and alignment as you growHow to reframe setbacks as learning opportunitiesBook Recommendations for Leadership & Career GrowthMelissa’s RecommendationsCrucial Conversations — Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan & Al SwitzlerRadical Candor — Kim ScottThe Secrets of Six-Figure Women — Barbara StannySwitch — Chip Heath & Dan HeathLead with a Story — Paul SmithJennifer’s RecommendationsNice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office — Lois P. FrankelExtreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win — Jocko WillinkHow Women Rise — Sally Helgesen & Marshall GoldsmithThe 48 Laws of Power — Robert GreeneYour Brain at Work — David RockLauren’s RecommendationsDesigning Your Life — Bill Burnett & Dave EvansPowerful — Patty McCordAmp It Up — Fred SlootmanScaling People — Claire Hughes JohnsonConscious Business — Fred Kofman

AI is no longer a futuristic add-on for consulting firms, it’s reshaping how firms operate, price, hire, and deliver outcomes.In this episode Brent sits down with Tom Rodenhauser of K2 Consulting Research (formerly Kennedy Intelligence) to unpack what’s actually happening inside consulting firms as they operationalize AI. From boutique firms building knowledge engines that rival global players, to the governance structures required to protect client trust, to the accelerating shift away from time-based billing, this conversation separates hype from reality.Key Topics CoveredHow boutique firms are competing with global giantsThe changing role of consultants (especially junior talent)Governance isn’t optional, it’s the prerequisite for trust.Transparency as a competitive advantageOutcome-based pricing is the future, but only for firms that can clearly define and measure results.Measurable internal impact and the time savings creating space for higher-value conversations and business development