The Professional Services Pursuit

Welcome to a special Halloween-themed episode of The Professional Services Pursuit! Join hosts Banoo and Brent as they share spooky tales from their collective 40 years of experience in the professional services industry. Get ready for a chilling journey through the challenges, unexpected twists, and spine-tingling stories of projects gone wrong, nightmare clients and more.Key horror stories:The marketing microsite nightmareY2K panicA demanding clientM&A culture shockA long flight for a short meetingTune in for these and other haunting stories from the world of professional services. Don't forget to share your own horror stories with us at podcast@kantata.com, and stay tuned for a potentially more cheerful episode during the winter holidays!

In this episode of the Professional Services Pursuit podcast, Brent welcomes Igor Mamut, VP of Strategic Finance at Kantata, for a deep dive into the evolving role of the CFO in the professional services industry. They explore the strategic imperatives and considerations that finance leaders weigh when investing in new technologies and platforms. Igor shares his extensive experience, discussing the importance of aligning technology investments with both current and future business needs. Whether you're running a services company or selling software to one, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the financial and strategic dynamics at play.Key topics include:The CFO's expanded role from financial gatekeeper to strategic advisorCritical questions for evaluating new platformsAligning tech investments with future goals and operational efficiencyBalancing essential needs versus nice-to-havesLearning from past mistakes and refining decision-making frameworksPreparing for future challenges in a rapidly changing regulatory and economic landscape

In this episode of the Professional Services Pursuit, we share a recent webinar we did with The Society of Digital Agencies (SoDA). Tom Beck, SoDA’s Executive Director, interviewed Brent, Deborah Heslip and Louise Martens from the Monks Agency. The discussion delves into the transformative trends impacting agencies today, market dynamics, the influence of AI, shifts in commercial models, and the importance of operational efficiency.Other key topics covered include:Agency transformation and AI's role in driving efficiency and innovationTraditional hours-based models vs. outcome-focused pricingThe importance of aligning business operations with client demandsPractical advice on integrating AI within agenciesThe risks of inaction in the face of technological advancements To explore the topic more, check out this report by SoDA and Kantata on the transformation of agency frameworks, focusing on operations, client relations, talent management, and innovation.

In this episode of the Professional Services Pursuit, Banoo continues her exploration of generational differences in the workplace by talking with Meagan Johnson. Meagan, a renowned generational expert, author, and corporate speaker, shares her insights on bridging the generational gaps to create a cohesive, productive, and harmonious work environment. With a focus on Generation Z, this episode also explores the historical evolution of generational dynamics and offers practical tips for recruitment, retention, and team collaboration.Other key topics include:Understanding generational signposts Effective communication across generations Tips and strategies for fostering collaboration among multi-generational teamsRecommendations for attracting and retaining Generation Z talent Techniques to keep Gen Z employees engaged and connected in a remote working environment.Learn more from Meagan by visiting meaganjohnson.com

In this compelling episode of the Professional Services Pursuit, Brent welcomes back Tom Rodenhauser and introduces Ramone Param, both from Kennedy Intelligence. They discuss the pivotal role private equity (PE) is playing in reshaping the consulting industry. They also delve into emerging trends, strategic growth, and the increasing influence of PE firms in transforming traditional consulting practices into more robust and scalable business models.Key Topics Covered:How traditional private partnership models are evolving The factors driving the surge in PE investment in the consulting sectorQualitative and quantitative elements that attract PE investmentAnalysis of supply and demand dynamics, and future trends in the consulting sectorThe necessity for consulting firms to adopt strategic operational reviews and benchmark against industry standardsTo learn more about Kennedy Intelligence, download the report or listen to their podcast "Consultants Talk" visit their website - https://www.kennedyintel.com/

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Professional Services Pursuit podcast! Join our host, Banoo, as she dives deep into the professional services industry with Sabina Pons, Managing Director at Growth Molecules and co-author of the book “Pressing On As a Tech Mom”. This episode is packed with expert advice on creating seamless customer journeys, overcoming challenges in professional services, and balancing career with personal life.Key topics covered include:How to craft a cohesive, scalable customer program that ensures a remarkable customer experience from start to finish The common challenges companies face in making the customer journey seamless and how to overcome themThe importance of data governance and technology IntegrationSabina’s career journey, the importance of mentorship, and how supportive leadership can significantly impact job satisfactionInsights from Sabina’s bookThe first listener to email us at podcast@Kantata.com will win a free 55-minute consulting session with Sabina. Tap into her extensive customer success leadership expertise and learn how to turn your CS Org into a profit-center for your business. And if you would like to check out her book, it is available on Amazon here.

In this episode of the Professional Services Pursuit, Brent sits down with Anthony Gindin, founder and CEO of Agency Different. Anthony, humorously dubbed the Canadian Don Draper, brings over 23 years of experience in the agency world, having built six companies, sold four, and taken two public. His international bestseller, The Agency Secret, encapsulates his vast experience in fostering profitable growth in agencies. Listen in as they discuss the importance of differentiation, market specificity, and the necessity of continual transformation in the ever-evolving agency landscape.Other key topics discussed include:The current state of the agency industry and the cautious optimism looking forwardThe top three challenges the majority of agencies face todayInsights from Anthony’s book on engineering value and systematizing repeatable growthHow agencies should approach and master AI to enhance efficiency without relying on it as a differentiatorTo learn more about Anthony and the services that he offers go check out his website. To win a copy of his book email us at podcast@kantata.com and we will send the first 5 listeners a free copy.

In this episode of The Professional Services Pursuit, Banoo talks with Tessa Misiaszek, head of research at the Korn Ferry Institute and host of The Happy at Work Podcast. They dive into the unique characteristics and values of Gen Z employees, discussing effective strategies to attract, retain, and engage this dynamic cohort within the professional services industry. With first-hand experience as a parent of Gen Z children and extensive research, Tessa offers actionable insights into building a work environment that resonates with younger employees.Other key topics covered include:Comparing generations - parallels between Gen Z and the Greatest Generation What Gen Z employees value and why traditional compensation and benefits packages might not suffice for retaining their talentsThe importance of authentic company values and actions Strategies for managers to effectively engage Gen Z employeesThe significance of understanding team dynamics, promoting inclusivity, and leveraging diverse skill setsTo learn more about Tessa, sign up for her newsletter or check out her book visit her website.

In this episode of the Professional Services Pursuit Podcast, we revisit our April webinar with TSIA. In the ever-evolving world of professional services, outstanding client experiences are the benchmark of success. Achieving this requires a holistic, real-time perspective on project health and performance. Jared Haleck, Kantata's Chief Product Officer, joins John Ragsdale, Distinguished Researcher and Vice President of Technology Ecosystems at TSIA, to discuss Kantata Pulse. Jared shares how this innovative solution aims to revolutionize PS technology by natively gathering client and employee feedback, leveraging AI-driven insights to enhance project outcomes.Other topics covered in this episode include:Limitations of legacy professional services automation toolsWhy cost and schedule are no longer enoughThe crucial role of proactive project sentiment and client satisfactionThe role of AI in the future of PS technologyWatch the full webinar recording here