Consulting Success Podcast

Ready to learn what goes into scaling a tech-focused consulting firm from the ground up? In this episode, Tommy Ogden, co-founder of Activera Consulting, shares the fascinating journey of launching and growing a multimillion-dollar consultancy within just one year. Drawing on his extensive experience in both boutique firms and global giants like Accenture, Tommy delves into the strategic decisions that have propelled Activera’s rapid success. He offers a candid look at the challenges of balancing talent acquisition with business development, the importance of defining and honing in on core service pillars, and the key lessons learned from his transition out of the corporate world. Tommy’s insights provide a blueprint for anyone looking to build a successful, agile consulting business that can adapt and thrive in a competitive market.
In this episode, you will learn:
How to strategically define and focus on core service offerings for business growth
The importance of balancing talent acquisition with securing big deals in a small firm
Insights into transitioning from corporate roles to founding a new consulting business
The role of relationship-building in business development and client retention
Effective strategies for managing project margins and maintaining profitability in consulting

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Welcome to the Consulting Success podcast. I’m your host Michael Zipursky, and in this podcast, we’re going to dive deep into the world of elite consultants where you’re going to learn the strategies, tactics and mindset to grow a highly profitable and successful consulting business.
Before we dive into today’s episode. Are you ready to grow and take your consulting business to the next level? Many of the clients that we work with started as podcast listeners just like you, and a consistent theme they have shared with us is that they wished they had reached out sooner about our Clarity Coaching Program rather than waiting for that perfect time. If you’re interested in learning more about how we help consultants just like you, we’re offering a free, no pressure growth session call. On this call, we’re going to dive deep into your goals, challenges and situation and outline a plan that is tailor made just for you. We will also help you identify where you may be making costly and time consuming mistakes to ensure you’re benefiting from the proven methods and strategies to grow your consulting business.
So don’t wait years to find clarity. If you’re committed and serious about reaching a new level of success in your consulting business, go ahead and schedule your free growth session. Get in touch today. Just visit Consulting Success – Grow to book your free call today.
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Your 3-Day Blueprint for Consulting Growth in San Diego.
Imagine your future self looking back on the single event that changed everything. The Consulting Success Mastermind in San Diego (April 30 - May 2, 2026) is designed to be that moment. For three days, you'll be surrounded by high-performing peers, world-class mentors, and a community genuinely dedicated to your success. Walk away with strategic clarity and unstoppable momentum.

Create your breakthrough moment....

Want to learn how we can help you grow your consulting business? Schedule your free Growth Session Call today! www.consultingsuccess.com/grow
Mentioned in this episode:
Your 3-Day Blueprint for Consulting Growth in San Diego.
Imagine your future self looking back on the single event that changed everything. The Consulting Success Mastermind in San Diego (April 30 - May 2, 2026) is designed to be that moment. For three days, you'll be surrounded by high-performing peers, world-class mentors, and a community genuinely dedicated to your success. Walk away with strategic clarity and unstoppable momentum.

Create your breakthrough moment. Learn more about the San Diego Mastermind: www.consultingsuccess.com/sandiego

What if the reason your consulting business hasn't grown isn't because you lack the perfect strategy, but because you need to learn how to hold better conversations?
In this episode, I'm joined by Manal Sayid, a facilitator and consultant who quietly built a seven-figure practice by helping leaders navigate the conversations most people avoid. Manal didn't start in consulting. She started in non profit HR, volunteered on a suicide prevention line for nearly a decade, and learned at a very human level how trust is built when people feel heard.
In this conversation, you'll discover why relationship building without an agenda can outperform traditional business development; how being braver with clients leads to more respect, better work, and stronger outcomes; and what it really takes to facilitate change when there's tension, power dynamics, or uncertainty in the room.
If your growth depends on trust, referrals, and leading real conversations, not just selling frameworks, then this episode will change how you think about your role as a consultant and consulting business owner.
Welcome to the Consulting Success podcast. I'm your host Michael Zipursky, and in this podcast, we're going to dive deep into the world of elite consultants where you're going to learn the strategies, tactics and mindset to grow a highly profitable and successful consulting business.
Before we dive into today's episode. Are you ready to grow and take your consulting business to the next level? Many of the clients that we work with started as podcast listeners just like you, and a consistent theme they have shared with us is that they wished they had reached out sooner about our Clarity Coaching Program rather than waiting for that perfect time. If you're interested in learning more about how we help consultants just like you, we're offering a free, no pressure growth session call. On this call, we're going to dive deep into your goals, challenges and situation and outline a plan that is tailor made just for you. We will also help you identify where you may be making costly and time consuming mistakes to ensure you're benefiting from the proven methods and strategies to grow your consulting business.
So don't wait years to find clarity. If you're committed and serious about reaching a new level of success in your consulting business, go ahead and schedule your free growth session. Get in touch today. Just visit Consulting Success - Grow to book your free call today.
Mentioned in this episode:
Your 3-Day Blueprint for Consulting Growth in San Diego.
Imagine your future self looking back on the single event that changed everything. The Consulting Success Mastermind in San Diego (April 30 - May 2, 2026) is designed to be that moment. For three days, you'll be surrounded by high-performing peers, world-class mentors, and a community genuinely dedicated to your success. Walk away with strategic clarity and unstoppable momentum.

Create your breakthrough moment. Learn more about the San Diego Mastermind: www.consultingsuccess.com/sandiego

Want to learn how we can help you grow your consulting business? Schedule your free Growth Session Call today! www.consultingsuccess.com/grow
Mentioned in this episode:
Your 3-Day Blueprint for Consulting Growth in San Diego.
Imagine your future self looking back on the single event that changed everything. The Consulting Success Mastermind in San Diego (April 30 - May 2, 2026) is designed to be that moment. For three days, you'll be surrounded by high-performing peers, world-class mentors, and a community genuinely dedicated to your success. Walk away with strategic clarity and unstoppable momentum.

Create your breakthrough moment. Learn more about the San Diego Mastermind: www.consultingsuccess.com/sandiego

Most consulting firms don't fail because of bad strategy. They stall because the founder becomes the bottleneck. Well, that's why I wanted you to hear from John Quirk, who spent decades inside a consulting firm that grew to eight figures, built extraordinary tenure on the team, and ultimately exited. John lived through the messy middle, hiring mistakes, delivery strain, and leadership gaps, and he helped redesign the business from the inside so that it could grow without breaking.
In this episode, you're going to learn how John shifted from founder-led execution to durable leadership systems, the exact mindset change that allowed the firm to scale past early growth ceilings, and how to build a consulting company people don't want to leave. That's both your employees and your clients. If you want to build a firm that creates leverage, longevity, and real optionality, not just more revenue, you're going to get a lot out of this conversation. Enjoy.
Welcome to the Consulting Success podcast. I'm your host Michael Zipursky, and in this podcast, we're going to dive deep into the world of elite consultants where you're going to learn the strategies, tactics and mindset to grow a highly profitable and successful consulting business.
Before we dive into today's episode. Are you ready to grow and take your consulting business to the next level? Many of the clients that we work with started as podcast listeners just like you, and a consistent theme they have shared with us is that they wished they had reached out sooner about our Clarity Coaching Program rather than waiting for that perfect time. If you're interested in learning more about how we help consultants just like you, we're offering a free, no pressure growth session call. On this call, we're going to dive deep into your goals, challenges and situation and outline a plan that is tailor made just for you. We will also help you identify where you may be making costly and time consuming mistakes to ensure you're benefiting from the proven methods and strategies to grow your consulting business.
So don't wait years to find clarity. If you're committed and serious about reaching a new level of success in your consulting business, go ahead and schedule your free growth session. Get in touch today. Just visit Consulting Success - Grow to book your free call today.