Description

From the C-suite perspective: How a conscious decision to be OneStream-only transformed a consulting firm into a product powerhouse

Randy Werder, CEO and Co-founder of Black Diamond Advisory, says BDA isn't just another consulting success story—it's the strategic blueprint of how to build a modern technology services company.

The OneStream-Only Decision

Randy shares the pivotal moment when BDA's founders made a controversial choice: they would only do OneStream. No Oracle, no Anaplan, no hedge bets. Coming from a previous firm where competing technologies created constant internal conflict, they saw opportunity in complete commitment.

Key insights from the CEO:

• Why "all boats rise together" became more than a slogan—it became business strategy
• The three-tier progression: demo assets → accelerators → products (and why most firms stop at tier two)
• How speed-to-value became their competitive advantage: "I don't want to spend X dollars to see benefit in two years"
• The accordion rolling forecast origin story: when FP&A impatience drives innovation
• Building external value from internal excellence: how their COE became the Expert Roundtable

The Growth Journey Reality Check

Randy gets refreshingly honest about scaling pains: "Everything breaks at 100 people." He shares the specific challenges at 20, 50, and 100+ employees, and how maintaining culture while scaling requires constant reinvestment in what matters most.

Looking Forward: AI and the Next Bet

While others are nervous about AI disruption, Randy is "excited" because "with any innovation, there's opportunity." He reveals BDA's investment strategy around AI and machine learning, OneStream's potential IPO, and why he's doubling down on the OneStream bet.

The Human Element

Perhaps most compelling is Randy's focus on people over process. He shares stories of "overly collaborative" culture (where 50 people respond to help requests), the Expert Roundtable's nail-biting launch moment (when all pilot participants initially ghosted the paid version, then signed up within 24 hours), and why innovation became a core company value.

Perfect for executives considering technology partnerships, anyone curious about strategic decision-making in professional services, or leaders thinking about how to scale culture alongside growth. This is strategy from the C-suite, with the honesty that only comes from someone who's lived through every growth stage.