Kantata - Podcast Details

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The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 99 - The Talent Illusion of Hiring Stars vs Building Systems w/ Alex Klein and Tom RodenhauserIn the fourth installment of our series with Kennedy Intelligence, Brent is joined again by Alex Klein and Tom Rodenhauser to explore one of the most persistent myths in the professional services industry: the belief that hiring a few “star” performers will unlock growth. Together, they unpack why overreliance on rainmakers can be a dangerous blind spot, the cultural risks of high-profile hires, and the critical importance of building scalable systems and developing talent from within. Key topics covered in this episode:How overreliance on rainmakers limits growth and adds riskUsing clear value propositions, processes, and c...

2025-08-1428 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 98 - Why "Client Love" Isn’t Enough to Scale Your PS Firm w/ Alex Klein and Tom Rodenhauser (Part 3)In this third episode of our series with Kennedy Intelligence, host Brent reunites with Alex Klein and Tom Rodenhauser to break down why “Client Love” alone won’t scale your consulting firm past $30M. They share hard-won insights and practical strategies for shifting from founder-driven relationships to scalable, value-based client engagement.Key topics covered include:The limitations of client satisfaction as a growth metricWhy firms get stuck in the ‘friends and family’ trapFrameworks for pushing back on unprofitable client demandsTackling client concentration riskHow to measure what really mattersOur listeners receive exclusive...

2025-07-3130 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 97 - Innovation Without Compromise: IT’s Role in Securing the AI Future w/ Taison KearneyHow are today’s IT leaders adapting to the breakneck pace of AI and cybersecurity evolution? In this episode of The Professional Services Pursuit, host Banoo welcomes Taison Kearney, Chief Information Security Officer and Data Protection Officer at Kantata. With over two decades of experience, Taison shares how IT teams are shifting from traditional support roles to become strategic drivers in AI governance and cybersecurity leadership.This conversation offers a front-line view into the challenges and opportunities that come with AI adoption, from managing risk and “shadow AI” to building future-ready security teams and becoming a truste...

2025-07-1727 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 95 - Turning Growth into Sustainable Profit: What Top Firms Do Differently w/ Alex Klein and Ramone Param (Part 2)In this episode, host Brent reunites with Kennedy Intelligence’s Ramone Param and Alex Klein for Part 2 of the “Breaking the $30 Million Ceiling” series. This installment dives deep into the nuances of profitability and growth, challenging the conventional wisdom of chasing top-line revenue at the expense of sustainable success.Together, they explore how consulting and professional services firms can transition from founder-led sales to scalable growth engines. The conversation is packed with tactical advice, real-world insights, and candid reflections drawn from decades of experience in strategy, M&A, and high-growth consulting environments.Key...

2025-06-1945 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 93 - The 3 P's to Profit: Proposition, Positioning, and Pricing for Growth w/ Alex Klein and Tom Rodenhauser (Part 1)In this episode, we kick off a new series with Kennedy Intelligence, diving into the challenges and strategies for professional services firms aiming to break through the $30 million revenue ceiling. Throughout this series will be challenging some of the most persistent myths in the consulting growth journey, backed by real stories, real data, and some healthy debate.In this first session Brent is joined by Kennedy Intelligence experts Alex Klein and Tom Rodenhauser to discuss the critical importance of a strong, focused, compelling value proposition, and practical steps firms can take to achieve scalable growth.

2025-05-2238 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 89 - Change Management Strategies: How to Drive Lasting Tech Adoption w/ Melissa KorzunIn this episode of The Professional Services Pursuit, Banoo welcomes Melissa Korzun, Vice President of CX Operations at Kantata. Together, they explore the critical role of change management in selecting, implementing, and optimizing new technology solutions. Melissa shares actionable insights on how to engage stakeholders early, drive adoption, and ensure long-term success beyond implementation. If you're navigating a technology transition, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you manage change effectively.Key topics covered:Why change management is more than a buzzword and how it impacts technology adoption.The best time to start...

2025-03-2730 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 88 - From Data to Decisions: Key Takeaways from the 2025 PS Maturity Benchmark Report w/ Charles GustineIn this insightful episode of The Professional Services Pursuit, Brent sits down with Charles Gustine, Director of Customer and Market Insights at Kantata, to break down the key findings from the 2025 Service Performance Insight (SPI) Professional Services Maturity Benchmark Report. Together, they explore the emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the professional services industry—and, most importantly, how firms can use this data to gain a competitive edge. Whether you're looking to improve operational efficiency, get away from reactive resourcing, or better adopt AI, this episode is packed with strategic insights you won’t want to miss.Ke...

2025-03-1338 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 87 - The 2025 Benchmark Breakdown: What Sets High-Performing Firms Apart w/Dave HofferberthThis episode features a special recording from a recent Kantata webinar with Dave Hofferberth, Managing Director at Service Performance Insights. Each year, the release of the SPI Professional Services Maturity Benchmark Report is a much-anticipated moment for the industry—and this year’s findings are a wake-up call.Dave breaks down what truly sets high-performing firms apart and explores the key industry metrics and trends uncovered in this year’s research. He also shares his optimism for 2025 and why information visibility will be the foundation of future success.Key Takeaways:The five pillar...

2025-02-2738 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 85 - Essential Strategies for Successful Tech Implementation w/ Kurt KilgoreIn this episode of the Professional Services Pursuit, Brent teams up with Kurt Kilgore, the SVP of Global Professional Services at Kantata, to continue our series on simplifying the often daunting process of purchasing technology or software solutions. Together, they explore the complexities involved in buying and implementing tech solutions for businesses. Kurt draws on his extensive experience in professional services to provide valuable insights into the implementation process, highlighting its critical role in driving successful business outcomes.Key topics include:The crucial role of evaluating the service components of a tech...

2025-01-3039 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 80 - A Deep Dive into the State of the Professional Services Industry w/ John RagsdaleIn this insightful episode of the Professional Services Pursuit podcast, host Brent welcomes back John Ragsdale, Distinguished Researcher, Vice President of Technology Ecosystems at TSIA. The conversation dives deep into the key findings from Kantata's State of the Professional Services Industry Report and TSIA's 2024 Technology Survey. Join them as they geek out over some insightful new data and discuss the top trends happening in professional services.Key topics discussed include:Survey insights and market optimism The challenges with legacy PSA tools The importance of data quality and integration for AI implementation The need...

2024-11-1430 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 79 - Ghosts of Projects Past: Professional Services Horror Stories w/ Brent and BanooWelcome 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...

2024-10-3140 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep.78 - Behind the Budget: What Drives CFOs to Invest in InnovationIn 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....

2024-10-1823 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep.77 - SoDA Webinar: Agency Trends and The Cost of Inaction w/ Tom Beck, Deborah Heslip and Louise MartensIn 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 de...

2024-10-0356 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 74 - Mastering Customer Journeys & Career Balance w/ Sabina PonsWelcome 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...

2024-08-2237 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 73 - The Agency Secret: Mastering Value and Growth w/ Anthony GindinIn 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...

2024-08-0830 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 71 - TSIA TECH on Deck Webinar Recording: Redefining Professional Services Technology w/ Jared Haleck and John RagsdaleIn 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...

2024-07-1224 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 66 - Insights into AI Transformation in Professional Services w/ Ken RingdahlKen Ringdahl, Chief Technology Officer at Kantata, joins Banoo on the podcast to discuss AI and its impact on professional services. They dive deep into the benefits and key opportunities that GenAI is creating for PS firms through operational efficiency, how to get started using a phased approach, and how to ultimately use AI to enhance customer and employee experiences. Other topics include:The Gartner GenAI hype cycle and how AI can benefit PS organizationsThe primary focus areas for development and planning in PSThe impact on employee and talent experienceThe risk associated w...

2024-05-0238 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 60 - How Technology Is Transforming Value Delivery for PS Firms w/ Sarah Edwards & Jared HaleckSarah Edwards and Jared Haleck, Chief Product Officers at Kantata, join us to talk about the role of professional services technology in our current market and how it has become so much more than just a way to track margins and operating process.Other topics in this episode include:Why vertical SaaS has become critical to success in modern services businessesHow the staffing manager model has changed and the demands shaping the industryHow technology is impacting, transforming, and keeping pace with the PS value chain

2024-02-0832 min

BBE Music Kantata - HeartbreakerBuy / Stream the album here: https://orcd.co/kantata KANTATA - IT'S HIGH TIME NOW ‘It’s not enough just to play music. You have to hear music, see music, smell music’. Thus Lee Dodou, leader and all-round Main Man of Kantata. Although most sources quote George Darko’s 1983 hit Akoo Te Brofo as the first ‘true’ Burger highlife recording, it’s worth remembering that it was actually Lee Dodou whose voice and guitar also graced that recording. So: who truly had the first Burger hit: George- or Lee? It’s a controversy that has raged down the years in Highlife circles...

2023-11-1706 min

BBE Music Kantata - It's High TimeBuy / Stream the album here: https://orcd.co/kantata KANTATA - IT'S HIGH TIME NOW ‘It’s not enough just to play music. You have to hear music, see music, smell music’. Thus Lee Dodou, leader and all-round Main Man of Kantata. Although most sources quote George Darko’s 1983 hit Akoo Te Brofo as the first ‘true’ Burger highlife recording, it’s worth remembering that it was actually Lee Dodou whose voice and guitar also graced that recording. So: who truly had the first Burger hit: George- or Lee? It’s a controversy that has raged down the years in Highlife circles...

2023-11-1705 min

BBE Music Kantata - Odo Beba (Ateaa)Buy / Stream the album here: https://orcd.co/kantata KANTATA - IT'S HIGH TIME NOW ‘It’s not enough just to play music. You have to hear music, see music, smell music’. Thus Lee Dodou, leader and all-round Main Man of Kantata. Although most sources quote George Darko’s 1983 hit Akoo Te Brofo as the first ‘true’ Burger highlife recording, it’s worth remembering that it was actually Lee Dodou whose voice and guitar also graced that recording. So: who truly had the first Burger hit: George- or Lee? It’s a controversy that has raged down the years in Highlife circles...

2023-11-1705 min

BBE Music Kantata - MonsomBuy / Stream the album here: https://orcd.co/kantata KANTATA - IT'S HIGH TIME NOW ‘It’s not enough just to play music. You have to hear music, see music, smell music’. Thus Lee Dodou, leader and all-round Main Man of Kantata. Although most sources quote George Darko’s 1983 hit Akoo Te Brofo as the first ‘true’ Burger highlife recording, it’s worth remembering that it was actually Lee Dodou whose voice and guitar also graced that recording. So: who truly had the first Burger hit: George- or Lee? It’s a controversy that has raged down the years in Highlife circles...

2023-11-1704 min

BBE Music Kantata - Saturday NightBuy / Stream the album here: https://orcd.co/kantata KANTATA - IT'S HIGH TIME NOW ‘It’s not enough just to play music. You have to hear music, see music, smell music’. Thus Lee Dodou, leader and all-round Main Man of Kantata. Although most sources quote George Darko’s 1983 hit Akoo Te Brofo as the first ‘true’ Burger highlife recording, it’s worth remembering that it was actually Lee Dodou whose voice and guitar also graced that recording. So: who truly had the first Burger hit: George- or Lee? It’s a controversy that has raged down the years in Highlife circles...

2023-11-1705 min

BBE Music Kantata - Feeling So NiceBuy / Stream the album here: https://orcd.co/kantata KANTATA - IT'S HIGH TIME NOW ‘It’s not enough just to play music. You have to hear music, see music, smell music’. Thus Lee Dodou, leader and all-round Main Man of Kantata. Although most sources quote George Darko’s 1983 hit Akoo Te Brofo as the first ‘true’ Burger highlife recording, it’s worth remembering that it was actually Lee Dodou whose voice and guitar also graced that recording. So: who truly had the first Burger hit: George- or Lee? It’s a controversy that has raged down the years in Highlife circles...

2023-11-1704 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 54 - Innovations in Vertical SaaS: The Professional Services Cloud w/ Michael SperanzaOn this episode of The Professional Services Pursuit Banoo is joined by Kantata’s CEO, Michael Speranza. They discuss the dramatic shifts that have taken place in the professional services industry over the past 12 months and the pressure that's placed on businesses. They also dive into how vertical SaaS solutions are reshaping the future of PS and helping organizations to overcome the arduous task of achieving more with less.Other key topics include:The trends and rate of change the industry has experienced in the last 12 monthsTechnologies role in adapting to maj...

2023-11-1520 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 49 - Tools and Frameworks to Tackle Management and Technology Challenges w/ Brad KoehnOn this latest episode of The Professional Services Pursuit, we are joined by the President of Koehn Consulting, Brad Koehn. Brad takes us through the tools and frameworks he coaches leaders on so they can better tackle management and technology challenges in their business.Other topics we also discussed on this episode include:How the downturn is impacting employees in their mid 30’s who might be experiencing this type of downturn for the first timeEmbracing the right level of changeThe framework for change - the 4 R’s

2023-09-0623 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 43 - How to Win Business Without Pitching w/ Blair EnnsOn this episode of The Professional Services Pursuit, we are joined by Blair Enns, esteemed author and founder of Win Without Pitching. Our host Brent Tremble joins Blair to discuss the art of winning deals without the need to pitch for a client. The conversation includes valuable insights from his book, The Win Without Pitching Manifesto, which has sold over 80,000 copies and garnered more than 1,500 5-star reviews on Amazon.Other topics also discussed in this episode include:Where winning without pitching is applicable to a firm

2023-06-0842 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 39 - The Shift in Evaluating the Right Technology Investments w/ Jared HaleckOur hosts come together again for the final session in our 4-part Linkedin Live series to talk with Kantata’s Chief Product Officer, Jared Haleck. In this episode they dive into the importance of employee experience, how technology plays into that, and how the creation and adoption of technology is shifting to be more vertical specific.Other Topics covered in this episode include:Why ROI is no longer the number 1 reason to buy technologyOptimizing user experience to match generational expectationsHo...

2023-04-1330 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 38 - Agency Spending, Strategic Priorities, and Key Industry Trends w/ Tom BeckWelcome back for the 3rd recording from our 4-part Linkedin Live series that Kantata is hosting. In this episode, we talk with Tom Beck, the Executive Director of SoDA (Society of Digital Agencies). Tom talks about the 2023 Digital Outlook Study – an annual study by Forrester and SoDA that delves into spending plans, strategic priorities, and key industry issues from the perspective of marketing and technology leaders. Brent, Banoo and Tom dig into some of highlights from the report and provide an overview of what to expect in 2023 and beyond:Indicators of how co...

2023-03-3026 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 37 - Prioritizing Employee Experience Amidst Labor Volatility w/ Gina HartiganOn this episode of the podcast we bring you another live session from our LinkedIn Live series that is tackling the key trends shaping 2023. From the “Great Resignation” of 2021/2022 to the current situation in 2023, companies have had to swing from increased compensation to layoffs, despite still facing skills gaps and talent shortages. Kantata’s CPO, Gina Hartigan, joins Banoo to discuss these challenges and how to develop a more agile and valued workforce. Other topics covered in this episode are:The multidimensional approach required to overcom...

2023-03-1632 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 36 - How to Optimize Your Business During Uncertain Economic Times w/ Charles GustineOn this episode of the podcast Brent and Banoo are the ones in the hot seat! This live recording from our LinkedIn Live series, “Navigating the Path Forward”, tackles the key trends shaping 2023 and how people, process and technology optimization can future-proof your professional services business. Brent and Banoo are joined by Charles Gustine, Kantata’s Brand Evangelist, who digs into some of the key analyst predictions and research for 2023 and asks them questions based on those insights.Some of the topics covered include:The biggest challenges PS firms are grappling with right nowAdaptive leadershipOptimizing the experience and li...

2023-03-0232 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 35 - Creating a Collective Culture and Enhancing the Remote Employee Experience w/ Christine DunhamWe are excited to bring you another episode of Professional Services Pursuit! This time, Christine Dunham, Senior Director of People Development and Culture at Kantata, joins us to talk enthusiastically about managing company culture, what has been lost and gained in moving to remote work, how to create a collective culture and tools that company leaders can utilize to enhance employee experience.Other topics include:Christine’s background and how she ended up in people developmentSome of the most critical elements we have lost in a re...

2023-02-1632 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 32 - Challenges, Trends and Tips for Leading a Successful Business in 2023 w/ Michael SperanzaOn this episode of The Professional Services Pursuit, we celebrate the one year anniversary of Kantata by having our CEO, Michael Speranza, back on the show. Brent and Michael discuss his experiences over the past year, the challenges he's seen the industry face and the trends and predictions he's seeing moving into 2023.Other topics include:Insight into what clients are struggling with on a daily basisSome assumptions Michael had going into the role of CEO about the industry and market that were either confirmed or surprised him

2023-01-0524 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 30 - The Evolution and Redesign of Modern Marketing and Advertising Needs w/ Lindsey SlabyOn this episode we welcome Sunday Dinner Founder, Ad Age 40 under 40 recipient and brand strategy thought leader, Lindsey Slaby, to the show. Brent and Lindsey discuss how the marketing and advertising industries have evolved over the years and the growing challenges they face. Lindsey is one of the top consultants in the space and pulls the curtain back on the changes big brands need to see from agencies and gives some insight on how to be an essential partner in 2023 and beyond.Some of the other topics we cover in this interview are:

2022-12-0134 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 29 - (Part 1) The Equation for Customer Success According to Gainsight w/ Peter WrideWhat does professional services look like at Gainsight, THE customer success company? How does customer experience influence customer success? How do you get the best customer outcomes? On the latest episode of the Professional Services Pursuit podcast, we tackle all these questions and more as we talk with Gainsight’s Senior Vice President of Professional Services and Upgrades, Peter Wride. Other topics covered include:Peter’s journey to his current role and the most compelling reason why he joined a customer success companySome of Gainsight’s best practices for custome...

2022-11-1725 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 28 - How to Get Optimal Value from the Agency/Client Relationship w/ Bruno GralpoisWelcome to another episode of the Professional Services Pursuit Podcast! In this episode we welcome Bruno Gralpois to the show. Bruno is an author and the industry expert on optimizing agency/client relationships and bringing these best practices to life through technology. Bruno and Brent discuss the evolution of his business, Agency Mania Solutions, and some critical tactics agencies and clients can implement to enhance their relationships and collaborate better. Other topics covered include:Bruno’s journey to an agency relations role and how it led to him writing his book, Age...

2022-11-0325 min

Garso ekspedicija Garso ekspedicija. Philip Miller – apie Kauno kantatą, atmintį ir gimtąją žemę„Garso ekspedicijoje“ - pokalbis su kompozitoriumi ir garso menininku iš Pietų Afrikos Philipu Milleriu, kuris – ir rugsėjo pabaigoje pristatytos Kauno kantatos muzikos autorius. Menininko šaknys Lietuvoje – iš Šiaulių kilę jo seneliai ir proseneliai. Pašnekesys – ne tik apie kantatą, bet ir atmintį, kūrybos koncepcijas, ir paliktą gimtąją žemę.Ved. Rasa Murauskaitė-Juškienė

2022-10-2730 min

KENA PINGGIRNYA KANTATA TAKWAKantata Takwa rilis vinyl! edan2an, tapi kami sudah menduga, sejak mata dewa rilis vinyl, kemungkinan akan disusul oleh swami dan kantata. Dan kejadian. Obrolan kali ini kami ditemani Gusse Kripikpeudeus, yang jaman smp sempat nonton konser Kantata Takwa di Surabaya.

2022-10-231h 08

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 27 - (Part 2) 5 Customer Experience Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making w/ Jessica NobleOn this episode of the Professional Services Pursuit Podcast, we invite back the Head of Strategy and Managing Partner at Magnetic Customer Experience, Jessica Noble! In this continuation of our conversation with Jessica, Banoo dives into Jessica's book, 'The Five Customer Experience Mistakes you don't know you're making that are causing profit erosion.' Other topics covered include:The five critical mistakes that are made by high-growth companiesTactics and strategies to expand your customer base in a healthy wayAnalyzing the impact and solution for each customer experience mistakeThe importance of action and continuous improvementBe su...

2022-10-2017 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 26 - (Part 1) Optimizing Customer and Employee Experience to Find Operational Excellence w/ Jessica NobleWelcome to another insightful episode of the Professional Services Pursuit podcast! In this episode, we were lucky enough to sit down with one of the foremost experts in customer experience, Jessica Noble. In part 1 of this conversation Jessica and Banoo discuss what improving the customer experience looks like today and how improving both your employee and customer experience can play a key role in improving margins. Some other topics covered include:Understanding the mechanics of good customer experienceHow to maintain your margins in an inflationary market The PAIR methodology and how i...

2022-10-0625 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 25 - The Biggest PS Tech Challenges and How Vertical SaaS Is Creating Solutions w/ Charles GustineOn this episode of The Professional Services Pursuit Banoo is joined by Charles Gustine, Brand Evangelist at Kantata. They discuss the findings from a new Forrester research study commissioned by Kantata and Salesforce that helps explain the importance of vertical SaaS, how it is helping professional services organizations solve critical problems and how it is proving to be more effective at moving businesses through the maturity curve. Other talking points include:· A review of the recently released Forester study to provide insights into vertical SaaS· Trending challenges professional services organizations are facing· The benefits of vertic...

2022-09-2240 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 24 - Resource Management Automation Trends and Future Predictions w/ Randy MysliviecIn this episode Brent is joined by Randy Mysliviec, the President and CEO of RTM Consulting and Managing Director of the Resource Management Institute (RMI). They explore the top trends emerging in the industry based on the RMI’s latest research report and Randy’s predictions for the future around resource automation management:The latest survey series results around resource management automationTrends emerging around resource data management Driving down labor costsEmployee engagement at scaleAutomated staffing plansRandy’s predictions for the...

2022-09-0837 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 23 - How to Set Your Professional Services Teams Up for Success w/ Carrie YoungCarrie Young, Vice President of Strategic Solutions at Cority, joins Banoo on the show to discuss how to most effectively utilize your employee base by implementing cross training and expanding the skill sets of your team. Carrie has extensive experience scaling PS organizations and managing demand against capacity and resource optimization. Additional topics discussed include:Understanding and mapping your employee base to identify gaps and synergies; Documenting a clear career path for each employee; People management is not for everyone; The importance of allowing mistakes and providing the tool...

2022-08-2524 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 22 - The Changing Labor Market & Impact of Shifting Talent Pools w/ Brent and BanooOn this special episode of The Professional Services Pursuit, both of our hosts, Brent Trimble and Banoo Behboodi, sit down to discuss the different dimensions of the services industry as it pertains to talent and dive into some recent research on this topic. They also discuss why we are seeing more people taking a less traditional career path, and how services businesses need to adapt to retain their employees. Additional talking points include:● The shifting talent pools● Recent articles and research by Kantata and McKinsey & Company● Strategies that businesses can use to retain good talent●...

2022-08-1332 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 21 - How to Drive Growth and Adoption While Creating Customers for Life w/ Dave YusufJoining us on the podcast is Dave Yusuf, Senior Vice President of Customer Success at Q2. With a successful background in CS and PS, along with many other roles in the services industry, Dave is well versed on the idea of a “customer for life”. Dave talks through the journey to success and the role implementation, support, customer success, and product teams play in this process; including:● Creating a successful cross-team strategy● Determining KPI’s that dictate success● The importance of aligning client success with your company values● Measuring your clients success using a balanced scorecard● P...

2022-07-2823 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 20 - Recruiting in the Digital Age, How to Build Relationships From Home w/ Sean KoganWith his incredible experience in the professional services and recruiting industry, Sean Kogan, co-founder of Recruiting-In-Motion, has seen and heard it all. He shares his knowledge and the trends shaping the evolution of recruitment during this new work from home era. Some of the things discussed include:The impact of the pandemic on recruitment as a wholeHow AI has helped soften the blow to recruitmentBalancing the human-AI interactions to get the best, most efficient resultsSocial media recruitment on LinkedIn, indeed, and others and how it’s assisted the professional services industryThe gig economy vs full-time workforceThe challenges of working fr...

2022-07-1427 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 19 - The Key to Growth, Scale and Success in a Networked Economy w/ Ray GraingerRay Grainger is the Executive Chairman of Kantata. He’s also a professional services leader who is on a mission to reinvent the way businesses deliver work. In this episode Brent and Ray discuss the importance of the networked economy and how it is evolving into a critical element of the IT revolution; Including: The evolution and importance of communicationBusiness conditions and pressures on the service businessAccess to talent networks to ensure client satisfactionSupply chain orientation of optimizing across a talent networkRemoving technological constraintsHow to scale without acquisition Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-06-2832 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 18 - The Key Pillars of Effective Change Leadership w/ Peter HadasWith over 20 years of experience leading change on enterprise-wide transformations, Peter Hadas specializes in providing leaders with practical, measurable solutions to adoption and sustainability challenges. In this episode Peter shares his top tips for managing transformational change, including: Change leadership Setting success criteria early onThe importance of celebrating key milestones Developing a change management networkMaking change management sustainableFollow through with a new processArchiving old processes and developing new habitsEncouragement and performance based reviewsApproaches to adoption and trainingCreativity is key to support adoptionOpenly communicating changesUnderstanding 10-15% will not be onboardAddressing cultural changesThe benefits of remote training Hosted on...

2022-06-0333 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 17 - Introducing Our New Co-Host, Banoo Behboodi!Join us as we welcome in our newest co-host Banoo Behboodi to the Professional Services Pursuit podcast! Brent and Banoo sit down to discuss Banoo's business experience, her insights and what she is looking forward to most with her interviews. We also get to learn a bit more about her favorite books and why she is excited to ask her guests what they are reading right now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-05-1205 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 16 - The Power of More Strategic Pitches and Driving Organic Growth w/ Brent HodginsAuthor, keynote speaker, and Managing Director of Mirren Business Development, Brent Hodgins, joins us on the show to discuss the resilience of agencies and the major growth shifts happening in the industry right now; including:The lasting impact of the Pandemic on the Industry:Historic levels of growthNavigating the changing market conditions The positive shift to organic growthOvercoming the new biz addictionBetter allocating resources for goodUnderstanding qualification in the RFP process…favorite or fillerClient-side marketing vs Marketing AgenciesDNA difference / overcoming the disconnect Balancing business impact and creativityElevating the RFP brie...

2022-05-0432 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 15- Mastering the RFP Process and Winning at Change Management and Adoption w/ Tom SchoenTom Schoen, CEO and President of BTM Global, sat down with us to discuss some of the downfalls of the business requisition process and dealing with procurement, as well as the most overlooked aspect of the implementation process once the business has been won, change management and adoption. Topics included in this discussion are:The ups and downs of the RFP processThe role of procurement for strategic enterprisePlatform and in-strategy services acquisitionsProperly gauging the commitment of new clientsEnterprise software acquisitionsChange Management and adoptionHow to prevent low adoption ratesWhen to begin the change management stage Hosted on Acast. See...

2022-04-2031 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 14 - Productizing Services for Better Utilization and Employee Satisfaction w/ Owen FrivoldBrent sits down with the Co-founder and Executive VP of Strategy at Hero Digital, Owen Frivold. Owen shares what it takes to successfully productize services to better utilize your talent and differentiate where it really matters. Owen expands by discussing the importance of:Setting a North Star vision that aligns with your value systemThe benefits of productizing your agencies services to serve clients and employees betterDefining the foundational elements in your toolboxReinvesting in the people that helped guide your successAdapting in unforeseen situations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-04-0539 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 13 - Top Trends in Resource Utilization w/ Randy MysliviecJoining Matt on this episode is Randy Mysliviec, the President and CEO of RTM Consulting and Managing Director of the Resource Management Institute (RMI). They explore top trends and how organizations can improve their utilization based on the data gathered for the RMI Research Report, including:Training to a standardAllowing your resources to grow and develop without negative influencesBetter increasing utilization in your organizationThe Just-in-Time Resourcing ProcessGetting on the 20-80 StandardThe future with automation solutionsHow automating helped during a global pandemic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-03-2232 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 12 - Improving Agency Operations With Technology, Data, and Automation w/ Bear ForsythHead of Operations at ORM, Andrew “Bear” Forsyth, calls in from the UK to talk to Brent about his journey into operations and his approach to technology, data and change management in a modern agency, including:Bear’s journey from a resource manager at the Olympics to his current roleHis love/hate relationship with spreadsheets and the need for a more reliable solutionSolving the problem of siloed, incomplete dataThe need for automation and how he approaches implementation of new tools The different metrics Bear uses to measure successSelling people on change Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor...

2022-03-0341 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 11 - The 5 Biggest IT Trends Shaping the PS Space w/ Brian SommerSenior Consulting Executive, Author and Founder/President of TechVentive, Brian Sommer, joins Matt Finch on the podcast. Brian has published over 600 articles on the technology space during his career and came on the show to share a countdown of the top 5 biggest IT trends that are shaping the Professional Services industry today, including:The value of legitimate Net Promoter ScoresThe “Age of the Global Service Firm”Why proprietary and standalone internal systems hinder scalability“The End of the Bespoke Era”How advanced technology changes service processes and outcomes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-02-1734 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 10 - Marrying the Art and Science of People and Technology w/ Devon DeBlasioBrent sits down with former Neustar Sr. Director of Product Marketing (now VP of Product Marketing at Infosum) and podcast host, Devon DeBlasio. They take a deep dive into marketing, privacy, and the need for more data science unicorns to bring a human factor to data and automation! The conversation includes:Neustar and Devon’s previous role within the organizationPrivacy within marketingThe big focus on consumer privacy by the government and news organizationsConsumer expectations of advertisersThe importance of transparency to create a better customer experienceHow Neustar approaches identity resolution, and the focus on the householdSolving for the decline of...

2022-02-0347 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 9 - Moving From Financial Charters to Driving Customer Adoption w/ John RagsdaleJohn Ragsdale, Distinguished Researcher and VP of Technology Ecosystems at TSIA, joins Matt once again to talk about the key elements every Professional Services Organization should be focusing on moving into the new year. The conversation includes:“Go Live” numbers and automation of the “Quote to Cash” cycleThe shift from financial charters to driving customer adoptionThe new concept of customer success in cloud technologyProgress on agencies adopting an end-to-end customer experience strategyThe ongoing event of onboardingChief Customer OfficersThe need to look at your technology and resource budgetsIf you would like to explore this topic more, head over to...

2022-01-2038 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 8 - Positioning Your Business for Success while Avoiding Unprofitable Growth w/ Tim WilliamsBrent welcomes founder of Ignition Consulting Group, author, presenter, and “brand doctor for brand doctors”, Tim Williams to discuss his unique perspective on focused business strategies and transformative revenue models. The conversation includes:What it means to be “focused”Having a clear positioning/prospecting strategy and the 4 questions to determine your differentiation The problem of “unprofitable growth” and how it affects firms of all sizesDeveloping a pricing strategy and the importance of shifting from a bottom-up cost basis to pricing the value of expertiseThe issue with the hourly rate structure and the reason for the talent drain in agenciesCreat...

2022-01-0635 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep 7 - Industry Merger Shakes Up the PS Technology Industry: Meet the Leader of the Mavenlink / Kimble OrganizationSpecial guest host and industry insider, John Ragsdale from TSIA sits down with Michael Speranza. It was announced on Wednesday that Michael will be the new CEO of the company formed by the Mavenlink and Kimble merger. In this special episode we explore Michael’s background and answer key questions regarding the merger and the competitive advantage that it will create in the industry. The conversation includes:Michael’s interesting technology background and the career path that lead him to this roleWhat the merger means for ongoing and future product development plansThe day 1 advantage and significant growth opportunity that this...

2021-12-1523 min

The Professional Services Pursuit Ep. 6 - Calibrating Against Change and Developing a Strategic Operations Mindset w/ Melissa KorzunMelissa Korzun, the Managing Director of Client Transformation, Strategy and Operations at TeleTracking joins the show! Host Matt Finch uncovers insights from Melissa on her Professional Services strategy and operations role and the impact it has had on their business; including:Events that led to the development of the Strategy and Operations roleThe importance of balancing focus internally and on clientsTaking stock of operational imperatives to define organizational directionUnderstanding what is traction vs. a distraction The importance of strategic internal communicationGiving teams the visibility and sponsorship to take ownership of projects and solve problems where they existA conversation o...

2021-12-0229 min