Most consultancies want to “use more tech,” but end up trapped in spreadsheets, scattered SaaS tools, and duct-taped automations that create more friction than they remove.

In this episode of The Consultancy Edge, Matt Hodkinson sits down with Patrick Kelly-Weller, founder of Adapt Digital, to unpack what smart, practical digital evolution actually looks like for consultancy firms.

Patrick shares the real difference between automation and AI, how to decide between off-the-shelf tools and bespoke solutions, and why so many consultancies slow themselves down by overcomplicating simple processes. He also talks about vibe-coding with AI, the hidden pitfalls of DIY tech builds, and what a modern consultancy website should really be doing.

If you're thinking about productising your IP, tightening up delivery, or replacing your internal maze of spreadsheets and manual admin, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen now and learn how to make work smoother, simpler, and far more scalable.

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In this episode of The Consultancy Edge, I sit down with Danielle Heward, co-founder of Optimo, to unpack what it really takes to build — and sustain — a values-driven consultancy in a challenging market.

We cover:

• Danielle’s journey from contractor to consultancy founder
• How she built Optimo around purpose, impact, and operational excellence
• Why so many consultancies are struggling right now — and what to do about it
• The power of visibility: events, networking, and showing up consistently on LinkedIn
• How AI is reshaping consultancy delivery (and the ethical questions that come with it)
• Practical, real-world lessons for staying sane, staying focused, and staying in business

If you’re a solo, micro, or boutique consultancy leader trying to find your edge, this conversation is packed with grounded, honest insight.

👉 Subscribe for more episodes, frameworks, and strategies to sharpen your consultancy’s positioning and performance.

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Consultancies are already being outplayed on LinkedIn and beyond - not because their expertise is weaker, but because they’re invisible on video.

In this episode of The Consultancy Edge, I’m joined by John Wilson of Honest Video and Explainer to unpack exactly how consultancies can use video to build authority, shorten sales cycles, and stay top-of-mind with the right buyers.

We cover everything from iPhone-level DIY to agency-produced thought leadership and explainer videos - plus how to stay consistent when you’re already flat out with client work.

🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why founder-led video is now a non-negotiable for ambitious consultancies
• How to turn your expertise into thought leadership content without overthinking it
• The truth about production value vs just getting content out
• Simple setups for DIY video (Zoom, phone, lighting, audio) that still protect your brand
• How to use webinars, podcasts and live sessions as content engines for months
• Where different types of video belong in your marketing & sales funnel
• Why consistency beats cinematic polish for winning trust and inbound opportunities
• How to think about attribution when nobody is liking or commenting, but everyone is watching
• The smart way to use AI as a production helper, not as a content replacement

And of course we wrap up with our signature segment: Snog, Marry, Avoid - John’s quick win, long-term keeper, and what to ditch right now in your video strategy.

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