The hottest Consulting Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

How An Informed Minority Took Over The World’s Biggest Firms

High ROI Data Science • 119 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Information asymmetry is when one group knows more than another. This can create unfair advantages in social systems and businesses.
  2. The Werewolf Game illustrates how a small, informed group can control the majority. This game teaches us about strategy and deception in group dynamics.
  3. To protect ourselves from manipulation, we need to build mental firewalls. Knowing about information asymmetry helps us fight back against unfair advantages.

OpenAI Frontier: The Implications

Enterprise AI Trends • 295 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Incumbent vendors are aggressively bundling field engineering and white‑glove services to own the "last mile," which shrinks startups' ability to compete on go‑to‑market.
  2. New enterprise AI platforms that cut integration pain—like bundled agent solutions—make adoption much easier and can quickly displace niche vertical startups.
  3. Client demand for AI-driven cost savings is compressing consulting and services margins, threatening to commoditize the FDE/service model.

A Season of Creative Partnerships

Tech and Tea • 164 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Leaving full-time work opened up creative energy that’s now being poured into collaborative projects with friends, and building together feels energizing and leverages complementary strengths.
  2. Practical offerings have been launched—courses like DRI Your Career and EM Survival Guide plus a fractional leadership firm (Noodle Labs)—all designed to be accessible, hands-on support for early-stage teams and managers.
  3. Making space for creativity is still a priority through a journaling course and small local projects like a neighborhood trinket trade box, emphasizing meaningful, joyful work over things that must scale.

Things are changing round here 🚀

Boiling The Ocean • 19 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. BTO is getting a fresh start with a new look and content focus. This is exciting because it means there will be better and more relevant information.
  2. They are launching a new platform called Cheddar, which makes applying for consulting jobs much easier. It's like having all job listings in one place.
  3. The relaunch will focus on key topics like industry news, AI tools, and job opportunities, and will be sent out every month. This change aims to keep everyone updated and informed.

AI is eating consulting (ft. Accenture, IBM, Gartner, Genpact)

Enterprise AI Trends • 168 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. AI is driving short-term demand for consulting work and firms are adopting AI internally to boost their margins.
  2. Despite that tailwind, weak guidance and management comments suggest AI could flip into a headwind and growth may decelerate into 2027 as services get commoditized.
  3. The bullish trade on consulting has underperformed so far, so investors should closely watch guidance, margin improvements, and whether firms can avoid seat compression before assuming lasting gains.
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Open Thread 366

Astral Codex Ten • 7089 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
đź•ą Technology Consulting
  1. Anyone can share thoughts or ask questions in the open thread. It's a space for discussing anything on your mind.
  2. There are opportunities for people interested in AI safety, including a course that can help you get started in the field.
  3. An AI forecasting project is looking for news outlets to publish articles on future predictions about AI advancements.

Top Links 940 China's export surge. Baby Lenin, involution & Accenture the mega consultancy.

Chartbook • 557 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Chinese exports have increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, but imports have stalled. This change shows a big split in how China is trading with the world now.
  2. The coal industry in China is shrinking, which is a positive step for global climate goals. Many jobs in coal mining have been cut already.
  3. Accenture, a major consultancy, has seen big changes since the pandemic, growing to about 800,000 employees. However, its value has dropped as the demand for consulting services slows down.

The CTO’s Consulting Rate Calculator

The CTO Substack • 499 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Determine your consulting rate based on client revenue and C-Suite salaries. This helps set a fair price for your services.
  2. Consider the complexity of the company and its engineering team size. A larger or more complicated organization may require a higher fee due to increased work.
  3. Always get paid before starting the work. This ensures that clients respect your time and commitment right from the beginning.

This is Math Meets Money

Math Meets Money • 139 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Math Meets Money is a newsletter that helps scientists understand the business world using clear explanations. It's designed for those with scientific backgrounds who want to transition into business roles.
  2. The newsletter addresses common barriers scientists face when entering the business world. These include feeling over-qualified, under-qualified compared to others, and struggling with the specialized language of business.
  3. Readers can expect daily briefings on business terms and concepts, along with deeper dives into case studies and current events on weekends. This is all aimed at empowering scientists to innovate in industry.

New Is The New Black

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1612 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
đź•ą Technology Consulting
  1. Trying new things can be hard, but it's essential for learning. Embrace the unfamiliar instead of being afraid of it.
  2. When you feel lost while learning, take a break. Clearing your mind can help you reset and make connections later.
  3. When you start to understand something, slow down and think carefully. This moment is special and deserves focus.

The Consulting Crash Is Coming

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2170 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Consulting firms, once seen as valuable, might be facing a decline because they are becoming less relevant and more bloated.
  2. Many believe that the work done by consultants often benefits their own profits rather than helping their clients effectively.
  3. With advancements in AI and changes in business needs, the future of consulting is uncertain, and some experts are advising against investing in the industry.

SaaS 2.0

benn.substack • 1534 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Salesforce is more than just a way to store lists; it's also a guide for sales teams on how to navigate complex selling processes. It provides structure to help salespeople do their job better.
  2. Creating a personalized software solution might require more work, but could lead to better results than a one-size-fits-all approach like Salesforce. Custom solutions can fit specific needs more effectively.
  3. Instead of relying solely on software to manage processes, hiring experts can be a better option. Experts can use their knowledge to adapt methods for your unique situation and simplify tasks.

Pity the Harvard Undergrad

In My Tribe • 865 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. AI is quickly taking over jobs that used to be done by humans, especially in fields like law and finance. This means fewer entry-level jobs for new graduates.
  2. Harvard graduates may need to find jobs that mix different skills, like working with people and technology, to stay relevant and employed.
  3. In the future, almost all jobs that rely on writing or analysis will involve software development. Graduates will need to think like software developers to stay valuable in the job market.

Leave the "Casino": You don't need to play silly games as an indie entrepreneur | Q&A with Jessica Lackey | #320

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 98 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Don’t gamble on quick fixes, viral hacks, or pricey masterminds — those are the “casino” tactics where the house usually wins. Focus on real business models and the trade-offs that make them sustainable.
  2. Building a profitable solo business takes time and clear choices, often years of work; prioritize frameworks, consistent long-form content, and relationship-driven sales instead of chasing follower counts.
  3. Operational thinking and repeatable rhythms matter: use frameworks and processes to run your business, and treat products (like books) as leverage that still require years of work and ongoing maintenance alongside active client work.

Proposals Don't Work

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 159 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Creating proposals is hard and often time-consuming because it can be overwhelming to decide what to offer clients. Instead of struggling with proposals, it's better to focus on defining clear services.
  2. Ditching proposals for a scalable pricing model can save time and make it easier to get clients. Using upfront billing means clients agree to your terms right away, like a product purchase.
  3. There are different pricing models you can use, like one-time services, monthly subscriptions, or a mix of both. This way, you can offer consistent services without repeating the proposal process for each client.

Building An Empire

Compounding Quality • 982 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Kelly Partners Group is a professional services firm offering accounting and consulting services.
  2. The company aims to emulate 'The Berkshire Hathaway of Accounting' through strategic acquisitions.
  3. Kelly Partners Group showcased great financial results and expansion, including a move into the United States.

How To Get 40 Hours Daily

Day One • 1058 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Consulting
  1. Prioritize and manage your time effectively to make room for more tasks, even in a busy schedule.
  2. Focus on getting a good night's sleep for increased productivity and take advantage of Kairos moments for important actions.
  3. Implement time blocking by budgeting your time hourly, helping you stay organized and productive throughout the day.

From his brother's couch to $300/hour on Upwork

Kenny’s Sub • 179 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Starting as a freelancer on platforms like Upwork can lead to great success, as experienced by those who raised their rates significantly while building a solid reputation.
  2. Building a strong profile on Upwork is important because positive reviews and job history can make you more visible to clients, even if it costs you some fees.
  3. Handling difficult clients is part of freelancing; offering refunds quickly can help maintain your reputation when problems arise.

Simu Liu Slings Dumplings

Snaxshot • 679 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🍲 Food & Drink Consulting
  1. Simu Liu was seen slinging dumplings at an event, showcasing a celebrity involvement in food production.
  2. SXSW and EXPO events featured interesting trends like the rise of natural sour products and the consumer dictating new products.
  3. Observations included the amount of VC funding at EXPO, celebrity sightings endorsing products, and collaborations between restaurants and emerging brands.

The corporate solopreneur

Kenny’s Sub • 159 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. It's important to understand the context of your clients' businesses. Many small businesses don't have complex plans like big corporations do.
  2. Asking detailed project questions can be unhelpful when working with smaller clients. They may only need basic support for their immediate needs.
  3. Using the right tools for each specific job is crucial. If your current skills don’t fit, it's okay to seek help or adapt your approach.

Leaving Google Cloud

Cloud Irregular • 4878 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
đź•ą Technology Consulting
  1. Leaving a familiar job for the unknown can be both challenging and exhilarating.
  2. At times, there may not be a clear, traditional career path to follow, and you might need to create your own unique journey.
  3. Prioritizing creating things that bring joy to people can drive your career decisions and future goals.

Caterpillar to Butterfly

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1237 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
đź•ą Technology Consulting
  1. As organizations grow, the need for specialist skills becomes more important. It's not enough to have hobbyists; experts are needed to handle complex tasks.
  2. When specialist teams form, their priorities might clash with client teams' needs. Client teams often want quick fixes, while specialists aim for quality work.
  3. To handle increased requests, organizations should empower client teams to solve their own issues. This self-service approach helps manage workloads and creates better efficiency.

Anyone Else Struggling to Keep Up With Data Tools

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 447 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
đź•ą Technology Consulting
  1. Focus on mastering just a couple of technologies each year instead of trying to learn everything at once. It’s better to really understand a few tools well than to have a surface-level knowledge of many.
  2. Start with the basics that won’t go away, like SQL and core principles of data management. New tools can come and go, but some fundamentals will always be important.
  3. Build side projects or engage in real work opportunities to apply what you've learned. Practical experience is one of the best ways to deepen your understanding of data tools.

Amorphous consulting

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 319 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. There are two types of consulting: concrete and amorphous. Concrete consulting is clear and focused on known problems, while amorphous consulting deals with unclear and complex issues.
  2. Amorphous consulting involves starting with open conversations to uncover hidden problems. The consultant learns about the organization’s inner workings that insiders often overlook.
  3. The true value of an amorphous consultant comes from asking the right questions and understanding what clients initially can't see. This helps clarify the scope of the work over time.

A good start

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 239 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Amorphous consulting is about tackling unclear and emerging problems that organizations face. It's often the first step in consulting even if clients don't recognize it or want to pay for it.
  2. Starting with amorphous consulting is cheaper and quicker than hiring a concrete consultant right away. It avoids the lengthy process of re-scoping a project.
  3. Amorphous consultants ask the 'dumb' questions that uncover hidden problems. This approach is useful when there's uncertainty, helping organizations find solutions they didn't even realize they needed.

What Is A Productized Service

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 99 implied HN points • 12 Jun 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Productized services offer a way to package and standardize services, making them easier to sell and manage. Instead of customizing everything for each client, providers can offer fixed services at set prices.
  2. By defining specific services and hiring skilled professionals, businesses can scale their operations. This means they can serve more clients without overwhelming themselves.
  3. Selling productized services can lead to more consistent income through subscriptions or recurring payments. It's a simpler approach that can work for freelancers as well as larger companies.

Should journalists view newsroom buyouts as seed funding?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 324 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Journalists may see newsroom buyouts as a chance to start their own media projects. Instead of just looking for another job, they could use the buyout money to fund something new.
  2. Newsweek is struggling with its subscription plan due to poor content choices and heavy ads. It's a good example of what not to do if you want to build a successful paywall.
  3. Local newspapers owned by Advance Local are thriving online by separating their digital and print brands. They focus on smart choices about which print papers to keep operating.

The Power of Outcomes

Category Pirates • 707 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. As Category Designers, we get paid for outcomes, not for doing a 'good job.'
  2. Understand the power of the outcomes you have delivered in your career to realize your unique Category Superpower.
  3. Leverage outcomes for personal and professional agency to communicate your value effectively and be paid what you're worth.

Stop Building Startups. Start Consulting Instead.

Michael’s Newsletter • 707 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Consider starting a consultancy business instead of a startup as it is more manageable and helps avoid common mistakes.
  2. Consulting allows you to solve real problems, start faster, and serves as a stepping stone to product development.
  3. Leverage your existing network for consulting opportunities, including past clients, recruiters, and real-life communities.

4 Strategies To Elevate Your Communication Style From Engineer To Leader

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 412 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. When communicating with non-technical stakeholders, focus on the impact of your work rather than the technical details. Using clear language helps everyone understand why your projects matter.
  2. Highlight the risks of inaction to motivate decision-makers. Making them aware of potential costs or missed opportunities can encourage them to prioritize your recommendations.
  3. Use analogies relevant to your audience to make complex ideas easier to grasp. Relating technical concepts to familiar ideas can help build understanding and trust.

Do short video clips actually drive value for podcasts?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🎙 Podcasts Consulting
  1. Short video clips can help promote podcasts, but they aren't always super effective. Many people who use platforms like TikTok quickly scroll past videos and may not check out the longer content.
  2. There's a growing interest in bite-sized, polished video content, showing that people enjoy shorter entertainment formats. Companies that create these micro dramas might have better success with manageable budgets.
  3. Creating a diverse strategy for media and content can lead to success, as seen with popular creators building extensive networks. This shows the importance of adapting to trends and engaging audiences in different ways.

đź’ĄOne down, eleven to go...đź’Ą

PETITION • 334 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Recent bankruptcies in the corporate sector include companies like Humanigen Inc., Audacy Inc., and Eye Care Leaders.
  2. GOL Linhas AĂ©reas Inteligentes S.A. filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2024 due to financial struggles and liquidity issues.
  3. In Rite Aid's bankruptcy case, issues arise regarding store closures, conflicts over lease rejections, and negotiations with stakeholders.

A peak behind the curtains of a 20k/month consultancy

Kenny’s Sub • 239 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Balancing client work and personal projects is important. Setting aside specific times or days to work on personal goals can help prevent getting overwhelmed by client demands.
  2. Being genuine and helping others can build strong professional relationships. Sharing experiences and engaging authentically on platforms like LinkedIn can lead to valuable connections.
  3. It's crucial to keep pushing out of your comfort zone. Reflecting on your goals and staying focused on your 'why' can motivate you to pursue long-term ambitions instead of getting stuck in the short-term grind.

Valuable, but not productive

Passing Time • 970 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Many elite graduates end up in consulting and finance jobs, even if they don't know much about these fields. They often choose these paths due to pressure and anxiety about what to do after college.
  2. While jobs in consulting and finance are lucrative, they often don't contribute much to society. The work can feel unproductive and doesn't create a lasting impact or legacy.
  3. These high-stress jobs can lead to burnout and affect personal lives. People may sacrifice their health and relationships for prestige and money, but there are other fulfilling paths to explore.

the double life of brian

Dan Davies - "Back of Mind" • 314 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Consultants working independently may impact the productivity and training investment within companies.
  2. Substituting consultants for employees can create communication challenges and hinder information flow.
  3. The trend of specialists leaving to start consultancies may reflect underlying issues in British industry and government.

TBM 362: How (And Why) We Help

The Beautiful Mess • 370 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. Consulting can either follow a set plan or focus on helping people discover their own solutions. It's important to understand the difference and choose the right approach.
  2. It's normal to feel torn between sticking to the usual ways of doing things and wanting to create real change. Recognizing this struggle is the first step to addressing it.
  3. Being aware of how we show up in our work is crucial. It helps us connect better with others and can lead to more meaningful change.

A thank you to supporters

Disaffected Newsletter • 439 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Consulting
  1. Thanks to supporters, there are special consulting rates available for returning clients and Disaffected supporters. You can get a lower price if you're a supporter or returning client.
  2. Consultation focuses on issues like family dynamics or workplace mistreatment. The consultant aims to help people think through their choices and improve their situations.
  3. If someone can't afford the rates, they are encouraged to reach out for a personalized pricing option. The consultant is willing to work with individuals facing financial challenges.

carry on consulting

Dan Davies - "Back of Mind" • 294 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. The 1970s movie 'Carry On At Your Convenience' offers an interesting but awful look at British class politics and industrial relations.
  2. British industry problems in the film reflect real issues of sclerotic management, militant unions, lack of communication, and reliance on hard currency export markets.
  3. The British miscellaneous professional services sector may have stemmed from individual solutions to underlying institutional problems.

The Rise of the Joint-Mission Startup

Pratap’s Substack • 277 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
đź’Ľ Business Consulting
  1. AI can do much more than just make companies more efficient. It can actually change how we work and team up with machines.
  2. Working together as partners is key for big companies when using AI, not just buying software. They need deep collaboration to succeed in a new AI world.
  3. Startups have a big chance to tackle larger problems by creating complete solutions instead of just quick fixes. This approach can reshape how businesses operate.