The 3 Best Podcasts for Consultants

Estimated Reading Time: 19 minutes

Download the article as a PDF:

 **Updated in 2024

-----------

Introduction

When I first started out as an independent consultant, I didn't think of myself as a consulting business owner. Instead, I thought I was just leveraging consulting to fill in a gap between consulting roles. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with every aspect of consulting, helping my start-up clients operationalize and scale.

At the same time, even though I loved the consulting delivery work, I felt incompetent as a business owner.

I didn't know how to market, sell, or price my consulting work. I made so many mistakes.

It took time, but I came to realize that I needed to build up business development and business owner skills if I was going to succeed as an independent consultant.

That's when I started to dive into podcasts, books, webinars, and anything else I could get my hands on to help me fill in the gaps and learn to be a successful business owner.

I want to help you do the same.

Whether you're looking for podcasts that will help you transition into consulting or you're already a consultant who's looking to uplevel your skills, I've curated this list of consulting podcasts just for you.

Here’s a list of the best podcasts for consultants, to help you strengthen your business owner skillset and ultimately grow your consulting business with confidence.

1) Grow Your Independent Consulting Business Podcast with Melisa Liberman

Introduction to the podcast

This is my podcast, so it might seem bold to list it here as #1. I'm obviously most familiar with my podcast because I record it every week. But, what I will say warrants it being here as the #1 on the list of best consulting podcasts is the feedback I get from listeners. I hear from listeners on a weekly basis about how the podcast has helped them launch their consulting businesses, grow their consulting businesses, and transition into boutique consulting firms. They tell me they most value the combination of practical tips, actionable strategies, and implementable mindset that I share on a weekly basis.

With that said, here's the more formal description for you:

Grow Your Independent Consulting Business is one of the best podcasts for independent consultants. Melisa Liberman is a business coach for independent consultants, and she distills her expertise into actionable weekly episodes. The typical episode is around 30 minutes long and is a combination of actionable strategies, consulting business owner mindset tools, and guests that share their unique knowledge on growing an IC business.

Podcast topics

Melisa covers various topics of interest, including her popular episodes on:

• a two-part series on launching a consulting business (part 1 and part 2)
• lead generation for independent consultants
• the business plan for independent consultants
• sales mindset shifts for independent consultants
• overcoming undercharging for independent consultants
• consulting service offering mistakes to avoid
• turning your consulting business into a Center of Excellence
• the path to build a $1M solo consulting business

Some of her podcast guests include:

• Will Bachman on consulting business owner fundamentals
• Jennifer Lemmert discussing personal branding for independent consultants, and
• LeAnne Lagasse on how to create compelling consulting offers
• McLean Robbins on the State of Independence

Why you should consider subscribing

Grow Your Independent Consulting Business is one of the few podcasts focusing on independent consultants interested in scaling their businesses.

The topics discussed concern the unique challenges independent consultants face in growing their consulting practices.

Because of this, you will find insights on niche topics that you won’t find anywhere else.

Think of every episode as a new lesson; each episode comes with accompanying resources and assessments by Melisa Liberman, such as the Independent Consultant’s Business Growth Scorecard.

2) Unleashed, hosted by Umbrex Co-Founder Will Bachman

Introduction to the podcast

Unleashed - How to Thrive As An Independent Professional provides a variety of tools, strategies, and case studies to thrive as an independent consultant - both as a business owner and as a practitioner.

One podcast reviewer best sums it up - “From very short episodes on indispensable tools and tricks of the trade to more in-depth interviews with consulting practitioners to academics to industry thought leaders, the nearly 400 (and counting) episodes each bring value to the listener. Very highly recommended.”

Podcast topics

The podcast covers a wide range of topics that are important to the independent consultant, such as:

• Setting Fees
• Health insurance for independent consultants
• Writing Proposals

Will Bachman, the host, also interviews a variety of independent professionals and other professionals who support independents, such as:

• Gabe Nelson a Financial Planner for Solopreneurs
• Michael Katz on Business Newsletter Best Practices

Why you should consider subscribing

Will combines his deep expertise in selling and delivering consulting, with a sense of humor and sarcasm. The podcast is both informative and entertaining.

3) Consulting Success®️ with Michael Zipursky

Introduction to the podcast

The Consulting Success® Podcast provides interviews targeted at helping consultants grow profitable and successful consulting businesses.

Podcast topics

The podcast covers topics such as:

• Non-profit consulting
• The future of consulting
• How to become a rainmaker

Why you should consider subscribing

This interview-style show provides a wide range of interviewees, including consultants who have built thriving businesses to people who run businesses that support consultants. It’s an informative show, especially for those who are looking to grow a large consulting business or agency.

What podcasts do consultants listen to for industry insights?

McKinsey Podcast

Introduction to the podcast
The McKinsey Podcast delivers strategic insights and practical advice from McKinsey & Company’s top experts, specifically curated for consulting business owners. Whether you’re scaling your consulting firm, refining your service offerings, or navigating complex client challenges, this podcast provides valuable content to help you elevate your practice.

One podcast reviewer captures it well: “With focused discussions on consulting business growth, client management, and market trends, the McKinsey Podcast is indispensable for consulting entrepreneurs who want to stay competitive and informed.”

Podcast topics
The podcast covers a wide array of topics that are particularly relevant to consulting business owners, such as:

- Scaling your consulting business
- Building and managing client relationships
- Navigating digital transformation for your clients

The hosts also feature interviews with seasoned consulting leaders and industry experts on topics like:

- Strategies for sustainable business growth
- Best practices in pricing and proposal development
- Managing risk and uncertainty in consultancy

Why you should consider subscribing
As an independent consultant or boutique consulting firm owner, it's important to stay up to date on the trends and the industry. McKinsey is often viewed as the gold standard and, at times, may even be your competitor. As a result, it can be valuable to have this podcast on your playlist. The McKinsey Podcast offers a blend of strategic insights and actionable advice, tailored to the unique challenges faced by consulting business owners. Its expert analysis and real-world applications make it an essential tool for those looking to grow and sustain a successful consulting practice.

HBR IdeaCast

Introduction to the podcast
The HBR IdeaCast podcast provides access to the latest ideas and research from Harvard Business Review, offering valuable insights for solo consultants who are looking to refine their business strategies, stay informed on industry trends, and enhance their professional development. While not exclusively tailored for consulting business owners, the podcast covers a wide range of topics that can help solo consultants improve their practice and offer more value to their clients.

One podcast reviewer notes: “With a broad spectrum of topics and expert interviews, HBR IdeaCast serves as a rich source of inspiration and practical advice, making it a go-to resource for solo consultants who want to stay competitive.”

Podcast topics
The podcast addresses a diverse array of topics that solo consultants can benefit from, such as:

- Leadership and personal effectiveness
- Innovation and strategic thinking
- Understanding market and economic trends

The hosts also engage with leading thinkers, business experts, and academics on subjects like:

- Developing a personal brand as a consultant
- Effective negotiation and communication skills
- Insights on emerging business challenges and opportunities

Why you should consider subscribing
While the HBR IdeaCast podcast is not exclusively focused on consulting, its wide-ranging content offers solo consultants a wealth of knowledge that can be applied to their businesses. The combination of expert insights and practical advice makes it a valuable tool for solo consultants who are looking to sharpen their skills, expand their knowledge, and stay ahead in a competitive marketplace.

Future of Work

Introduction to the podcast
The Future of Work podcast explores how work is evolving in the modern era, offering insights that are particularly valuable for solo consultants who need to stay ahead of trends and adapt their business strategies. While the podcast covers a broad array of topics, it provides actionable ideas and perspectives that can help solo consultants future-proof their practices and better serve their clients in a rapidly changing environment.

One podcast reviewer highlights: “With its focus on the latest trends and the shifting dynamics of work, the Future of Work podcast is a must-listen for solo consultants who want to anticipate changes and leverage them for their business growth.”

Podcast topics
The podcast delves into a variety of subjects that are relevant to solo consultants, including:

- The impact of technology on consulting work
- Remote work and digital collaboration tools
- Adapting to new client expectations and business models

The host also interviews thought leaders, futurists, and business executives on topics such as:

- Strategies for maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing market
- Building a resilient consulting practice
- The future skills consultants need to develop

Why you should consider subscribing
The Future of Work podcast provides solo consultants with insights into the trends that will shape the future of their industry. It helps you get into the head of your ideal consulting buyers. By staying informed about these shifts, solo consultants can better position themselves to capitalize on emerging opportunities, ensuring their businesses remain agile and competitive in a dynamic marketplace.

Smart Consulting Sourcing

Introduction to the podcast
The Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast offers a powerful glimpse into the minds of consulting buyers, making it an invaluable resource for solo consultants looking to refine their approach to client acquisition and service delivery. Hosted by Hélène Laffitte, an expert in consulting procurement, this podcast helps solo consultants understand what clients are really looking for, how they make decisions, and how to align their offerings with buyer expectations.

One podcast reviewer describes it best: “By revealing the thought processes and priorities of consulting buyers, the Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast equips solo consultants with the knowledge they need to win more business and deliver exactly what clients value.”

Podcast topics
The podcast covers a range of topics that are crucial for solo consultants who want to better understand and meet the needs of their clients, such as:

- The key factors consulting buyers consider when selecting a consultant
- Common pitfalls in consulting proposals and how to avoid them
- Best practices for building long-term client relationships

The host also provides insights into specific aspects of consulting procurement, discussing:

- How to differentiate your services in a competitive market
- The importance of aligning with the client’s strategic goals
- Trends in consulting procurement and what they mean for solo consultants

Why you should consider subscribing
The Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast offers solo consultants a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of their potential clients. By understanding the buyer’s perspective, solo consultants can better position themselves to win contracts, tailor their proposals to client needs, and build stronger, more profitable relationships. This podcast is a must-listen for those who want to enhance their consulting business by truly understanding what drives client decisions.

Next steps & resources

In this article, we explore some of the best podcasts for consultants, specifically tailored to help solo consultants and small consulting business owners enhance their practices. From gaining a deep understanding of consulting buyers' mindsets to staying ahead of industry trends, these podcasts offer valuable insights and practical advice. Whether you're looking to refine your client acquisition strategies, stay informed about the future of work, or learn from top industry experts, these podcasts provide the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the competitive consulting landscape.

In addition to these podcasts, here are two specific actions you can take to further elevate your consulting practice:

1. Find 1 to 2 Podcasts Specific to Your Industry and/or Discipline: In addition to the general consulting podcasts listed, I recommend finding 1-2 podcasts that are directly related to the industry or discipline in which you consult. These will keep you informed about industry-specific trends, challenges, and opportunities, allowing you to better serve your clients and position yourself as a thought leader in your niche.

2. Consider My Coaching Program for Consultants: While listening to podcasts is a great way to gain insights, effectively implementing the concepts you hear in your business is another challenge altogether. My coaching program is designed to help you apply these strategies specifically to your consulting business without taking on approaches that aren't suitable for where you are in your business lifecycle or growth path. With tailored guidance, you can confidently apply the right strategies to achieve your specific goals and drive sustainable growth.