Ep. 89 - AI at Zühlke: How to Develop Your AI Competencies With Internal Experimentation - with Melanie Marchant

What is the key to fast and sustainable growth as a boutique consultancy? For Tenthpin Co-founder & Executive Chairman Jürgen Bauer, it's developing a niche focus.In this episode, Jürgen shares the journey behind Tenthpin’s impressive growth, revealing the strategic decisions that have enabled them to achieve consistent 25% year-on-year expansion since their inception in 2017.You'll learn:1. How Tenthpin's niche focus in life sciences drives consistent growth.2. The strategic decisions that fueled their 25% year-on-year expansion.3. The importance of maintaining quality and a strong company culture during rapid growth.4. How Tenthpin's collaboration with SAP led to the development of innovative industry-specific solutions.5. Insights into Tenthpin’s 'go-go strategy' for sustainable and scalable growth.___________Get in touch with Jürgen Bauer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juergenbauer/ Jürgen Bauer's business book recommendations:The Art of Resilience by Ross Edgley | https://amzn.to/472Zsk7 ___________Details about Tenthpin:Website: https://tenthpin.com/Industry: Business Consulting and ServicesCompany size: 201-500 employeesHeadquarters: Basel, CHFounded: 2017___________About the host Sammy Gebele:Sammy and SAWOO offer a B2B community-building service that establishes you as a thought leader in your industry and helps you build genuine, human-to-human relationships with your dream clients.Get in touch with Sammy Gebele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammygebele/ ___________Past guests on the LEADERS IN CONSULTING Podcast include: Friederich von Hurter, Melanie Tobler, Tilman Au, and many more!___________Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us! 

How can you maintain strong client relationships across continents?In this episode, Rudraksh Bhawalkar, Partner at EY, brings a wealth of experience from across the globe. He shares his journey from India to the US, Africa, and finally to Germany, and reveals how he leverages daily networking strategies to stay connected and win clients. Dive into Rudy's proactive approach to networking in different cultures and his unique relationship management techniques.You'll learn:1. Proactive daily networking strategies for sustained client engagement2. The role of cultural understanding in building successful client relationships3. Effective use of LinkedIn and WhatsApp for professional networking4. How to overcome common challenges in international consulting5. Practical tips for balancing client acquisition with relationship building___________Get in touch with Rudraksh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudraksh-bhawalkar-63b7813b/ Business book recommendations:Mindset by Carol Dweck | https://amzn.to/4ceQvpc ___________Details about EY:Website: https://www.ey.com/ Industry: Professional ServicesSize: 10,001+ employeesYear: 1989___________About the host Sammy Gebele:Sammy and SAWOO offer a B2B community-building service that establishes you as a thought leader in your industry and helps you build genuine, human-to-human relationships with your dream clients.Get in touch with Sammy Gebele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammygebele/ ___________Past guests on the LEADERS IN CONSULTING Podcast include: Friederich von Hurter, Melanie Tobler, Tilman Au, and many more!___________Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us! 

What led Implement Consulting Group's Energy and Climate practice to skyrocket from a modest team of 8 to a robust unit of 100 in just five years?In this episode, Senior Partner and Head of Energy and Climate at Implement Consulting Group Christian Romer Vingtoft delves into the dynamic journey of building a pioneering energy unit focused on the energy transition and sustainability agenda. He shares the unique approach that inspired the unit's growth, rooted in the bold and democratic spirit of pirate ships from the Golden Era. Listen as Christian discusses the strategic decisions, innovative practices, and cultural shifts that have underpinned their remarkable expansion.You'll learn:1. How Implement Consulting Group’s  Energy and Climate Practice grew from 8 to 100 employees in five years2. The principles of ‘rebel leadership’ and their impact on team dynamics and growth3. Strategies for fostering a purpose-driven culture in a consulting firm4. The role of integrative negotiations in driving successful energy projects5. Balancing a demanding consulting career with personal life and family commitments___________Get in touch with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianromervingtoft/ or write him an email: [email protected] Business book recommendations:Rebel Leadership | https://amzn.to/4eZAxSc Be More Pirate | https://amzn.to/3xJ9tWy Getting To Yes | https://amzn.to/4bfQDoa Article recommendation:HBR Article “How Will You Measure Your Life?”| https://hbr.org/2010/07/how-will-you-measure-your-life ___________Details about Implement Consulting Group:Website: https://implementconsultinggroup.com/ Industry: Business Consulting and ServicesSize: 1,001-5,000 employeesYear: 1996___________About the host Sammy Gebele:Sammy and SAWOO offer a B2B community-building service that establishes you as a thought leader in your industry and helps you build genuine, human-to-human relationships with your dream clients.Get in touch with Sammy Gebele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammygebele/ ___________Past guests on the LEADERS IN CONSULTING Podcast include: Friederich von Hurter, Melanie Tobler, Tilman Au, and many more!___________Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us! 

Community building has been in H&Z's DNA since day one—so, how are they using this innovative strategy to create authentic human connections and win clients?In today's episode, you'll discover how building authentic human connections can revolutionise your client acquisition strategy. Join Sammy as he sits down with Sven Steinert, CEO of SUSTAINX and Partner at H&Z, and Constanze von Lentzke, Head of Marketing at H&Z Group, to explore the power of community in fostering sustainable growth and meaningful client relationships.You'll learn:1. Why H&Z is doubling down on community building as a client acquisition strategy2. How podcasts, meetups, and LinkedIn form the building blocks of hybrid communities3. How you measure the success of community-building4. The practical challenges of running communities5. The benefits of hiring external expertise when building communities___________Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/ Get in touch with Constanze von Lentzke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/constanzevonlentzke/ Sven Steinert's business book recommendations:Waste to Wealth: The Circular Economy Advantage by Peter Lacy and Jakob Rutqvist | https://amzn.to/3XlegYp Responsible Procurement by Multiple Authors | https://amzn.to/4bUttEs Constanze von Lentzke's book recommendation:22 Bahnen by Caroline Wahl | https://amzn.to/4eiCl8q ___________Details about H&Z Management Consulting:Website: https://hz.group/ Industry: Business Consulting and ServicesCompany size: 201-500 employeesHeadquarters: Munich, BavariaFounded: 1997Details about SUSTAINX:Website: https://www.sustainx.earth Industry: Community ServicesCompany size: 11-50 employeesHeadquarters: Munich, BavariaFounded: 2021Details about The Procurement Initiative:Website: https://www.procurementinitiative.org Industry: Think TanksCompany size: 11-50 employeesHeadquarters: London & MunichFounded: 2022___________About the host Sammy Gebele:Sammy and SAWOO offer a B2B community-building service that establishes you as a thought leader in your industry and helps you build genuine, human-to-human relationships with your dream clients.Get in touch with Sammy Gebele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammygebele/ ___________Past guests on the LEADERS IN CONSULTING Podcast include: Friederich von Hurter, Melanie Tobler, Tilman Au, and many more!___________Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us! 

EY Germany's managed services unit currently accounts for 15% of their consulting revenue, but they have big plans to double that by the end of the year.In this episode, EY Germany Partner & Consulting Managed Services Leader Matthias Bandemer shares why they're rethinking their business model to focus more on managed services. He also digs into the role of GenAI in modern-day consulting, and how they're using it to drive efficiency and innovation.You'll learn:1. Key strategies EY uses to scale managed services2. How AI is transforming EY's consulting practices3. Challenges of aligning partner interests in growth4. Insights into future consulting trends influenced by AI___________Get in touch with Matthias Bandemer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthiasbandemer/ Business book recommendation:Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success by William N. Thorndike Jr. | https://amzn.to/3TYkFFN IT tool recommendation:ChatGPT | https://chat.openai.com/ ___________Details about EY:Website: https://www.ey.com/ Industry: Professional ServicesSize: 10,001+ employeesYear: 1989___________About the host Sammy Gebele:Sammy and SAWOO offer a B2B community-building service that establishes you as a thought leader in your industry and helps you build genuine, human-to-human relationships with your dream clients.Get in touch with Sammy Gebele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammygebele/ ___________Past guests on the LEADERS IN CONSULTING Podcast include: Friederich von Hurter, Melanie Tobler, Tilman Au, and many more! ___________Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us! 

How can your consultancy create and leverage proprietary software? Tim Redgate, Strategy Director & UK Head at Axioned, shares his knowledge.This episode delves deep into the transformative journey of building and leveraging technology within a consulting firm. Tim shares his firsthand experience with developing, funding, and marketing custom software solutions that not only streamline operations but also significantly enhance the market standing of consulting businesses. From the initial ideation to the strategic deployment of resources, Tim outlines the crucial steps for consultancy leaders aiming to innovate and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.You'll learn:1. When to consider building your own software as a consultancy2. The primary incentives behind building your own software3. Practical steps on how to start building software solutions4. How to convert your internal software solution into a standalone product___________Get in touch with Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-redgate/ Business book recommendation:Traction by Gino Wickman | https://amzn.to/3UFcnDc ___________Details about Axioned:Website: https://axioned.com Industry: IT Services and IT ConsultingSize: 51-200 employeesYear: 2006___________About the host Sammy Gebele:Sammy and SAWOO offer a B2B community-building service that establishes you as a thought leader in your industry and helps you build genuine, human-to-human relationships with your dream clients.Get in touch with Sammy Gebele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammygebele/ ___________Past guests on the LEADERS IN CONSULTING Podcast include: Friederich von Hurter, Melanie Tobler, Tilman Au, and many more!___________Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us! 

Eager to use AI in client projects? Try experimenting internally first. Zühlke did exactly that and reduced their discovery process time by 75%. In this episode, Sammy is joined by Melanie Marchant, Head of Digital Consulting at Zühlke. Melanie gives us an insider’s look at how her team is harnessing AI—not just to streamline operations but to revolutionize them completely. She shares valuable insights into how early internal experimentation enabled her to upgrade the company's AI competencies and provide clients with transformative results. You'll learn:1. How Zühlke pilots AI internally to refine client solutions2. The impact of AI on Zühlke's consulting approach3. Strategies for fostering an innovation-centric culture in consultancy4. Melanie's approach to leadership in AI-driven transformation projects___________Get in touch with Melanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniemarchant/ Business book recommendation:How to Get On With Anyone | https://bit.ly/3WvRCMt Mindfulness App recommendation:Clementine | https://www.clementineapp.com/ ___________Details about Zühlke:Website: https://www.zuehlke.com Industry: IT Services and IT ConsultingSize: 1,001-5,000 employeesYear: 1968___________About the host Sammy Gebele:Sammy and SAWOO offer a B2B community-building service that establishes you as a thought leader in your industry and helps you build genuine, human-to-human relationships with your dream clients.Get in touch with Sammy Gebele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammygebele/ ___________Past guests on the LEADERS IN CONSULTING Podcast include: Friederich von Hurter, Melanie Tobler, Tilman Au, and many more!___________Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us! 

From the gritty streets of law enforcement to the cutting edge of digital asset consulting, how does one navigate such a dramatic career shift?In this episode, we sit down with Scott Pounder, Managing Director — Blockchain and Digital Assets at FTI Consulting, who shares his journey from law enforcement to leading digital asset and blockchain initiatives in a global consulting firm. Scott delves into the transition, highlighting how skills honed in law enforcement have empowered him in the corporate world, particularly in blockchain and digital assets management. He opens up about the intricacies of building trust and value with clients and the strategic nuances of operating within a large consultancy.You'll learn:1. Effective strategies for transitioning between diverse career paths2. Applying law enforcement skills in a corporate context3. Techniques for building and maintaining client trust4. Insights into managing a specialized team across different regions___________Get in touch with Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-pounder-50730a90/ IT tool recommendation:Crystal Expert Blockchain Analytics Tracing tool | https://crystalintelligence.com/ ___________Details about FTI Consulting:Website: https://www.fticonsulting.com/ Industry: Business Consulting and ServicesSize: 5,001-10,000 employeesYear: 1982___________About the host Sammy Gebele:Sammy and SAWOO offer a B2B community-building service that establishes you as a thought leader in your industry and helps you build genuine, human-to-human relationships with your dream clients.Get in touch with Sammy Gebele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammygebele/ ___________Past guests on the LEADERS IN CONSULTING Podcast include: Friederich von Hurter, Melanie Tobler, Tilman Au, and many more!___________Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us! 

Bringing on partners is a substantial investment and a risky growth strategy. Cultural clashes, loss of control, competitive issues — there's plenty that could go wrong. EGC has made it work for them, however, with their teams in German-speaking markets having doubled since Norman Weisser joined the company.In this episode, we are joined by Norman Weisser, Partner at EGC Eurogroup Consulting Germany. Norman shares the secrets behind their strategic expansion. He discusses the advantages of their partner-owned model, innovative approaches to business growth, and the critical role of corporate culture in maintaining a robust consulting firm amidst fierce market competition.You'll learn:1. Strategies for maintaining low attrition in consulting2. Advantages of a partner-owned business model3. Integrating technology and innovation effectively4. Building a corporate culture that fosters growth5. Adapting management for effective scaling___________Get in touch with Norman Weisser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norman-weisser-3391b781/Business book recommendation:Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann | https://bit.ly/4452xif IT tool recommendation:DALL-E | https://openai.com/dall-e-3 ___________Details about EGC:Website: https://www.eurogroupconsulting.deIndustry: Business Consulting and ServicesSize: 51–200 employees___________About the host Sammy Gebele:Sammy and SAWOO offer a B2B community-building service that establishes you as a thought leader in your industry and helps you build genuine, human-to-human relationships with your dream clients.Get in touch with Sammy Gebele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammygebele/ ___________Past guests on the LEADERS IN CONSULTING Podcast include: Friederich von Hurter, Melanie Tobler, Tilman Au, and many more!___________Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us! 

Ready to expand your consultancy business to the Middle East? IFZA make it simple.In this episode, host Sammy Gebele sits down with Diego Michel, Head of International Business Development at IFZA Dubai. Diego shares valuable insights on why Dubai is a prime hub for accessing emerging markets across the Middle East, Northern Africa, and Central Asia. He explains how IFZA facilitates seamless business setup and expansion, making Dubai an attractive destination for consulting firms and their clients. Diego also highlights the advantages of living and working in Dubai, drawing from his personal experiences and the vibrant expat community.You'll learn:1. The strategic benefits of using Dubai as a business hub2. How consulting firms can partner with IFZA for mutual growth3. Cultural insights and the positive perception of German businesses in the region4. The lifestyle and infrastructural benefits of living in Dubai __________ As sponsors of the LEADERS IN CONSULTING Conference on the 27th of June in Munich, IFZA is hosting an exclusive workshop for consultancy leaders who want to tap into global market opportunities in Dubai and the Middle East.🎟 Don't miss it: Tickets available here: https://www.leadersinconsulting.com/register-conference-2024 Get in touch with Diego on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diego-michel-4ba421111/ or write him an email: [email protected] Business book recommendations:The Art of War by Sun Tzu | https://amzn.to/3V0NLpH ___________Details about IFZA:Website: https://ifza.com/en/ Industry: Government AdministrationSize: 201-500 employeesYear: 2017___________About the host Sammy Gebele:Sammy and SAWOO offer a B2B community-building service that establishes you as a thought leader in your industry and helps you build genuine, human-to-human relationships with your dream clients.Get in touch with Sammy Gebele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammygebele/ ___________Past guests on the LEADERS IN CONSULTING Podcast include: Friederich von Hurter, Melanie Tobler, Tilman Au, and many more!___________Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us!