Part 2: A bit about my journey for Young Change-makers

Part 2 of a series of posts for young professionals and entrepreneurs. Reflections from 12 years as a freelance innovation and strategy consultant in an increasingly chaotic world.

As I mentioned in my last post, to find your niche, you need to explore diverse work first, then narrow your focus.

In the early days of my consulting career, I spent a few years helping startups create fundraising pitches—not just filling out template slides, but working closely with founders to refine their vision, business model, strategy, product features, and pricing. This often took 1-4 months of deep collaboration.

The result? Leaders confidently pitch businesses alone, some securing funding, and others having a better business model to grow.

The ecosystem was filling fast with services that offered to create slick investment decks, at a fraction of my fees. Thankfully my offering was differentiated.

I helped clients rethink and refine their businesses. Many clients could easily afford the best global firms, but thankfully chose me for my direct, no-nonsense approach. Many wouldn’t have cared if I didn’t give them a deck at the end of the project! Because they had more. In one case, thrilled with the improved focus and company direction we had got, a client simply sent my minimalist presentation to a designer in Europe to jazz up, in case that’s what some investors expected.

And on my part, this involved being ruthlessly blunt with clients. I have shouted at one or two if they didn’t respect their company or my time enough. I’ve made fun of some to convey hard truths on matters that were hurting their business. To me, client’s companies come before them. Even when they might mix up their priorities. Better me pointing out tough truths in private than an investor or competitor later in public.

Lesson for you, when faced with choices, always consider the more challenging but growth one. It’ll improve your tolerance for challenges, letting you take on high-impact, exciting opportunities later on that many others wouldn’t dare consider. Or be considered for.

There will always be others in your niche. So, don’t remain just another. Always focus on what can set you apart. Know your difference so you can make a difference to those you serve.

Anyhoo, I stopped that service in 2017 in pursuit of the next challenge. More on that in subsequent posts.

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I have grown over investment pitches. And after working with many services business, my current focus is on consumer product companies.
And current services include a 30-minute virtual consult call, and innovation and strategy consulting engagements.
I guide product teams on non-tech aspects of innovation and growth, which include understanding your customer needs better, assist in better testing of prototypes and gathering feedback, and on helping you develop a more differentiated product. The result would be better than average prospects of business growth and profitability, and more importantly, (your) customers delight.

Get in touch if you are a product/ innovation leader and could use some assistance in creating your next great product.

Click here to book a consult session.