The 2x2 for Consultants – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Leslie Elliott, Poolie CEO and mom of four, is a business builder. And it seems her son is also wired for it.

It started when she found a half-empty twelve-pack Sprite in her 6th grader’s backpack. She asked James about it, and he said he goes to an H-E-B before school and sells soda to his friends.

He made $20/day and called it SchoolDash. This is when Leslie knew she has an entrepreneur in the house.

Now, James is onto his second business venture: Grove Flower – a flower delivery subscription service for assisted living residents.

In this episode, we talked about recognizing that your child is afflicted with the curse of entrepreneurship and nurturing it in a positive way. We also exchanged business ideas that we think kids can start today.

How well do you understand your work?

In this conversation, Wes Wheless shares his journey from being a consultant to helping other independent consultants articulate their expertise through visual communication. He discusses the challenges consultants face in defining their niche and the importance of intellectual property in establishing a unique brand.

Wes emphasizes the power of visual metaphors and frameworks in communicating complex ideas simply and effectively, ultimately helping consultants connect with their clients on a deeper level.

This is what networking looks like beyond the handshake.

I sat down with Melissa Aarskaug, host of Executive Connect, to talk about building meaningful relationships, leading with purpose, and how personal branding surfaces—regardless of your industry.

We also got into mentorship, giving back, and the lessons that come from the toughest parts of a career.

What is customer success actually and where is it headed?

I sat down with Pablo Bernal, former product leader at Microsoft, to talk about the shift from reactive support to proactive services, and how AI is reshaping the way we align technology with real customer goals.

We also got into Pablo’s sabbatical, career transitions, and what the future of the industry might look like with AI at its disposal.

Client work is only half the business. The other half? Contracts and rates. 

After working with hundreds of consultants, I realized that the ones who last aren't just talented. They know how to run the business side too. They know what agreements they make and how they set their rates. 

And so, we made a special podcast episode for it — all the common questions I get asked about contracts and rates.

What does creativity have to do with consulting?

Paige Darby and I sat down with Susie deVille to talk about how tapping into intrinsic energy can change the way we lead, collaborate, and grow.

We also got into Susie’s leap into indie consulting, the Kolbe assessment, and why adding play to your process actually sharpens performance.

Here's why you should treat your indie practice like a startup.

I sat down with Pedro Girardi to talk about his journey from BCG and Delivery Hero to independent consulting—and the resilience it takes to make that leap.

We got into the value of strong networks, co-working spaces, and staying grounded through big transitions.

What’s a day in the life of a fractional CRO like?

I sat down with Kristi Gaudioso to talk about her move from Microsoft to indie leadership—and what it takes to drive revenue without being full-time.

We covered sales strategy, adaptability, and why community and collaboration matter more than ever in the fractional world.

Hey—I’m Lauren Wambold Patel, and this is The 2x2 Podcast.

If you’re an independent consultant, strategist, or fractional exec who’s serious about building your business—not just picking up gigs—this channel is for you.

I’ve built an eight-figure consulting firm from the ground up. No agency model. No corporate safety net. Just the real work of building something sustainable, scalable, and entirely my own.

Every week, I bring you deep conversations with top independent consultants—people who’ve gone from big firms or executive roles to building successful businesses on their own terms.

We talk about how they:

• Land clients without chasing
• Set your rate in line with value 
• Balance client work with the admin of running your own business
• And scale from solo to microfirm—without burning out

This isn’t a motivational channel.

This is the actual playbook—built for deep thinkers, expert operators, and people who want more autonomy and more control.

So if you’re ready to move your consulting business up and to the right, hit subscribe and dive in.

Can you keep climbing the corporate ladder after it collapsed?

Anna Wondany did. And so can fractional executives.

She' s a fractional CMO and the founder of Hey CMO, a fast-growing network for marketing leaders who want independence without isolation.

In this episode, we talk about what it means to work fractionally, how to prevent your own competence from drowning you, and why always saying yes might be your smartest move.