Art of Consulting Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Art of Consulting podcast, where we take deep dives into the personal and professional journeys of some of the most inspiring leaders in the industry. In today's special installment, we are thrilled to welcome none other than Ms. Pat Kaiser. Pat is a beacon of dynamic leadership, known for her hands-on approach and her uncanny ability to foster high-performing teams. Her extensive background covers a gamut of functions including operations, marketing, sales, IT, HR, risk management, and mergers and acquisitions, making her insights invaluable. Join us as we explore Pat's storied career, her role in shaping successful organizations like Agilus Work Solutions, and her profound impact on the community through her board positions with the Calgary Homeless Foundation and the Alberta Electric System Operator. Get ready for a session rich in wisdom, lessons learned, and strategies that drive both personal and organizational success.

00:13 Introduction:
Welcome to the Art of Consulting podcast! In today's episode, we introduce Ms. Pat Kaiser, an inspiring leader and mentor to many. Pat's diverse background encompasses operations, marketing, sales, IT, HR, risk management, and M&A activities. She sets the stage for a deep dive into her remarkable career journey.

00:55 Pat Kaiser's Role at Agilus:
Pat Kaiser served as the president of the Office Professionals and Light Industrial team at Agilus Work Solutions. Her commitment to building diverse, flexible, and resilient workforces is a testament to her leadership and passion for fostering collaborative environments that drive results.

01:52 Pat's Community Involvement:
Beyond her corporate role, Pat is actively involved in the community, contributing her expertise as the board chair of the Calgary Homeless Foundation and a board member of the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO).

02:42 Pat's Career Beginnings:
Pat shares the serendipitous start to her career in IT consulting, which began with a neighbor's suggestion and led to her landing a job with Montage, a pivotal moment that would shape her career path.

03:29 Pat's Progression at Montage:
Pat quickly moved from salesperson to branch manager at Montage, highlighting her natural leadership and operational skills that catalyzed the branch's success.

05:32 Sales Experience in IT:
Pat discusses the parallels between sales and consulting, emphasizing the importance of networking, relationship building, and being a trusted partner to clients.

07:31 Consulting Insights:
Drawing on her sales experience, Pat offers valuable advice to consultants on the importance of collaboration, establishing credibility, and the significance of strong work ethics.

08:18 Building Relationships:
The discussion delves into the role of authenticity and the incremental process of building trust and forming lasting professional relationships.

10:10 Leadership and Team Building:
Pat reflects on her ability to bring people together, the power of collaborative vision, and the joy she finds in creating a work culture that values and uplifts its members.

15:40 Pat's Time at Enable and Sierra Systems:
Pat's journey took her from Enable to Sierra Systems, where she led as COO for nearly a decade, stressing the critical role of corporate culture and her efforts to replicate the vibrant environment she cherished at Montage.

19:57 Transition and Sale of Business:
Pat outlines the strategic process of preparing and selling Sierra Systems to NTT Data Services, providing insight into the complexities of M&A activities involving multiple international branches.

22:30 Transition to Agilus Work Solutions:
After the sale of Sierra Systems, Pat moved to Agilus Work Solutions, where she continued her executive trajectory, showcasing her expertise in corporate development and leadership.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:13 - Introduction of Pat Kaiser's vast experience in various leadership roles.

• 05:32 - Insights into Pat's approach to building performance-driven teams and creating impactful work cultures.

• 00:55 - Pat's journey from entering the IT industry to becoming a key player in executive leadership.

• 05:32 - The importance of sales and consulting synergy in achieving business success.

• 08:18 - Strategies for effective networking, relationship building, and team collaboration.

• 19:57 - Pat's role in significant M&A ventures and transitioning organizations.

About Our Guest Today:
Ms. Pat Kaiser is known for her dynamic leadership and her ability to inspire and cultivate high-performance teams. With a proven track record in multiple business areas, Pat's expertise extends to community involvement, where she serves on various boards, contributing significantly to the organizations she supports.

Where to find Our Guest online:

• LinkedIn - Patricia Kaiser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-kaiser-b-comm-icd-d-0337b14/?originalSubdomain=ca

Agilus Work Solutions: https://www.agilus.ca/

In this engaging second part of our interview with Stefan Streckfus, CTO of Renewell Energy, we continue our exploration of the revolutionary approach to repurposing abandoned oil wells for renewable energy storage. Stefan delves deeper into the operational and technical aspects of this transformative technology, sharing insights from his background in innovation and commercialization. We also discuss the future of energy storage, environmental sustainability, and how Renewell Energy is paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.

Welcome and Recap (00:13)
Cat kicks off the episode by welcoming listeners and providing a brief recap of Part 1, setting the stage for this deep dive into energy storage innovations.

Technical Overview of Repurposing Oil Wells (00:13 - 05:02)
Stefan explains the detailed process of converting abandoned oil wells into energy storage systems, focusing on the engineering and technology behind it.

Scaling the Technology for Broader Impact (05:03 - 10:45)
The discussion turns to scaling this innovative solution, as Stefan outlines the challenges and opportunities in expanding to different regions and industries.

Partnerships and Regulatory Challenges (10:46 - 15:29)
Stefan discusses the importance of strategic partnerships with governments, energy companies, and regulatory bodies in making this solution a success.

Environmental and Economic Benefits (15:30 - 21:15)
Stefan shares how Renewell Energy's technology offers both environmental and economic benefits, touching on cost-effective energy storage and reducing the environmental impact of abandoned oil wells.

Lessons Learned and Next Steps (21:16 - 28:10)
Reflecting on Renewell Energy's journey so far, Stefan highlights key lessons learned from recent installations and the company's roadmap for future projects.

Closing Thoughts and Future Innovations (28:11 - 34:10)
Cat and Stefan wrap up the conversation by looking ahead to future innovations in renewable energy and how Renewell Energy plans to continue driving change in the industry.

Outreach and Contact Information (34:11 - 34:40)
Stefan invites listeners to connect with Renewell Energy and explore potential collaborations.

Closing Remarks (34:41 - 35:02)
Cat thanks Stefan for the insightful conversation and reminds listeners to stay tuned for more inspiring episodes.

Outro (35:02 - 35:20)
Cat wraps up the episode, encouraging listeners to subscribe and share their thoughts on the topics discussed.

Where to Find Our Guest Online:

• Renewell Energy Website: https://renewellenergy.com/

• Stefan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-streckfus-480ab037/

Episode Description:

In this episode of Blue Sky Consulting, Cat continues her insightful conversation with Trevor Blake, a visionary serial entrepreneur and New York Times best-selling author. Trevor shares the innovative strategies behind his success, particularly his unique "hub model" for building companies without traditional employees. Tune in to discover how Trevor has managed to create and sell multiple companies with a combined value nearing a billion dollars, all while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling personal life.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction to Trevor Blake:

• Trevor Blake is a successful entrepreneur who has founded and sold three companies since 2003, with a combined value close to a billion dollars.

• He is known for his unique business model that does not involve traditional employees.

The Hub Model:

• Trevor's "hub model" involves outsourcing all company functions to professional vendors rather than hiring full-time employees.

• This approach stemmed from necessity, as Trevor didn't have the funds to hire employees when he started his first company.

Benefits of the Hub Model:

• Allows flexibility and cost savings, especially in the early stages of a company.

• Vendors work on a fee-for-service basis, motivated by profit-sharing arrangements and a sense of ownership in the company's success.

• Eliminates the need for extensive supervision and internal meetings, enabling a focus on core business goals.

Real-World Application:

• Trevor provides examples from his own experience, including a story about successfully running a company while being out of the country for three weeks.

• Highlights the balance this model offers, allowing Trevor to spend significant time on personal activities while his businesses continue to thrive.

Maintaining Relationships and Trust:

• Trevor emphasizes the importance of trust and peer-to-peer relationships with vendors.

• He shares the success of long-term partnerships, such as his finance team in Texas, whom he has never met in person but maintains a strong working relationship with.

Challenges and Solutions:

• Addresses concerns about vendor reliability and turnover, noting that the hub model's structure and profit-sharing incentives foster loyalty and long-term collaboration.

• Discusses the ease of replacing vendors compared to employees, as contracts are more flexible.

Work-Life Balance:

• Trevor contrasts his approach with more traditional, high-stress entrepreneurial paths, advocating for a lifestyle that combines business success with personal fulfillment.

• Shares his daily routine, which includes spending several hours walking and enjoying nature.

Listener Questions:

• Kat and Trevor discuss the sustainability of the hub model and its application across various business functions.

• Trevor addresses potential pitfalls and how he mitigates them, providing insights into maintaining vendor relationships and ensuring consistent performance.

Personal Vendor Experience

• Trevor shares a personal story about a long-term vendor relationship.

• Despite a strong personal bond, Trevor had to part ways with the vendor due to professional reasons, highlighting the different dynamics in vendor relationships.

Employee Relationships and Company Dynamics

• Trevor explains the difficulty of ending employee relationships and contrasts it with the maturity and flexibility of vendor relationships.

• He discusses his approach to business growth and his preference for exiting companies once they've reached a certain level.

Trevor's Personal Development Programs

• Trevor introduces his transformational personal development programs, emphasizing the need for self-transformation to achieve life goals.

• He talks about the "transformation experience" which helps individuals rediscover their potential and power.

Transformation Experience Details

• The transformation experience is described as a journey back to one's true self, using principles of quantum physics.

• Trevor shares the success and impact of his programs, with thousands of people experiencing positive change.

Start, Survive, Thrive Course

• Trevor introduces his course based on his book "Secrets to a Successful Start-Up," which provides a step-by-step guide to creating and sustaining a successful business.

• The course is aimed at helping individuals survive long enough in business to eventually hit a home run.

Target Audience for Courses

• Trevor discusses the demographics of his course participants, including those looking for self-confidence and those who sacrificed their dreams for their families.

• He emphasizes the program's ability to help individuals adapt to new technological landscapes and regain confidence.

Transforming Artists

• Trevor explains how his courses also support artists in finding sustainable income models, such as licensing and NFTs.

• He talks about the challenges artists face and how his programs provide practical solutions for success.

Trevor's Screenwriting Journey

• Trevor shares his journey as a screenwriter, from his early days writing plays to winning awards for his screenplays.

• He discusses the transition from selling his screenplays to creating his own media company to produce films.

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

• Trevor emphasizes the importance of having fun and making a positive difference in people's lives.

• He encourages listeners to embrace their creativity and pursue their passions with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• The complexities of managing employees versus vendors and the benefits of the hub model.

• The necessity of personal transformation for achieving professional success.

• The value of storytelling in business and personal development.

• Practical advice for artists and entrepreneurs on building sustainable income streams.

Connect with Trevor G. Blake:

Additional Resources:

• Books by Trevor G. Blake:

• "Three Simple Steps"

• "Secrets to a Successful Start-Up"

Closing Remarks:

• Trevor leaves listeners with his mantra: "Make a positive difference in someone's life, have fun doing it, and share all the rewards that come naturally as a result."

Conclusion:

• The episode wraps up with Trevor's vision of a balanced, successful life, achieved through innovative business practices and a commitment to personal well-being.

• Encourages listeners to consider the hub model for their ventures, highlighting its potential for creating a profitable and balanced business.

• Trevor discusses the challenges of employee management, including tribunals and extra training.

He compares this with the simplicity of ending vendor contracts and finding new vendors as needed.

About Our Guest Today:
Using a unique business structure based on a model of alliances, Trevor G. Blake has founded, managed and sold three companies since 2003 for a combined value of over $300 million. He is currently founder and CEO of three more companies in varied industries which he runs simultaneously. His unique business approach is based on a higher profitability, non-employee model, which also frees him to enjoy his other interests as a writer, coach, and animal welfare activist. Success with a balanced life is Trevor's mantra and described in his free course The Practical Magic of the 5-hour workday which is available at www.trevorgblake.com.

Trevor is also a New York Times best-selling author of Three Simple Steps, A Map to Success in Business and Life (2012) and Secrets to a Successful Startup, A Recession Proof Guide to Starting, Surviving, and Thriving in Your Own Venture. (2020)

Trevor has been featured in: Business Insider, CNN, Forbes, PBS (Between the Lines), KOMO news, Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, Investors Business Daily, The Guardian, Inc. and is a regular radio and TV guest on both business and metaphysics shows.

Trevor's mission is to empower people just like you to transform yourself from the inside out, experience more confidence, deeper joy and greater prosperity in every area of your life.

He has also created two unique experiential courses in which he coaches in real-time for personal growth and business success which can be found at www.trevorgblake.com.

He has graciously given Art of Consulting podcast listeners a generous scholarship on any of his transformational programs. And I can personally attest that this is probably one of the most valuable investments that you can make to the greatest asset you have: Yourself.

$500 discount code for Art of Consulting podcast listeners.
Use code AOC at www.trevorgblake.com/begin

    Where to find our guest:
https://www.trevorgblake.com/ https://www.facebook.com/trevorgblaketgb https://www.facebook.com/TrevorGBlake https://www.facebook.com/groups/successwithbalance https://www.instagram.com/trevorgblaketgb/ https://twitter.com/@TrevorGBlake

https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorgblake/

In this episode, you will understand the importance of taking responsibility in different life and professional situations and how success depends on the act of figuring things out to make it work for the best.

 

Click play now and listen to this insightful message.

 

Quotes:

 

"Figuring Things Out Only Happens When A Person Takes Full Responsibility."

"It Is Based On The Responsibility We Take Today To Figure Out The Solutions To The Problems That We Have."

"Success Or Even Failure Is Really Dependent On Being Responsible For Our Decisions, And Our Actions, And Our Thoughts."

 

Show Notes:

 

(00:00) Podcast Intro

(00:27) If You Need Help Creating A Set Of Values, You're Welcome To Sign For A Complimentary Course At https://theconsultingplaybook.com/values 

(01:19) The Chimney Fire Experience

(05;24) Just Go Figure It Out

(07:06) Taking Full Responsibility For Figuring It Out

(09:54) Success Or Failure Depends On How We Take Responsibility For Given Situations 

(10:59) Andy's New Book The Trust Paradigm Is Available On Amazon And Other Book Retailers

In this episode, Andy encourages us to understand what winning really means. Looking into individual sports and identify the principle that we can apply in life and in our profession so that we can truly step into that place of success.

Tune in now and learn the principles that lead you to win in business and in life! 

Quotes:

"If You Try, You Win"

"Trying Means Coming Prepared, Doing Your Best, And Learning So That Whatever Didn't Work This Time, We Try A Little Bit Better The Next Time."

"Real Winners Want To Be In The Arena And Not Out In The Parking Lot."

"Success Is Actually The Habit And The Practice Of Not Quitting."

Show Notes:

(00:00) Podcast Intro

(00:27) If You Need Help Creating A Set Of Values, You're Welcome To Sign For A Complimentary Course At https://theconsultingplaybook.com/values 

(01:19) Track And Field

(02:44) Winning Is Not Normal

(05:35) If You Try, You Win

(07:58) Real Winners Want To Be In The Arena

(08:44) Learning The Art Of Not Quitting

(10:39) Andy's New Book The Trust Paradigm Is Available On Amazon And Other Book Retailers

In this episode, Andy starts out by talking about a movie where a lone survivor Navy SEAL in Afghanistan was given help, protection, and sanctuary by the locals. He compares it with how we should protect our creative ideas and thoughts from our own self-criticism. 

Listen in now and learn how to provide a safe sanctuary for your good ideas and thoughts and protect your creativity from your own ego.

Quotes:

"We're Trying To Protect Ourselves From That Outside Criticism, But We Want To Make Sure That We Don't Kill Off And Suffocate Really Good Ideas Because Of That Fear."

"Some Of The Craziest Ideas You'll Hear Are Sometimes The Most Brilliant When You Just Let It Sit And Simmer."

Show Notes:

(00:00) Podcast Intro

(00:27) If You Need Help Creating A Set Of Values, You're Welcome To Sign For A Complimentary Course At https://theconsultingplaybook.com/values 

(01:19) Giving Your Thoughts Sanctuary

(02:51) Not All Thoughts Are Valid And Good

(05:31) Protecting The Ego By Self-criticism

(06:24) How To Provide My Ideas A Sanctuary 

(08:41) Protecting Your Thoughts And Creativity

(10:00) Some Of The Craziest Ideas Are Sometimes The Most Brilliant

(11:05) Andy's New Book The Trust Paradigm Is Available On Amazon And Other Book Retailers

In this episode, we have Cat and Andy talk about how and why people tend to be talking more to technology rather than to the person. In this conversation, you will understand servant leadership and become more aware of putting effort into building a connection with the people that will benefit from your idea or knowledge.

So, listen in now as you continue to develop your soft skills and flourish in your profession and in life! 

Quotes:

"Whether Or Not You're Giving Advice, Or Whether Or Not You're Putting In A System, Or Whether Or Not You Are Just Consulting In General Or Being That Trusted Adviser, The Recipient Of This Information, Or The Entity That Will Benefit From Your Expertise Is Going To Be Ultimately A Human."

"The First Thing You Have To Do Is You Have To Understand Who You're Talking To."

Show Notes:

(00:00) Podcast Intro

(00:27) If You Need Help Creating A Set Of Values, You're Welcome To Sign For A Complimentary Course At https://theconsultingplaybook.com/values 

(01:18) Quick catch up with Andy and Cat

(02:01) Hiding behind labels

(04:09) Why it's easier to talk about inanimate things vs. the impact on humans

(07:45) What is the missing link?

(09:30) Building connection with the people

(11:39) Understanding who you're talking to

(17:03) Servant leadership

(19:52) Looking for opportunities to improve something and making people understand the benefits that they're getting

(21:06) Webinar: How to deliver great ERP training and avoid the traps that most organizations fall into 

(26:15) Andy's New Book The Trust Paradigm Is Available On Amazon And Other Book Retailers

In this episode, you will learn what passion means and what it leads you to do. Andy shares his take on the statement, "If You Find Your Passion, You'll Never Work A Day In Your Life." He also explains how passion truly looks likes.

So, tune in now and let this be a time of reflection on the things that deeply drive you to success.

 

Quotes:

 

"Loving What You Do Doesn't Mean It's Not Work, And It Doesn't Mean That You Won't Find Challenges, And It Won't Frustrate You, And You Won't Be Challenged By It."

"If You Are Passionate About Something, It Is A Generation Of Energy To Go And Do That Thing."

"Passion Isn't An Invitation To Ease. It's An Invitation To Greatness."

 

Show Notes:

 

(00:00) Podcast Intro

(00:27) If You Need Help Creating A Set Of Values, You're Welcome To Sign For A Complimentary Course At https://theconsultingplaybook.com/values 

(01:19) "If You Find Your Passion, You'll Never Work A Day In Your Life." - Is This True?

(02:14) A Story About Kobe Bryant

(03:18) What Passion Means

(04:48) We're Supposed To Find Our Passion

(05:40) Passion = Love

(06:29) An Invitation To Greatness 

(06:57) Andy's New Book The Trust Paradigm Is Available On Amazon And Other Book Retailers

In this episode, Andy shares his insight on the obstacles that you need to be ready to face daily in order to earn the opportunities you deserve. He uses the Laws of Physics to illustrate these types of obstacles to help you understand and make a plan to succeed over them.

So, listen in now!

Quotes:

"My Biggest Competition Is Myself, And I Have To Learn, And Every Single Day, I Have To Execute This As Earning It By Fighting The Obstacles That Are In Front Of Me."

Show Notes:

(00:00) Podcast Intro

(00:27)  If You Need Help Creating A Set Of Values, You're Welcome To Sign For A Complimentary Course At https://theconsultingplaybook.com/values 

(01:19) A Story On The Stanley Cup Playoffs Between The Edmonton Oilers And The New York Islanders  

(03:10) Acting On Your Commitment To Self-development Right Away

(04:11) Having To Constantly Earn The Opportunities   

(04:42) The Law Of Physics As The Obstacles - Inertia, Friction, Gravity

(06:59) The Battle Is Daily - Have A Set Of Goals/Tasks To Accomplish     

(08:07) Andy's New Book The Trust Paradigm Is Available On Amazon And Other Book Retailers

In this episode, Cat and Andy talk about the essence of knowing what truly fulfills you. You will understand the difference between the Science of Achievement and the Art of Fulfillment and learn things that you can do to help you figure out what it is that makes your soul sing.

Hit the play button now and join this insightful conversation!

Quotes:

"The Art Of Fulfillment Is Different For Everyone… But It's Important To Have To Understand What Your Definition Of The Art Of Fulfillment Is."

"It's Important Not To Measure Your Own Fulfillment, Or Define Your Own Fulfillment Based On Somebody Else's Spectrum Or What We're Supposed To Find Attractive."

Show Notes:

(00:00) Podcast Intro

(00:27)  If You Need Help Creating A Set Of Values, You're Welcome To Sign For A Complimentary Course At https://theconsultingplaybook.com/values 

(01:18) The Science Of Achievement Vs. The Art Of Fulfillment

(05:51) Making Sure To Know What Fulfills You Vs. What You Want To Achieve

(10:45) Respecting That It's Going To Be Different For Everyone

(16:45) Being Exposed To Different Things To Be Able To Know What You Want

(19:30) The Difference Between Being Content And Doing Something That Sings To Your Soul

(25:24) Keeping Your Eye On The Prize

(28:50) The Value Of Truly Knowing What Fulfills You

(29:34) Being Able To Adjust When There Are Pitfalls

(31:56) Define Your Art Of Fulfillment          

(32:52) Andy's New Book The Trust Paradigm Is Available On Amazon And Other Book Retailers