Art of Consulting Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

The Art of Consulting Podcast – Episode Transcript

Hosts: Andy Fry & Cat Lam Episode Topic: Non-Disclosure Agreements and the Power of Keeping Information Confidential

[00:00 – Intro Music]

Andy Fry & Cat Lam (together): Welcome to the Art of Consulting Podcast with Andy Fry and Cat Lam. We are seasoned IT consultants, CPAs, and professional-development connoisseurs. Each episode we bring you an inspiring message to help you discover that X-factor as a professional in your field so you can gain the success you know you deserve in your career and in your life.

[00:15]

Andy Fry: Hey everybody, today I want to talk about non-disclosure agreements and keeping information close to our chest.

One of the things that, as a consultant, you've either already signed or you will sign—especially if you're new to consulting—is a non-disclosure agreement, or what's commonly called an NDA.

It really is a confidentiality agreement that says you're not going to share information that is not already public with people who shouldn't have it. Publicly traded companies require this because if you have access to their financials, or you're in meetings where they're about to disclose material non-public information, you possess something valuable.

If you start talking to other people, sharing that privately, or—worse—publicly, you can be sued, fired, or face a whole range of consequences depending on the severity.

Most NDAs are signed purely for protection; you sign it, you agree not to share, and most of us never have to worry about it day-to-day. But the broader concept of confidentiality is absolutely critical in consulting—and, honestly, in our personal lives too.

[01:10] The number-one reason it matters? We're trying to prove we're trustworthy.

Trust is a huge thing for me. I even wrote a book called The Trust Paradigm (there are actually three books with that title, but mine's the one with Andy Fry on the cover). I wrote it because I wanted to figure out: What is trust? How do you build it? How do you measure it?

As consultants, we prove trustworthiness through integrity—making sure the information we hear isn't used for our own benefit.

"Our own benefit" can be financial (classic corporate espionage—yes, it happens at the corporate level too, not just governments). Or, more commonly, it's the ego boost of feeling important because we "know something" and get to tell it.

[02:05] I've always treated any confidentiality agreement as lifelong. I have clients I haven't worked with in years. The information I learned back then—probably all public by now—but there could still be context, reasons behind decisions, who said what about letting someone go or selling a division… I view that NDA as in perpetuity. I'm never going to talk about it.

I recommend everyone adopt that mindset.

I actually had a client bring me into a highly sensitive project with only a handful of people in the loop. They told me point-blank: "We're bringing you in because you've proven in the past you don't share things you hear." They still made me sign another NDA. I signed it and said, "Just so you know—when I sign this, I treat it as forever."

[03:00] Organizations can and do test for leaks. At high-clearance levels it's obvious, but even regular companies sometimes plant slightly different versions of the same information to see who's talking.

So ask yourself with every piece of information: Is this my story to tell?

I once had a family member share something very personal that was happening with my immediate family—me, my wife, and our two kids. It wasn't their story. I told them, "That wasn't yours to tell." It hurt because it showed a lack of boundary awareness.

[03:45 – Personal story – Calgary street encounter] I was walking in Calgary for a client, and a friend's wife comes out of an apartment building that definitely wasn't where they lived. Eyes got big, I nodded, kept walking. I spent the next week wondering, "Do I tell my friend?" A week later he called laughing: "Hey, I heard you ran into [wife's name]. She was visiting a friend who lives there and couldn't remember your name in the moment." We both laughed—she thought I kept walking because I suspected something, and I kept walking because I didn't want to accidentally say the wrong thing. Moral: We often don't have the full picture.

[04:40] As consultants we're paid for what we know. Having "extra" information can make us feel powerful, special, in the know. But watch high-performing executives in a room—they speak very little. Top performers are extremely discreet about what they share and with whom. That's the behavior we want to model.

[05:10 – Early-career story – drinks with another consultant] Over 25 years ago I was out for drinks. Another consultant bragged they'd just signed a big staff-augmentation deal with a health authority that was actually going to replace a bunch of internal employees. I had a close friend who worked there. I was torn—do I warn him?

A senior consultant gave me great advice:

1. You care about your friend—that's valid.
2. You don't actually know if the rumor is true or the full intent.
3. Even if you tell him, what do you expect him to do? Quit? Confront his boss? Live in paranoia waiting for the axe?

Sometimes "sharing because we care" just offloads worry onto someone else.

[06:10 – Practical tips for everyday confidentiality]

• Speakerphone etiquette: If you're on speaker and others can hear, announce who's in the room (or the car). I don't want to swear or share sensitive info if your 7-year-old (or anyone) is listening.
• Recorded meetings / Zoom / Teams: Once it's recorded or transcribed, you no longer control that file. Assume anything said can be forwarded.
• Sharing with spouse or significant other: It's normal to need to vent, but sanitize the details. Leave out names, specific identifiers, anything that could accidentally get repeated at the next dinner party.
• Doctor/therapist analogy: You wouldn't want your doctor or therapist going home and giving your spouse a play-by-play with your name attached. Treat client info the same way.

Assume you live in a small town where everyone knows everyone. That mindset keeps you safe.

[07:30 – Closing]

If you're new to consulting, this is one of the most important professional habits you can build. If you're seasoned, it's a friendly reminder.

Keeping information confidential when it should be is simply the right thing to do—and it will accelerate your career because people will trust you with bigger, more sensitive, and more lucrative engagements.

So keep being awesome, work hard, and have yourself a great week.

[08:00 – Outro Music]

Why We Should Assume Someone Is Always Recording

In this solo episode, Andy Fry reflects on how everyday behavior—inside and outside the workplace—shapes our personal brand and professional reputation. Through personal stories and relatable lessons, he reminds listeners that in today's world of smartphones and social media, every action could be on record.

Andy shares an eye-opening story about visiting a college track team whose coach insisted her athletes greet everyone politely because "you never know who you're talking to." That lesson sparked a deeper conversation about professionalism, reputation, and emotional control—especially when stress, anger, or frustration threaten to take over.

• Professionalism never turns off: Your personal and professional conduct are one and the same.

• Every interaction matters: Treat people kindly—you never know who's watching or recording.

• Control the triggers: Catch negative emotions early and reset before reacting.

• Grace and forgiveness: If you make a mistake, own it, apologize, and move forward.

• Stop glorifying others' failures: Resist the online culture of finding joy in others' missteps.

Andy closes with a reminder to lead by example, forgive quickly, and always put your best self forward—on and off camera.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Art of Consulting podcast, Andy discusses the "50-Minute Focus" technique. Throughout the conversation, he sheds light on critical lessons about identifying productivity pitfalls, the significance of adapting dynamic strategies, and leveraging unconventional approaches to foster successful personal and professional habits. From the transformation of time management techniques to the essential role of prioritizing tasks, Andy offers a treasure trove of insights and practical guidance for consultants seeking to excel in their personal and professional lives.

Episode Summary:

• Introduction and Reflections from 2020 (00:06 - 00:44): The episode begins with a reflection on previous discussions from 2020 and the changes brought on by COVID-19.
  
  

• The Impact of Distractions (00:44 - 01:18): The speaker highlights the constant distraction posed by social media and smartphones, and their effect on productivity.
  
  

• Increased Distractions Over Time (01:18 - 02:00): A discussion on how distractions have become more pervasive over time, despite advancements in app efficiency.
  
  

• Understanding "Coffee is for Closers" (02:01 - 02:34): The speaker explains the phrase "coffee is for closers" employed as a motivational tool in sales.
  
  

• Strategies for Maintaining Productivity (02:34 - 03:15): The speaker shares personal strategies for maintaining productivity, such as task lists and prioritization.
  
  

• The Importance of a Task List (03:15 - 03:50): Emphasizes the role of task lists in proactive work and productivity.
  
  

• Approach to Task Prioritization (03:50 - 04:23): The speaker shares his approach to task prioritization, considering due dates and personal satisfaction.
  
  

• Evaluating and Prioritizing Tasks (04:24 - 04:53): Further explanation on task evaluation and prioritization.
  
  

• Considering Personal Satisfaction in Task Prioritization (04:53 - 05:29): The speaker advises prioritizing tasks that bring personal satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
  
  

• Interdependencies in Task Prioritization (05:29 - 06:01): The speaker discusses the role of interdependencies when prioritizing tasks within a team.
  
  

• The Importance of Task Prioritization (06:02 - 06:31): A reiteration of the importance of prioritizing tasks for a productive day.
  
  

• Time Boxing Tasks (06:32 - 07:17): The speaker introduces the concept of time boxing tasks to manage workload and time effectively.
  
  

• Task List Preparation for the Next Day (07:18 - 07:50): Discusses the strategy of preparing a task list for the next day the night before.
  
  

• Concept of Time Boxing (07:51 - 08:29): The speaker discusses the concept of time boxing, a productivity strategy.
  
  

• Benefits of Time Boxing (08:31 - 09:06): Emphasizes the benefits of time boxing in managing tasks and time.
  
  

• Starting With Difficult Tasks (09:07 - 09:43): The speaker advises starting with the most difficult tasks to build momentum and ease into the day.
  
  

• Benefits of Time Boxing (09:44 - 10:17): The benefits of time boxing, particularly in managing unexpected schedule changes, are discussed.
  
  

• Reiterating Importance of Prioritization and Time Boxing (10:17 - 10:52): The speaker reiterates the importance of task prioritization and time boxing.
  
  

• Rewarding Oneself Upon Task Completion (10:53 - 11:37): The speaker emphasizes the importance of rewarding oneself after completing tasks.
  
  

• Tackling Difficult Tasks First (11:37 - 12:22): Discusses the strategy of tackling difficult tasks first to build momentum and reduce stress.
  
  

• Importance of Rewarding Oneself (12:23 - 13:02): A reiteration on the importance of self-reward after task completion.
  
  

• 50-Minute Increments for Larger Tasks (13:02 - 13:37): The speaker shares his strategy of working in 50-minute increments for larger tasks.
  
  

• Benefits of the Speaker's Approach (13:37 - 14:16): Discussion on the personal benefits of the speaker's approach, including better production and momentum.
  
  

• Risk of Burnout (14:18 - 14:55): Highlights the risk of burnout if one does not reward themselves and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
  
  

• Early Requests for Collaboration (14:56 - 15:28): The speaker discusses the importance of initiating collaborative requests early in the day.
  
  

• 50-Minute Increments for Larger Tasks (15:30 - 16:16): Reiteration of the strategy of breaking up larger tasks into 50-minute increments.
  
  

• Benefits of the Speaker's Strategies (16:17 - 16:58): The speaker emphasizes the benefits of his strategies, including increased productivity and improved personal life.
  
  

• Early Requests for Collaboration (16:59 - 17:28): A reiteration of the importance of sending tasks or requests to colleagues early in the day.
  
  

• Nightly To-Do List Preparation (17:29 - 18:07): The speaker recommends preparing a to-do list the night before for a productive start to the day.
  
  

• Early Morning Collaboration Requests (18:08 - 18:40): Discusses the benefits of sending collaborative requests first thing in the morning.
  
  

• 50-Minute Increment Time Boxing (18:40 - 19:11): The speaker re-emphasizes the concept of time boxing tasks into 50-minute increments.
  
  

• Benefits of the Speaker's Strategies (19:12 - 19:45): Reiterates the benefits of the speaker's strategies, including better productivity and momentum.
  
  

• Benefits of Task Management Strategies (19:46 - 20:23): The speaker reiterates the benefits of his task management strategies, including better productivity and momentum.
  
  

• Using 50-Minute Increments for Studying (20:23 - 21:04): Shares personal experience of using the 50-minute increment approach while studying for a certification.
  
  

• Importance of Rewarding Oneself (21:05 - 21:39): Reiterates the importance of rewarding oneself after completing tasks.
  
  

• Maintaining Momentum and Avoiding Burnout (21:40 - 22:47): Emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum and taking adequate breaks to avoid burnout.
  
  

• Benefits of the Speaker's Strategies (22:47 - 23:32): The speaker discusses how his strategies have helped him stay productive and manage his workload.
  
  

• Benefits of the Speaker's Approach (23:32 - 24:06): The speaker emphasizes the benefits of his approach, including better productivity and momentum.
  
  

• Benefits of the Speaker's Approach (24:07 - 24:43): Reiterates the benefits of the speaker's approach, including better productivity and momentum.
  
  

• Reflection on Strategies for a Productive Week (24:44 - 25:29): The speaker reflects on how his strategies have contributed to his productivity and satisfaction during the week.
  
  

• Conclusion and Look Ahead (25:29 - 25:51): The speaker concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to implement his strategies and looks forward to future discussions.
  
  

Episode Highlights:

• (00:06 - 00:44): The speaker reflects on changes brought on by COVID-19.

• (00:44 - 01:18): The speaker discusses the impact of social media and smartphones on productivity.

• (02:01 - 02:34): An explanation of the motivational phrase "coffee is for closers" is provided.

• (02:34 - 03:15): The speaker shares his strategies for maintaining productivity, such as task lists and prioritization.

• (03:50 - 04:23): The speaker's approach to task prioritization based on due dates and personal satisfaction is discussed.

• (04:53 - 05:29): The importance of personal satisfaction in task prioritization is highlighted.

• (06:32 - 07:17): The speaker introduces time boxing as a strategy to manage workload and time.

• (07:18 - 07:50): The speaker emphasizes the importance of preparing a task list for the next day.

• (08:31 - 09:06): The benefits of time boxing in managing tasks and time are discussed.

• (10:53 - 11:37): The speaker emphasizes the importance of rewarding oneself after task completion.

• (13:02 - 13:37): The speaker shares his strategy of breaking up larger tasks into 50-minute increments.

• (14:18 - 14:55): The speaker highlights the risk of burnout if one does not reward themselves and maintain a work-life balance.

• (14:56 - 15:28): The importance of initiating collaborative requests early in the day is discussed.

• (16:17 - 16:58): The speaker emphasizes the benefits of his strategies, including better productivity.

• (17:29 - 18:07): The speaker recommends preparing a to-do list the night before to kickstart a productive day.

• (19:46 - 20:23): The speaker reiterates the benefits of his task management strategies.

• (20:23 - 21:04): The speaker shares his experience of using the 50-minute increment approach for studying.

• (21:40 - 22:47): The importance of maintaining momentum and taking breaks to avoid burnout is emphasized.

• (24:44 - 25:29): The speaker reflects on how his strategies have contributed to a productive week.

• (25:29 - 25:51): The speaker concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to implement his strategies.

Quotes: 

"If we only operate our lives in a world where I help you, and the only help I get is from you, then I'm pretty dependent on you"

"I just really encourage you to cooperate with others as best you can and find opportunities to cooperate" 

Show Notes: 

(00:00) Podcast Intro 

(00:42)  If You Need Help Creating A Set Of Values, You're Welcome To Sign Up For A Complimentary Course at https://theconsultingplaybook.com/values   

(01:20) How to cooperate with other individuals 

(03:07) Five ways that cooperators gain an edge 

(09:17) Andy's New Book The Trust Paradigm Is Available On Amazon And Other Book Retailer

"I don't think survival is a purpose, I think survival is a necessity" 

"Formal education is an important part. But we need to live with some level of skill that the marketplace in the world wants, there are people who have developed those skills in other ways. It could be through experience. It could be through other methods of learning."

"When you're in a situation to have to, you really have no other choice, but to go and make it work and focus on it."

"A self-inflicted need to create better versions of ourselves. This is the purpose of goals, right? A goal isn't just to write it down and say it's something that I hope to get. We're trying to create a have to for that goal. And it creates a bit at the end when we achieve that it creates a better version of ourselves"

Show Notes: 

(00:00) Podcast Intro 

(00:42)  If You Need Help Creating A Set Of Values, You're Welcome To Sign Up For A Complimentary Course at https://theconsultingplaybook.com/values 

(01:21) How his family ended up in Canada 

(6:11) Two things why his parents wasn't freaking out or stressed out 

(07:43) How it is unique to each person 

(09:30) Purpose of goals 

(10:45) Andy's New Book The Trust Paradigm Is Available On Amazon And Other Book Retailer

In this episode, Andy shared the benefit of doing things you don't usually do or things the first time. Listen on now and you will learn as he expounds on what it does to you personally and how it fosters growth and development not only to your skills but your personal growth as well.

Quotes:

"Once You Get Through To Do That Task, Even Though It's Very Straightforward For Some People, You Feel Good About Yourself, You Learn One More Thing. It's Something That Builds On Our Confidence In Ourselves."

"Have Compassion Towards Others On The Things That You Do Every Day Or The Things That You Immerse Yourself In And Just Know That People Aren't Thinking About It All The Time."

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) Changing Tires For The First Time

(03:58) Trying Out Things The First Time

(06:03) Doing More Of The Things That You Don't Usually Do And Learning It

(07:11) Learning To Be More Understanding And Compassionate With Others

(09:23) Do Something New That Brings New Experiences

(10:40) Andy's New Book The Trust Paradigm Is Available On Amazon And Other Book Retailer

In this episode, Andy shared the significance of making that initial call. He talked about Alex Anthopoulos of Atlanta Braves and how making that initial call set his path to the success he has now. Andy also gave tips on how to make that first call effective.

So, tune in now and be encouraged to take that first step towards your goal.

Quotes:

"We Have To Continue To Make Those Calls."

"One Of The Things That Prevent People From Really Achieving Great Success Is That They Don't Ask, They Don't Make That Initial Call."

"Make That Initial First Call And Keep Making That Initial First Call."

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) Alex Anthopoulos Of Atlanta Braves

(05:59) Starting Somewhere

(07:36) You Have To Make That Initial Call

(08:26) It Gets Easier Each Time You Do It

(09:11) Tips In Making The Initial Call

(11:50) Andy's New Book The Trust Paradigm Is Available On Amazon And Other Book Retailer

In this episode, we have Andy and Cat share with us how the market is opening up widely for consulting and the significance of connecting and building your network. You will also learn practical ways on how to connect and build relationships that will develop a healthy network that leads to growth and opportunities.

So, click the play button and listen in now!

Quotes:

"Giving People Endorsements Is Probably One Of The Most Valuable Things That You Can Do On Linkedin."

"My Recommendation To Anybody Right Now Is To Build A Relationship With A Recruiter."

"The Best Way To Build A Relationship With Somebody Is To Help Them Win."

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 Market Opening Up Widely For Consulting

(04:33) Opportunities Brought By The Chain Of Connections

(11:26) Networking As A Big Part Of Consulting

(15:43) The Helper Gets Helped

(16:30) Build A Relationship With A Recruiter

(18:53) We're All In This Together

(20:20) Start Connecting

(21:29) Andy's New Book The Trust Paradigm Is Available On Amazon And Other Book Retailer

In this episode, we have a special guest, Serah Blackstone-Fredericks. Serah is the CEO and Founder of Books In Harmony. She is a bookkeeper and an artist as well. You will hear about how Serah transitioned from art to bookkeeping and now, doing both! 

Serah shares the Challenges she encountered in consulting and how she overcame them. She also shares excellent insights about dealing with business relationships and being more open to your artistic side.

Tune in now and enjoy this insightful conversation.

Quotes:

"There Needs To Be A Time Where We Start To Accept That There Is Limited Time. And There's Actually A Lot You Can Do With That Limited Time. But It's About Decision-Making."

"I Think It Can Get Blurred In Business, That It Is A Relationship And Things Should Be Out Of Kindness. You Should Still Be Treated With Kindness And Respect."

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) Introduction Of Serah Blackstone-Fredericks And The Significance Of Having A Bookkeeper

(07:27) It's Better Off Knowing That Not

(09:15) Serah's Transition From Art To Bookkeeping

(12:26) Life's Too Short To Not Try

(16:46) Challenges In Consulting Encountered And How Serah Overcame It

(20:22) Understanding Interdependence In Business Relationships

(25:16) Being Honest With Ourselves And Showing Up Authenticity

(27:25) Being More Structured In Bookkeeping, But More Creative On Music

(33:22) Ideas Flow, Get Ourselves Tap Into It

(37:25) Surrounding Yourself With People Who Are More Open To New Ideas

(39:09) There's No One Size That Fits All

(40:44) You Can Reach Out To Serah At https://www.booksinharmony.com/ 

(41:37) Andy's New Book The Trust Paradigm Is Available On Amazon And Other Book Retailer

In this episode, Andy shares valuable insight about what it truly means to accept yourself and gave steps on how to become more empathetic with yourself. As you tune in now, make sure to take down notes and apply these practical strategies that will impact your journey in becoming your best version.

Quotes:

"We All Have Different Dialogue Going On Our Heads, It's Our Responsibility To Pick Which One We Listen To."

"Realize That Acceptance Is Not Resignation."

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) Learning How To Accept Yourself, To Become More Empathetic

(02:25) Set An Intention Of Accepting Yourself

(03:17) Celebrate Your Strengths

(04:28) Consider The People Around You And Create A Support System

(06:18) Forgive Yourself And Silence The Inner Critics

(08:11) Grieve The Loss Of Unrealized Dreams And Perform Charitable Acts

(10:00) Realize That Acceptance Is Not Resignation And Speak To Your Higher Self

(11:32) Be Kind To Yourself And Act As If You Already Have It

(14:13) Andy's New Book The Trust Paradigm Is Available On Amazon And Other Book Retailer