GrowthReady Podcast
What does it mean to be ready to pursue growth? Should we pursue growth when we don't feel ready? And how do we achieve optimal growth by readying ourselves for everything that comes with it?
The Growth Ready Podcast seeks to form a true appreciation for all facets of the growth process as we learn from high performers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Hosted by Steve Mellor, a seasoned high-performance executive coach and former US Olympic swim coach, each episode explores the pivotal moments that define true growth and the work that went into getting ready for it. Through candid conversation and detailed personal accounts, guests share their unique experiences of overcoming challenges, embracing transformation, and what it takes to get ready for every step of their growth journey.
GrowthReady Podcast
Episode 280: How to Build Partnerships That Drive Real Growth with Elia Blankenship
About the Guest: Elia Blankenship is a consulting leader at RSM specializing in transformation work for financial institutions and beyond. With a background in management, organizational change, and a deep commitment to emotional intelligence, Elia challenges the traditional “consultant tells, client does” approach. Instead, she builds partnerships rooted in listening, candor, and collaboration, empowering clients to own their growth journey. She’s also a champion for automation and AI adoption in the industries she serves.
About the Episode: In this conversation, host Steve Mellor and guest Elia Blankenship unpack what it really means to be “growth ready.” They challenge outdated notions of consulting, explore the role of trust and candidness in partnerships, and dig into the messy reality of change. Elia shares her approach to creating ownership in clients, why “reading the room” is a critical skill, and how personal growth mirrors professional transformation. They also touch on adapting to digital trends, breaking through ego and bias, and the importance of staying curious in a fast-moving world.
At the heart of the discussion? Growth takes work. Hard work. But with the right people, the right mindset, and the willingness to listen, it’s work worth doing.
Key Topics Discussed
- Rethinking the role of a consultant
- The importance of listening, humility, and service in leadership
- Building trust before candid conversations
- Creating ownership so clients sustain progress
- Overcoming ego, pride of ownership, and readiness barriers
- Reading the room and adapting communication styles
- Applying consulting lessons to family and personal growth
- The need to embrace AI, automation, and digital transformation
- How speed-to-market is changing the consulting landscape
- Personal reflections on future growth and unfinished projects
Links and Resources Mentioned
- RSM – https://rsmus.com
- Books on Emotional Intelligence (Emotional Intelligence 2.0)
- Microsoft Copilot and AI tools referenced in discussion
Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor