They Call It a Lifestyle Business. He Calls It His Million Pound Cash Machine with Guy Beresford Artwork

The Consultancy Growth Podcast

Hosted by Craig Herd, this podcast is your ultimate guide to scaling your consultancy. Tune in for strategic insights, candid conversations with industry experts, and stories from seasoned consultancy founders. Uncover the real drivers of success and actionable advice to fast-track your growth. Subscribe now and take your consultancy to the next level.

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The Consultancy Growth Podcast

They Call It a Lifestyle Business. He Calls It His Million Pound Cash Machine with Guy Beresford

May 30, 2025 • Craig Herd • Episode 20

In this episode I sit down with Guy Beresford, founding partner of ISP Leadership Advisors, to unpack what it takes to build a profitable, boutique consultancy without scaling headcount.

We explore how Guy’s approach to growth differs from the traditional consultancy playbook, touching on the risks of recruitment, the nuance between cash and capital, and why sustainable growth demands a different kind of thinking. The conversation also dives into the realities of board leadership, the importance of diversity at the top, and the transition from founder to chair.

If you’re rethinking what growth looks like or how to build value that outlives you, this episode will challenge your assumptions.

00:00 - Introduction to Today's Episode

01:34 - The Journey of Building a Boutique Firm

07:12 - The Unique Business Model of ISP Leadership Advisors

11:21 - Navigating Risks and Challenges in Recruitment

15:33 - Understanding Cash vs. Capital in Consultancy

21:26 - The Importance of Sustainable Growth

26:58 - Capital vs. Cash: The Business Dilemma

28:53 - The Dynamics of Board Leadership

32:28 - Navigating Board Structures and Diversity

35:40 - From Founder to Chair: Transitioning Roles

40:02 - The Value of Legacy and Personal Satisfaction