Unlocking Value
Unlocking Value is designed to give founders and owners of professional services firms more confidence when they're working toward an exit or thinking about taking on investment.
Across six episodes, our host John Howard speaks with founders, investors and advisors about the moments that define the transaction journey - how to get ready, what to expect and how to succeed.
We cover everything from value drivers and team alignment to investor expectations and life after the deal. You’ll hear from people who’ve sold their firms, taken minority investments, stayed on, exited and started again – and from those who advise or invest in firms like yours every day.
Unlocking Value
Episode 36: Stephen Johnson – Hard-Won Lessons from 17 Years of Growth, Setbacks and Leadership
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In this episode, John is joined by Stephen Johnson, founder and CEO of Roq, a consultancy focused on helping organisations deliver large-scale technology change.
Stephen founded Roq in 2009 and has since grown the business into a 120-person firm working with major enterprise clients. In the conversation, he reflects openly on the realities of scaling a people business over nearly two decades, including the pressures that come with growth, leadership evolution and navigating difficult market conditions.
Stephen shares a practical perspective on what drives long-term success in consulting businesses. He talks candidly about the operational disciplines, leadership behaviours and cultural decisions that have shaped Roq’s growth.
John and Stephen discuss:
- How Roq grew from a start-up launched during the financial crisis into a 120-person consultancy – and the key inflection points that shaped that journey.
- Why culture doesn't happen by accident, and how leaders need to actively shape it as their businesses grow and evolve.
- What Stephen learned from a sudden post-Covid downturn in client demand, including why strong growth can sometimes hide risks that are already building beneath the surface.
- Why trust, honesty and a willingness to challenge clients are central to building long-term relationships and winning repeat business.
- The challenges of scaling leadership teams, including why some people thrive as a business grows while others struggle to make the transition.
- How Roq uses EOS and Traction to create accountability, maintain focus and turn good intentions into consistent action.
- How AI is changing consulting and technology delivery, and why Stephen believes developing junior talent remains critical despite advances in automation.
If you lead a consulting or professional services firm, this episode offers a practical look at what it takes to build, grow and sustain a consultancy over the long term – through growth, pressure, leadership change and shifting market conditions.
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Host: John Howard, Partner at Garwood Growth
Guest: Stephen Johnson, Founder and CEO of Roq