What CEOs Miss About Product Management and How Consultants Can Help
STOP THE NOISE
In this episode, Susan talks with Paul Wetzel, a former multi-time Chief Product Officer who now advises growth and late-stage B2B software companies. Paul shares what many CEOs misunderstand about their product function, why product management often lags behind other investments, and how consultants can use market insight—not a sales pitch—to open doors. He also breaks down the real impact of AI on software companies and why now is the right time to offer outside help.
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How One Consultant Built a Flowing Pipeline Without Marketing
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In this episode, Susan talks with Darren Leva, a biotech industry veteran who built a thriving consulting business without a website, marketing, or outreach campaigns. Darren shares the simple practices that keep his pipeline full—like five coffee chats a week, doing serious prep before meetings, and knowing exactly when companies need help. He also touches on what’s happening in life sciences now, the rise of fractional roles, and how he balances consulting with running a mobile sauna business.
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How One Consultant Turned Curiosity into Conversations, Content, and Clients
STOP THE NOISE
In this episode, Lisa Carmichael shares how a simple curiosity about AI evolved into 40+ conversations, new service ideas, a growing network, and valuable market insight. She walks us through how she got started, what she learned, and how independent consultants can use curiosity and conversations to build visibility and opportunity - without needing a master plan.
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Inbound Success, Thoughtfully Built
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What happens when you build a consulting business almost entirely through inbound leads? In this episode, Susan Tatum talks with Kelli Schutrop, a fractional sales and marketing executive who’s done just that - fueled by years of consistent thought leadership. Kelli shares her real-world approach to building credibility, driving referrals, and showing up with purpose, offering practical insights for consultants who want to grow without cold pitches.
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Run Your Consulting Business Like a Business?
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Wondering why your independent firm is taking more time than your old corporate job? You may not be running it like a true business. In this episode, Susan Tatum sits down with Marcia Riner, CEO of Infinite Profit, to talk strategy, profitability, and how to set your business up for long-term success. Marcia shares key insights and common pitfalls that can make — or break — your bottom line.
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Mastering Personality Branding with Danielle Hughes
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If you’ve ever felt like your LinkedIn profile sounds nothing like you—or if building a personal brand feels overwhelming—this episode is for you. Susan Tatum talks with Danielle Hughes, creator of Personality Branding, about how independent consultants can bring more of themselves into their professional messaging to build stronger connections, attract better clients, and stand out in a crowded market.
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Win the Relationship, Not Just the Deal with Casey Jacox
STOP THE NOISE
In this episode of Stop the Noise, Casey Jacox joins Susan Tatum to discuss two critical client acquisition skills that many independent consultants overlook: intentional listening and meaningful follow-up. Drawing from his bestselling book, Casey shares practical advice and mindset shifts that help consultants build stronger relationships and win more clients—without ever feeling "salesy."
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Getting Through to C-Level Executives: Insights from a Former CSO
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In this episode of Stop the Noise, Susan Tatum speaks with Frank Wood, a former Chief Security Officer and now an independent consultant specializing in risk management and crisis response. Frank shares his firsthand insights on engaging with C-level executives, building trust as a consultant, and the critical distinction between being seen as a vendor versus a trusted advisor. If you're struggling to get past gatekeepers and start meaningful conversations with decision-makers, this episode is packed with valuable strategies.
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Going After “The Big Guys” with Mike Richardson
STOP THE NOISE
In this episode of Stop the Noise, Susan Tatum sits down with Mike Richardson, a former Senior Vice President and CTO at Nationwide Insurance, who has seen both sides of the consulting equation—as a client hiring consultants and as a consultant himself. Mike shares invaluable insights into how independent consultants can successfully engage large organizations, navigate procurement processes, and differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape.
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Overcoming Perfectionism and Collaborating with Clients
STOP THE NOISE
In this episode, Deb Versteeg joins Susan Tatum to discuss the power of collaboration in consulting and how perfectionism holds many experts back—especially when it comes to sharing their insights publicly. They explore strategies for maintaining an expert position while staying open to client input, the importance of posting content even when it’s not perfect, and why getting ideas out there is more valuable than waiting for them to be flawless.
info_outlineIn this episode, Susan Tatum speaks with Molly Brown, a former aerospace engineer turned life coach, about the hidden mindset barriers that often hold independent consultants back. Molly shares how her engineering background helped her uncover the root causes of these issues and explains why aligning internal beliefs with external actions is key to overcoming challenges like fear of rejection and self-doubt.