Tarka Talks Consulting Podcast

In our final episode of this season, Richard Longstreet sits down with Toby Parnell , Founder of majaco , to unpack what it really takes to build a high-performing consultancy that puts outcomes first.  Toby shares the honest story behind launching majaco in 2019 with no business plan, just a drive to get hands-on with operational problems and create tangible value for clients. Fast forward five y...

In this episode, Richard Longstreet speaks with Dave Kirby, Founder of Coppett Hill Growth Advisory, a consultancy specialising in go-to-market acceleration for private equity-backed businesses.  Dave shares his journey from strategy consulting and private equity to founding Coppett Hill, and the principles that underpin the firm's rapid growth. The conversation covers the nuances of working with...

In this episode of Tarka Talks, Richard Longstreet sits down with Roei Haberman, CEO of BIP UK, to explore how the consulting industry is evolving, faster delivery expectations, AI integration, and the shift from generalist to deep-sector expertise.   Roei shares insights on productising consulting, the future shape of consulting firms, and how BIP is building a tech-enabled, expert-led model to s...

In this episode, Richard Longstreet is joined by Deri Hughes, Founder and MD of Honeycomb Consulting Skills Training ; a training business focused on building consulting skills and enabling commercial growth through behaviour change.  Together, they unpack why so many consultants shy away from “sales,” how to reframe it as part of the consulting craft, and why relationship-building, authority, and...

In this episode, Richard Longstreet is joined by Rebecca Ferguson, Co-Founder of Kindred, to explore how the consulting industry is evolving in the face of AI, shifting client expectations, and changing team structures.   Drawing on her experience across the Big Four, in-house roles, and now leading a boutique consultancy, Rebecca reflects on why human connection, behavioural insight, and storytel...

In this episode of Tarka Talks Consulting, Richard Longstreet sits down with Tim Ham, CEO of Pearson Ham, a pricing consultancy that’s doubled in size over the last few years. Tim shares his journey from strategy consulting into leadership, the lessons learned scaling a firm in a niche market, and the nuances of working with private equity.    They cover how pricing has evolved as a consulting dis...

In this episode, Richard Longstreet sits down with Nick Synnott to unpack what effective marketing really looks like for boutique consultancies. With experience supporting consulting firms of all sizes, Nick shares practical, honest advice on how to build a brand, develop a marketing strategy, and create content that actually drives commercial conversations.  They explore why many consulting leade...

In this episode of Tarka Talks Consulting, we sit down with John Howard, Partner at Garwood Growth, to explore what makes a consultancy truly scalable and investable.  With experience on both sides of the table, John shares his perspective on how professional services firms can prepare for investor interest (whether that’s private equity or trade), build leadership teams that last, and avoid commo...

In this episode of Tarka Talks Consulting, Richard Longstreet is joined by Carrie Osman , Founder & CEO at Cruxy , to talk about building a business from scratch, breaking into private equity, and scaling with purpose.   Carrie shares her journey from no tech or PE background to running a high-performing, data-led consultancy. Expect candid reflections on culture, client relationships, and why...

In this episode of Tarka Talks Consulting, Richard Longstreet is joined by Hannah Farrar, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of CF, a consultancy dedicated to the health sector. They discuss Hannah’s transition from NHS leadership to founding a consultancy with no prior consulting experience, and how CF has grown into one of the leading health-focused consultancies in the UK and Middle East. Hannah re...

In this episode of Tarka Talks Consulting, Richard Longstreet is joined by Chris Tomlinson (“Tommo”), Managing Director of Muuto Consulting.   They dive into the rise of AI in consulting where it’s already making an impact, and how firms can prepare for what’s next. From org design to operating models, they explore how boutique consultancies can stay nimble, scale smart, and harness AI without los...

In this episode, Richard Longstreet is joined by board advisor and transformation expert Karen Thomas-Bland to explore why boutique consultancies are gaining ground on the Big Four.   From culture and career appeal to IP, private equity interest, and preparing for exit, they cover the key traits that make smaller firms stand out—and scale. A must-listen for founders, leaders and anyone thinking ab...

In this episode of Tarka Talks Consulting, Richard Longstreet is joined by Sam Temperton and Megan Nicholas from Tarka Talent to unpack the key findings from their latest Salary & Benefits Report.  They discuss how salary trends are shifting, what’s happening with bonuses and promotions, why culture is rising up the priority list for candidates, especially women and how specialist skill sets a...

In this episode of Tarka Talks Consulting, host Richard Longstreet sits down with Anush Newman, co-founder of JMAN Group, to explore the journey of scaling a consulting firm across multiple geographies.   They discuss JMAN’s growth strategy, the impact of investment on their operations, and the challenges of managing a global business. If you’re interested in how boutique consultancies evolve and...

Welcome back to Tarka Talks Consulting, Season 2.   In this episode, Founder of Tarka Talent ,Richard Longstreet sits down with Ben Edwards, VP of Consulting at CMap, to explore the rise of boutique consultancies and how they’re competing with the big firms.   They discuss shifting market dynamics, operational challenges for smaller firms, and how technology and specialisation are driving growth....

In the last episode of the first season of Tarka Talks, Richard Longstreet talks to two members of the Tarka Talent team, Fran Regis Rogers and Sam Temperton. Together they discuss the recruitment market in 2024, in particular the movement in salaries.   Chapters 00:00:00 - 00:02:59: Introduction and guest introductions 00:03:00 - 00:09:33: Overview of the consulting recruitment market 00:09:34 -...

Richard Longstreet talks to Matt Cheung and Tom Bushell from Clarasys about personal and professional growth, scaling a business and international expansion.   Chapters 00:00:00 – 00:00:48: Introductions 00:00:49 – 00:07:57: Guest introductions and overview of Clarasys 00:07:58 – 00:13:36: Building the Clarasys brand 00:13:37 – 00:20:36: Establishing the company culture 00:20:37 – 00:33:53: Expand...

Richard Longstreet talks to Katherine Fiander and Melissa Edmondson from OC&C Strategy Consultants about diversity in consulting and retaining women into leadership roles!   Chapters 00:00:00 – 00:00:53: Introductions 00:00:54 – 00:07:19: Guest introductions and overview of OC&C Strategy Consultants 00:07:20 – 00:11:45: Retaining women in consulting 00:11:46 – 00:14:25: How are OC&C im...

Richard talks to Founder of Shiageto Consultancy, Faris Aranki, about working internationally and launching his own business, and much much more!   Chapters 00:00:00 - 00:00:43: Introductions 00:00:44 - 00:07:10: Guest introducitons and overview of Shiageto Consulting 00:07:11 - 00:15:05: The equation behind Shiageto 00:15:06 - 00:20:05: Learnings from starting a business 00:20:06 - 00:25:42: Buil...

Richard talks with James O'Sullivan and Sarah-Jane Campbell about the value of hiring highly experienced staff and the importance of fostering long-term relationships. Chapters 00:01:09 – 00:07:16: Guest introductions and overview of Project One   00:07:17 – 00:12:06: Project One’s proposition in the market   00:12:07 – 00:21:55: James O’Sullivan’s career and transition into consulting   00:21:56...

Richard Longstreet speaks to Jeremy Smith, Managing Director & Managing Partner along with Joanne Smith, Managing Consultant about the growth of boutique consultancies and relationship building.   00:00:00 – 00:00:59: Introduction   00:01:00  – 00:06:12: Guest introductions and overview of 4C Associates   00:06:13 – 00:10:51: The transition to management consulting   00:10:52 – 00:22:34: How a...

Richard Longstreet, Founder of Tarka Talent, talks to Jila Bahri-Esfahani from BJSS Consulting about their growth, women and diversity in consulting and why they are 'nicely nerdy'! Chapters 00:00:00 – 00:01:16: Introduction 00:01:17 – 00:05:26: Guest introduction and introduction to BJSS 00:05:27 – 00:11:42: Collaboration and knowledge sharing 00:11:43 – 00:16:51: Growing the business consulting...

This week we talk to Woodhurst Consulting. We are delighted to be joined by Josh Rix, Co-Founder and Melissa Munnich, People Lead for Woodhurst Consulting. During the conversation we cover the risks and highlights of launching your own business and how far Woodhurst Consulting have come in a short period of time.   Chapters 00:00:00 – 00:01:15 : Introduction 00:01:16 – 00:04:30: Guest introduction...

In this episode, we talk with Jonny McCormick, from LanciaConsult, and one of their first hires into their Belfast office. Jonny discusses growing that office, what makes them different, and also their ‘Gateway’ initiative.   Chapters 0:00:00 –  0:00:50: Introduction 0:00:51 – 0:04:55: Jonny’s consulting career journey 0:04:56 – 0:07:02: Overview and history of LanciaConsult 0:07:03 – 0:13:45: Cli...

Richard Longstreet, Founder of Tarka Talent recruitment agency, introduces his new podcast Tarka Talks