The Unique Boutique Podcast

Matt Hodkinson
  • 5.0 (6)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

You built a consultancy worth noticing. Getting the market to notice it is a different skill. The Unique Boutique (formerly The Consultancy Edge) is a fortnightly podcast hosted by Matt Hodkinson, exploring the positioning, differentiation, and category-ownership strategies that turn boutique consultancies into the only credible choice.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Category claimed. Standing out, selling smart, and why most consultants are invisible, with Justin Michael

    Matt sits down with Justin Michael - author of over a dozen books including Tech-Powered Sales and Seven Figure Formula, and one of the highest-paid consultants in the world of B2B sales and client acquisition. Justin has trained over 250 teams, worked one-to-one with more than 1,000 professionals, and built a seven-figure practice without a big agency, a VC-backed budget, or a Harvard MBA. In this episode: Why claiming "number one" in your category is legitimate - and how to do it honestlyThe content vector principle: why you should only create content you actually loveDe-niching: why niching on the problem, not the persona, opens up your marketLinkedIn DMs as the new cold call - and what everyone's getting wrongLinks & Resources Mentioned: Seven Figure Formula by Justin MichaelTech-Powered Sales by Justin Michael & Tony HughesSales Superpowers by Justin MichaelThe 80/20 Principle by Richard KochPitch Anything by Oren KlaffThe Go-Giver by Bob BurgDaniel Priestley / Key Person of InfluenceAlan WeissSend us a message

    52 min

  2. 22 JAN

    Ep. 34 Why your marketing feels harder (and what to do about it), with James Thomlinson

    In this episode of The Consultancy Edge, Matt Hodkinson sits down with James Thomlinson (Sprint Partners) to unpack a question almost every consultancy leader is asking right now: Why does marketing feel so much harder than it used to… and what actually works now? From shrinking attention spans and squeezed budgets to the “sea of same” created by AI-generated content, James shares what’s changed, what’s broken, and how boutique consultancies can still stand out, build trust, and win work in a slower, more uncertain market. You’ll hear practical insight on: Why “more channels” doesn’t mean more resultsHow AI is making average marketing even more invisibleThe real role of human thinking in a world of automated outputBuilding a pipeline that doesn’t rely on luck (or referrals)Why sales cycles are dragging — and how to keep momentumWhat top-performing firms do differently (James’ “Growth Accelerator” lens)The shift from “people-first” to tech-first, people-poweredA simple reminder that might be the most valuable of all: stop perfecting, start movingIf your marketing feels sluggish, unpredictable, or harder to justify than ever — this one will reset your strategy and give you a clearer plan for 2026. Connect with James Thomlinson at Sprint Partners: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jthomlinson/ Connect with Matt Hodkinson / Tylt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthodkinson/ 👍 If you found this useful, hit Like, Subscribe, and drop a comment: What’s feeling hardest about marketing your consultancy right now? Send us a message

    41 min

  3. 11/12/2025

    Ep. 33 How Consultancies Should Really Use Tech, with Patrick Kelly-Weller

    Most consultancies want to “use more tech,” but end up trapped in spreadsheets, scattered SaaS tools, and duct-taped automations that create more friction than they remove. In this episode of The Consultancy Edge, Matt Hodkinson sits down with Patrick Kelly-Weller, founder of Adapt Digital, to unpack what smart, practical digital evolution actually looks like for consultancy firms. Patrick shares the real difference between automation and AI, how to decide between off-the-shelf tools and bespoke solutions, and why so many consultancies slow themselves down by overcomplicating simple processes. He also talks about vibe-coding with AI, the hidden pitfalls of DIY tech builds, and what a modern consultancy website should really be doing. If you're thinking about productising your IP, tightening up delivery, or replacing your internal maze of spreadsheets and manual admin, this episode is a must-listen. Listen now and learn how to make work smoother, simpler, and far more scalable. Send us a message

    48 min

  4. 27/11/2025

    Ep. 32 Building a values-led consultancy in downright weird times, with Danielle Heward

    In this episode of The Consultancy Edge, I sit down with Danielle Heward, co-founder of Optimo, to unpack what it really takes to build — and sustain — a values-driven consultancy in a challenging market. We cover: Danielle’s journey from contractor to consultancy founderHow she built Optimo around purpose, impact, and operational excellenceWhy so many consultancies are struggling right now — and what to do about itThe power of visibility: events, networking, and showing up consistently on LinkedInHow AI is reshaping consultancy delivery (and the ethical questions that come with it)Practical, real-world lessons for staying sane, staying focused, and staying in businessIf you’re a solo, micro, or boutique consultancy leader trying to find your edge, this conversation is packed with grounded, honest insight. 👉 Subscribe for more episodes, frameworks, and strategies to sharpen your consultancy’s positioning and performance. Send us a message

    42 min

  5. 13/11/2025

    Ep. 31 Turn Consultancy Expertise into Demand with Video, with John Wilson

    Consultancies are already being outplayed on LinkedIn and beyond - not because their expertise is weaker, but because they’re invisible on video. In this episode of The Consultancy Edge, I’m joined by John Wilson of Honest Video and Explainer to unpack exactly how consultancies can use video to build authority, shorten sales cycles, and stay top-of-mind with the right buyers. We cover everything from iPhone-level DIY to agency-produced thought leadership and explainer videos - plus how to stay consistent when you’re already flat out with client work. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why founder-led video is now a non-negotiable for ambitious consultanciesHow to turn your expertise into thought leadership content without overthinking itThe truth about production value vs just getting content outSimple setups for DIY video (Zoom, phone, lighting, audio) that still protect your brandHow to use webinars, podcasts and live sessions as content engines for monthsWhere different types of video belong in your marketing & sales funnelWhy consistency beats cinematic polish for winning trust and inbound opportunitiesHow to think about attribution when nobody is liking or commenting, but everyone is watchingThe smart way to use AI as a production helper, not as a content replacementAnd of course we wrap up with our signature segment: Snog, Marry, Avoid - John’s quick win, long-term keeper, and what to ditch right now in your video strategy. Send us a message

    50 min

  6. 30/10/2025

    Ep. 30 Consultancy KPI's & Delivering with Consistency, with Ben Edwards

    Boutiques are primed to win - if you tighten scoping, build an embedded sales culture, and obsess over 5 unsexy KPIs.  In this episode, Ben Edwards (CMap & Consulting Pulse) and Matt go deep on what’s really happening in pro services right now: slower decisions, margin squeeze, and how the best boutiques are still crushing it with sharper positioning, productised offers, and data-driven ops. Ben breaks down the operations black hole most firms fall into - and how to fix it - plus an exact play to add +5 margin points next quarter. Send us a message

    46 min

  7. 16/10/2025

    Ep. 29 Growing through Talent Strategy, with Caroline Boston

    Building a consultancy that helps other consultancies hire better - what does that actually take? In this episode, Caroline Boston, Managing Director of New Minds, shares the origin story behind her people-strategy firm and the hard-won lessons from partnering with boutique and challenger consultancies. We dig into the hiring do’s and don’ts that prevent expensive misfires, how to balance permanent teams with an associate bench without wrecking utilisation, and why clear career paths and role modelling matter more than ever for retention. We also tackle AI’s real impact on recruitment and staffing: what’s already automatable, where human judgement still wins, and how leaders can future-proof teams with critical thinking, client credibility, and change leadership. Caroline opens up about designing organisation structures that scale, creating standout candidate experiences for lesser-known brands, and the behaviours that consistently predict success in consulting roles. If you found this useful, hit subscribe, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and share with a consultancy leader who’s hiring.  Send us a message

    47 min

  8. 02/10/2025

    Ep. 28 Muting the AI Beach Bro's, with Leena Sowambur

    In this episode of The Consultancy Edge, host Matt Hodkinson sits down with Leena Sowambur, founder of Marcoms by Leena, whose career spans 25 years in digital marketing and PR, including global campaigns for icons like Beyoncé and Take That. Leena unpacks the so-called “expertise apocalypse” and the rise of AI-driven “Beachside Bros,” exploring how distorted visibility and performative purpose dominate today’s market. She shares candid advice for consultants on staying authentic, focusing on diagnostic expertise, and building trust through owned channels, while warning against chasing vanity metrics and formulaic funnel tactics. Send us a message

    44 min
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5
out of 5
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About

You built a consultancy worth noticing. Getting the market to notice it is a different skill. The Unique Boutique (formerly The Consultancy Edge) is a fortnightly podcast hosted by Matt Hodkinson, exploring the positioning, differentiation, and category-ownership strategies that turn boutique consultancies into the only credible choice.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Hodkinson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Total Growth Ownership
  • Show Website
    The Unique Boutique Podcast