Consulting Spotlight

Software Oasis

Ready to master the art of B2B consulting and accelerate your professional journey? Consulting Spotlight brings you weekly insights from the consulting industry's most brilliant minds. Host Michael Bernzweig, founder of Software Oasis, leverages decades of experience connecting top B2B consultants with leading organizations to bring you deep-dive conversations about what really works in consulting today. Each episode features strategic discussions with industry leaders, successful consultants, and decision-makers who share their proven methodologies, challenges overcome, and secrets to building a thriving consulting practice. From winning high-value clients to scaling your consulting business, get actionable strategies you can implement immediately. Whether you're an established consultant or planning to enter the field, this podcast delivers the expert knowledge you need to succeed. Subscribe now to join our community of ambitious consultants and get weekly episodes filled with practical wisdom, real-world case studies, and insider insights.

  1. JAN 18

    The Rise of the Chief AI Officer

    In this insightful episode hosted by Michael Bernzweig, Chris Daigle, founder of ChiefAIOfficer, explores the evolving role of AI in business, emphasizing the importance of a Chief AI Officer. He highlights the need for businesses to integrate AI into their operations, focusing on tasks rather than jobs, and the significance of creating an AI use policy. The conversation also touches on the cultural shift required to embrace AI and the potential risks of shadow usage without governance.  Takeaways AI is becoming essential for businesses by 2026.A Chief AI Officer is crucial for AI integration.Focus on tasks, not jobs, for AI implementation.Create an AI use policy for safe AI usage.Pilot projects should be low risk and high impact.Shadow usage of AI can pose risks without governance.AI can enhance productivity in knowledge work.Cultural shift is needed to embrace AI fully.AI should be integrated into daily business operations.Governance is key to successful AI implementation.Sound bites AI is table stakes by 2026.Focus on tasks, not jobs.Create an AI use policy.Shadow usage poses risks.AI enhances productivity.Cultural shift needed for AI.Integrate AI into daily operations.Governance is key for AI.Pilot projects are essential.AI is a new business reflex.Chapters Introduction to AI in BusinessThe Role of a Chief AI OfficerFocusing on Tasks for AI ImplementationCreating an AI Use PolicyCultural Shifts and AI AdoptionGovernance and Shadow Usage Risks Ready to action this strategy?Connect with this expert now for a complimentary strategy consult or exclusive offer. https://summit.softwareoasis.com/activate-offers/ (Claim Your Offer / Schedule Consultation) Apply to Present at our Live Events as an experthttps://experts.softwareoasis.com/expert-introductions Get Your Networking Passhttps://experts.softwareoasis.com/executive-networking-pass Claim your complimentary event pass and attend live:https://bootcamps.softwareoasis.com/ https://summit.softwareoasis.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    33 min
  2. JAN 18

    The Journey to Brand Identity Mastery

    In this engaging conversation hosted by Michael Bernzweig, Charlie Birch of Humaniz Collective shares her unconventional journey from Jungian psychology and dance performance to becoming a brand strategist. She discusses the importance of brand identity, emphasizing that it is not just about visual identity or marketing campaigns but the internal logic and architecture of a business. Charlie highlights the significance of adaptability, internal alignment, and the role of brand identity in decision-making and growth. She also shares personal stories and insights on overcoming challenges and the importance of maintaining operational integrity and brand trust. Takeaways Brand identity is the internal logic of a business.Adaptability is crucial for business success.Internal alignment predicts sustainable growth.Brand identity is not just visual identity.Operational integrity maintains brand trust.Entrepreneurship requires overcoming challenges.Personal stories can inspire and teach.Brand identity aids in decision-making.Maintaining humanity in business is vital.Strategic partnerships enhance business growth.Sound bites Brand identity is the logic of your business.Adaptability is the most important life skill.Internal alignment predicts sustainable growth.Brand identity is not your visual identity.Operational integrity maintains brand trust.Entrepreneurship is about overcoming challenges.Personal stories inspire and teach.Brand identity aids decision-making.Maintaining humanity is vital in business.Strategic partnerships enhance growth.Chapters Introduction to Charlie Birch's JourneyUnderstanding Brand IdentityThe Importance of AdaptabilityPersonal Stories and InsightsMaintaining Operational IntegrityThe Role of Strategic Partnerships Ready to action this strategy?Connect with this expert now for a complimentary strategy consult or exclusive offer. https://summit.softwareoasis.com/activate-offers/ (Claim Your Offer / Schedule Consultation) Apply to Present at our Live Events as an experthttps://experts.softwareoasis.com/expert-introductions Get Your Networking Passhttps://experts.softwareoasis.com/executive-networking-pass Claim your complimentary event pass and attend live:https://bootcamps.softwareoasis.com/ https://summit.softwareoasis.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    41 min
  3. JAN 18

    Data Storytelling and Visualization

    In this episode, Michael Bernzweig hosts Bill Shander, an information designer and founder of Beehive Media, who discusses the importance of understanding stakeholder needs beyond their initial requests. Bill introduces the concept of 'stakeholder whispering,' a method to uncover true needs using behavioral science and the Socratic method. He shares his journey from journalism to data visualization and emphasizes the significance of focusing on user experience over features. The conversation highlights the role of fast and slow thinking in decision-making and the value of asking the right questions to guide stakeholders to better solutions. Takeaways Stakeholder whispering helps uncover true needs beyond initial requests.Understanding user experience is more important than focusing on features.Fast thinking often leads to automated, less effective solutions.The Socratic method involves asking questions to guide stakeholders to insights.Bill Shander's career evolved from journalism to data visualization.Asking the right questions can lead to better decision-making.User experience should be prioritized over feature lists.Stakeholder whispering is applicable across various industries.Effective communication involves understanding subconscious biases.Bill Shander emphasizes the importance of teaching data storytelling.Sound bites Stakeholder whispering uncovers true needs.User experience trumps feature lists.Fast thinking leads to automated solutions.Socratic method guides stakeholders to insights.Bill Shander's journey from journalism to data.Right questions lead to better decisions.Prioritize user experience over features.Stakeholder whispering applies to all industries.Understand subconscious biases in communication.Teach data storytelling effectively.Chapters Introduction to Stakeholder WhisperingBill Shander's Career JourneyUnderstanding User ExperienceFast and Slow ThinkingThe Socratic Method in ConsultingTeaching Data Storytelling Ready to action this strategy?Connect with this expert now for a complimentary strategy consult or exclusive offer. https://summit.softwareoasis.com/activate-offers/ (Claim Your Offer / Schedule Consultation) Apply to Present at our Live Events as an experthttps://experts.softwareoasis.com/expert-introductions Get Your Networking Passhttps://experts.softwareoasis.com/executive-networking-pass Claim your complimentary event pass and attend live:https://bootcamps.softwareoasis.com/ https://summit.softwareoasis.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    50 min
  4. JAN 3

    Overcoming Messaging Challenges in SaaS

    In this episode of Consulting Spotlight, host Michael Bernzweig welcomes Jed Morley from Backstory Branding. They discuss the importance of message market fit and how it can help SaaS companies achieve growth. Jed shares insights on strategic communication, brand strategy, and the process of aligning messaging with market needs. The conversation also covers the challenges of maintaining consistent messaging across different departments and the significance of brand narrative in scaling businesses. Takeaways Jed Morley emphasizes the importance of message market fit for SaaS growth.Strategic communication can solve mixed messaging issues in organizations.Brand strategy is crucial for aligning messaging with market needs.Consistent messaging across departments is vital for business success.Brand narrative helps in scaling businesses effectively.Jed Morley shares his journey and insights into brand strategy.The role of message market fit in achieving 6-22% annual growth.Challenges in maintaining consistent messaging across departments.The significance of aligning messaging with customer expectations.The process of refining messaging to resonate with different audiences.Title Options Unlocking Growth with Message Market FitThe Power of Strategic CommunicationScaling Success with Consistent MessagingJed Morley on Brand StrategyAligning Messaging with Market NeedsThe Journey to Effective Brand NarrativeAchieving Growth through Message Market FitOvercoming Messaging Challenges in SaaSThe Role of Brand Narrative in Business ScalingRefining Messaging for Audience ResonanceSound bites Message market fit is key to SaaS growth.Strategic communication solves mixed messaging.Brand strategy aligns messaging with market needs.Consistent messaging is vital for success.Brand narrative helps scale businesses.Jed Morley shares insights on brand strategy.Achieving 6-22% growth with message market fit.Challenges in maintaining consistent messaging.Align messaging with customer expectations.Refine messaging to resonate with audiences.Chapters Introduction to Consulting SpotlightJed Morley's Journey and InsightsImportance of Message Market FitChallenges in Consistent MessagingRole of Brand Narrative in Scaling Ready to action this strategy?Connect with this expert now for a complimentary strategy consult or exclusive offer. https://summit.softwareoasis.com/activate-offers/ (Claim Your Offer / Schedule Consultation) Apply to Present at our Live Events as an experthttps://experts.softwareoasis.com/expert-introductions Get Your Networking Passhttps://experts.softwareoasis.com/executive-networking-pass Claim your complimentary event pass and attend live:https://bootcamps.softwareoasis.com/ https://summit.softwareoasis.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    43 min
  5. JAN 3

    Marketing to Millennials and Gen Z

    In this episode, host Michael Bernzweig interviews James Hipkin from Red8 Interactive, a marketing expert on a mission to demystify marketing. They discuss the shift in marketing strategies needed to address modern buyers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, who require a different approach than previous generations. James highlights the importance of strategic personalization, creating 'people like you' pathways, and focusing on mid-funnel marketing to build trust and align with the buyer's journey. The conversation also covers the challenges of implementing new systems and the importance of aligning marketing and sales strategies with current market demands. Takeaways Marketing to modern buyers requires a shift from traditional tactics.Strategic personalization is more than just using a name in emails.'People like you' pathways invite rather than push buyers.Mid-funnel marketing is crucial for building trust.Aligning marketing with buyer's journey increases qualified leads.Modern buyers distrust pressure and prefer peer recommendations.Marketing should focus on proof, not promises.Understanding buyer's situation enhances personalization.Change management is key in implementing new systems.Aligning sales and marketing strategies is essential for growth.Sound bites Marketing to modern buyers requires a shift.Strategic personalization is more than a name.'People like you' pathways invite buyers.Mid-funnel marketing builds trust.Align marketing with the buyer's journey.Modern buyers distrust pressure.Focus on proof, not promises.Understand the buyer's situation.Change management is key.Align sales and marketing strategies.Chapters Introduction to Modern Marketing ChallengesStrategic Personalization ExplainedCreating 'People Like You' PathwaysThe Role of Mid-Funnel MarketingAligning Sales and Marketing Strategies Ready to action this strategy?Connect with this expert now for a complimentary strategy consult or exclusive offer. https://summit.softwareoasis.com/activate-offers/ (Claim Your Offer / Schedule Consultation) Apply to Present at our Live Events as an experthttps://experts.softwareoasis.com/expert-introductions Get Your Networking Passhttps://experts.softwareoasis.com/executive-networking-pass Claim your complimentary event pass and attend live:https://bootcamps.softwareoasis.com/ https://summit.softwareoasis.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    35 min
  6. JAN 2

    The Art of Data Presentation in Marketing

    In this episode of Consulting Spotlight, host Michael Bernzweig welcomes Matt Bailey, a digital marketing expert and founder of SiteLogic. They discuss Matt's journey from real estate to digital marketing, the importance of data analytics, and how to effectively communicate data insights to stakeholders. Matt emphasizes the need for intentional data presentation and storytelling to engage audiences and drive decision-making. The episode also touches on the challenges of presenting data in a way that is both informative and persuasive. Takeaways Matt Bailey's journey from real estate to digital marketing.The importance of self-taught skills in digital marketing.How data analytics can drive business decisions.The concept of data intentionality in presentations.Challenges in communicating data insights effectively.The role of storytelling in data presentation.Key performance indicators in marketing analytics.The disconnect between important and reported KPIs.Strategies for engaging stakeholders with data.The impact of AI on B2B relationship building.Title Options Unlocking Data's Potential with Matt BaileyFrom Real Estate to Digital Marketing: Matt Bailey's JourneyMastering Data Storytelling with Matt BaileyThe Art of Data Presentation in MarketingEngaging Stakeholders with Data InsightsMatt Bailey on the Future of Digital MarketingData Analytics: A Tool for Decision-MakingThe Power of Intentional Data PresentationBridging the Gap: Important vs. Reported KPIsAI's Role in B2B Relationship BuildingSound bites Big numbers lie.You can't trust big numbers.Data storytelling creates empathy.Intentionality in data is key.Present data to engage stakeholders.AI levels the playing field.Self-taught skills drive success.Storytelling enhances data presentation.Effective data presentation drives decisions.Data insights must be persuasive.Chapters Introduction and WelcomeMatt Bailey's Journey to Digital MarketingThe Importance of Data AnalyticsCommunicating Data Insights EffectivelyThe Role of Storytelling in Data PresentationEngaging Stakeholders with DataThe Impact of AI on B2B Relationships Ready to action this strategy?Connect with this expert now for a complimentary strategy consult or exclusive offer. https://summit.softwareoasis.com/activate-offers/ (Claim Your Offer / Schedule Consultation) Apply to Present at our Live Events as an experthttps://experts.softwareoasis.com/expert-introductions Get Your Networking Passhttps://experts.softwareoasis.com/executive-networking-pass Claim your complimentary event pass and attend live:https://bootcamps.softwareoasis.com/ https://summit.softwareoasis.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    40 min
  7. 12/25/2025

    AI Revolutionizing CRM and ERP Integration

    In this insightful conversation, host Michael Bernzweig speaks with Eric Garrison of WTE Solutions and discusses the challenges and solutions in digital transformation for businesses, focusing on data integration and operational efficiency. Garrison emphasizes the importance of creating a 'Lake House' for data, enabling seamless communication between systems and reducing reliance on manual data entry. Garrison also highlights the role of AI in enhancing customer service and operational processes, providing examples from various industries.  Takeaways Eric Garrison emphasizes the need for seamless data integration across systems.Creating a 'Lake House' for data can enhance operational efficiency.AI can significantly improve customer service and operational processes.Manual data entry should be minimized to reduce errors and increase efficiency.Data normalization is crucial for accurate business intelligence.Real-time data access is essential for informed decision-making.AI-driven solutions can help reduce operational costs.Integrating CRM and ERP systems can streamline business operations.A single pane of glass approach can enhance data visibility for executives.Predictive analytics can provide valuable insights for future planning.Sound bites Creating a "Lake House" for data.AI can improve customer service.Minimize manual data entry.Data normalization is crucial.Real-time data access is key.AI solutions reduce costs.Integrate CRM and ERP systems.Single pane of glass for data.Predictive analytics for future insights.Unlocking digital transformation.Chapters Introduction to Eric GarrisonChallenges in Data IntegrationThe Concept of a "Lake House"AI in Customer ServiceOperational Efficiency and Cost ReductionFuture of Business Intelligence Ready to action this strategy?Connect with this expert now for a complimentary strategy consult or exclusive offer. https://summit.softwareoasis.com/activate-offers/ (Claim Your Offer / Schedule Consultation) Apply to Present at our Live Events as an experthttps://experts.softwareoasis.com/expert-introductions Get Your Networking Passhttps://experts.softwareoasis.com/executive-networking-pass Claim your complimentary event pass and attend live:https://bootcamps.softwareoasis.com/ https://summit.softwareoasis.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    50 min
  8. 12/25/2025

    Mastering SEO: Drive Quality Traffic

    In this episode, Michael Bernzweig speaks with John JB Russell of Digital Womble, a seasoned expert in digital marketing and SEO, who shares his strategies for driving traffic and improving search engine visibility. He emphasizes the importance of using the right keywords, understanding buyer intent, and structuring content effectively to attract quality traffic. John also discusses the importance of proactively indexing content and optimizing site structure to improve search engine ranking and visibility. Takeaways Focus on quality traffic, not just volume.Use precise keywords to drive the right traffic.Understand buyer intent to convert traffic into revenue.Leverage free tools like Google Planner for keyword insights.Structure your site to harvest demand, not just sell services.Optimize SEO titles and slugs for better search visibility.High-quality content is key to engaging users and search engines.Proactively index content to increase organic traffic.Internal and external links enhance content visibility.Fast-loading pages improve user experience and conversion rates.Sound bites Focus on quality traffic, not just volume.Use precise keywords to drive the right traffic.Understand buyer intent to convert traffic into revenue.Structure your site to harvest demand, not just sell.High-quality content is key to engaging users.Proactively index content to increase organic traffic.Internal and external links enhance content visibility.Fast-loading pages improve user experience.Optimize SEO titles and slugs for better visibility.Leverage free tools for keyword insights.Chapters 00:00:06 Introduction to John JB Russell00:00:32 Understanding Traffic Loss00:01:31 Keyword Strategy and Buyer Intent00:02:28 Optimizing Content Structure00:04:24 SEO Titles and Slugs00:05:52 High-Quality Content and Trust00:09:11 Proactive Indexing and Traffic Growth00:12:00 Google vs. LLM Traffic00:13:59 Reworking Traffic and Final Tips Ready to action this strategy?Connect with this expert now for a complimentary strategy consult or exclusive offer. https://summit.softwareoasis.com/activate-offers/ (Claim Your Offer / Schedule Consultation) Apply to Present at our Live Events as an experthttps://experts.softwareoasis.com/expert-introductions Get Your Networking Passhttps://experts.softwareoasis.com/executive-networking-pass Claim your complimentary event pass and attend live:https://bootcamps.softwareoasis.com/ https://summit.softwareoasis.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    43 min

About

Ready to master the art of B2B consulting and accelerate your professional journey? Consulting Spotlight brings you weekly insights from the consulting industry's most brilliant minds. Host Michael Bernzweig, founder of Software Oasis, leverages decades of experience connecting top B2B consultants with leading organizations to bring you deep-dive conversations about what really works in consulting today. Each episode features strategic discussions with industry leaders, successful consultants, and decision-makers who share their proven methodologies, challenges overcome, and secrets to building a thriving consulting practice. From winning high-value clients to scaling your consulting business, get actionable strategies you can implement immediately. Whether you're an established consultant or planning to enter the field, this podcast delivers the expert knowledge you need to succeed. Subscribe now to join our community of ambitious consultants and get weekly episodes filled with practical wisdom, real-world case studies, and insider insights.