What does leadership really look like when growth, pressure, and personal risk collide? In this episode, Joe O’Mahoney speaks with Richard Goold about scaling consulting firms, leading under strain, and building long-term value without losing culture. Richard Goold supports founders, CEOs, and boards through the hardest stages of growth—scaling sustainably, protecting culture, and preparing for long-term value creation. He has led and exited consulting businesses, including a £35m sale following an MBO, and now advises fast-growth firms across the UK and US. Earlier in his career, Richard also served as a frontline Met Police officer, an experience that deeply shaped his views on leadership, trust, and decision-making under pressure. Richard shares his journey from big consulting firms to leading Moorehouse through an MBO, growing the business from £3m to £35m, and ultimately selling it. He reflects on the realities of leadership during high-stakes moments, including remortgaging personal assets, navigating near-deal failures, and carrying responsibility for people as the firm scaled. The conversation explores what truly drives firm value beyond revenue—succession planning, client concentration, codifying knowledge, and leadership depth—as well as why these factors must be addressed years before an exit process begins. Joe and Richard close by discussing today’s consulting landscape, including the cultural challenges of remote work, the risks and opportunities of AI, and what leaders must do now to stay relevant and protect enterprise value. In this episode you will learn: What leadership under strain really looks like in growing consulting firms How Morehouse scaled from an MBO to a £35m exitWhy people, succession, and culture drive long-term firm valueThe risks of waiting too long to prepare for an exitHow to codify delivery IP and reduce founder dependencyWhy everyone—not just partners—must contribute to growthHow AI and remote work are reshaping consulting firm value This episode offers a grounded look at leadership when the stakes are real—from scaling and exits to culture, people, and personal risk. Richard’s experience provides practical insights for consultancy leaders navigating growth, strain, and long-term value creation. Connect with Richard: Website: RichardGoold.com LinekdIn: Richard Goold Send us Fan Mail Prof. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Follow Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeomahoney/ Follow Joe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/joeomahoney Visit Joe’s Website: https://www.equitysherpa.com
