The Professional Services Pursuit

Kantata
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Our goal is simple: to give professional services leaders a place to go to be inspired and tap into expert advice, trends and best practices in our collective pursuit of excellence. From agencies to IT services and every PS organization in between, our hosts and guests will provide the insights you need to drive a resource first organization and do what you do best, only better. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep. 115 - SaaS Is Under Fire: Who Survives the AI Shift, and Why It Matters for Services Leaders w/ Michael Speranza

    AI isn’t just disrupting SaaS, it’s forcing a fundamental rethink of what software is actually worth. In this episode, Brent sits down with Kantata CEO Michael Speranza to unpack the growing tension across the market: buyers questioning why they should pay for software they think AI can build, and boards pushing leaders to prove long-term, defensible value. The conversation goes beyond the hype to explore what truly survives in an AI-driven world, and why the future of SaaS has far less to do with code and far more to do with context. Key Topics CoveredThe new “build vs. buy” reality: Why buyers are questioning SaaS in the age of AI, and where that thinking falls shortWho’s actually at risk: The types of SaaS companies most vulnerable in this shift (and why)The death of code as a moat: How value is moving from product to data, workflows, and domain expertiseContext as the new advantage: Why owning deep customer understanding is becoming the ultimate differentiatorWhat survives — and wins: The traits of SaaS companies that will endure and thrive in an AI-driven market Read Michael’s recent article, AI Is Coming for SaaS. Just Not the Way You Think to learn more about this topic and his perspective on the SaaSpocalypse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min

  2. MAR 26

    Ep. 114 - Women’s History Month: 3 Women, 3 Paths to Leadership and Impact w/ Lauren Langston, Jennifer Schutz and Melissa Korzun

    In honor of Women’s History Month, this episode features three very accomplished female leaders — Jennifer Schutz, Lauren Langston, and Melissa Korzun — sharing candid insights on their career journeys, pivotal moments, and the mindset shifts behind their success. The conversation highlights how growth comes not from linear paths, but from embracing opportunity, building confidence, and leading with authenticity. Key Topics CoveredHow curiosity, adaptability, and unplanned opportunities shape successful careersWhy leaning into challenges accelerates growth and opens new doorsThe role of self-awareness and authenticity in effective leadershipThe shift from execution to communication, influence, and alignment as you growHow to reframe setbacks as learning opportunities Book Recommendations for Leadership & Career GrowthMelissa’s Recommendations Crucial Conversations — Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan & Al SwitzlerRadical Candor — Kim ScottThe Secrets of Six-Figure Women — Barbara StannySwitch — Chip Heath & Dan HeathLead with a Story — Paul Smith Jennifer’s Recommendations Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office — Lois P. FrankelExtreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win — Jocko WillinkHow Women Rise — Sally Helgesen & Marshall GoldsmithThe 48 Laws of Power — Robert GreeneYour Brain at Work — David Rock Lauren’s Recommendations Designing Your Life — Bill Burnett & Dave EvansPowerful — Patty McCordAmp It Up — Fred SlootmanScaling People — Claire Hughes JohnsonConscious Business — Fred Kofman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min

  3. MAR 5

    Ep. 113 - Operationalizing AI in Consulting: Governance, Talent Shifts & the Move to Outcome-Based Pricing w/Tom Rodenhauser

    AI is no longer a futuristic add-on for consulting firms, it’s reshaping how firms operate, price, hire, and deliver outcomes. In this episode Brent sits down with Tom Rodenhauser of K2 Consulting Research (formerly Kennedy Intelligence) to unpack what’s actually happening inside consulting firms as they operationalize AI. From boutique firms building knowledge engines that rival global players, to the governance structures required to protect client trust, to the accelerating shift away from time-based billing, this conversation separates hype from reality. Key Topics Covered How boutique firms are competing with global giantsThe changing role of consultants (especially junior talent)Governance isn’t optional, it’s the prerequisite for trust.Transparency as a competitive advantageOutcome-based pricing is the future, but only for firms that can clearly define and measure results.Measurable internal impact and the time savings creating space for higher-value conversations and business development Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min

  4. FEB 19

    Ep. 112 - Reinventing Agency Value for What’s Next w/ Caroline Johnson, Patricia Rothenberg and Michael Farmer

    In this special compilation episode, Brent revisits three powerful conversations with leaders who have fundamentally reimagined how agencies price, position, and deliver value. As AI accelerates productivity, procurement squeezes margins, and time-based billing becomes increasingly commoditized, one thing is clear: the traditional agency model is under pressure. The firms that redefine themselves as performance partners, not effort vendors, are pulling ahead. From valuation strategy to operational reinvention, this episode explores what it really takes to make the shift from selling hours to selling impact. In this episode, you’ll hear:Caroline Johnson, the Co-Founder of The Business Model Company discussing why selling time suppresses valuation — and how business model design can double or even triple firm multiples. (Ep. 63)Patricia Rothenberg, Global COO and General Counsel of renowned creative agency 72andSunny shares how they were able to eliminate individual timesheets and train teams to sell value instead of labor. (Ep. 94)Michael Farmer, Author of Madison Avenue Manslaughter and Madison Avenue Makeover - and the leader of Management consulting firm Farmer & Company provides practical lessons on leading scope discussions around outcomes—not procurement-driven deliverables—and what changes operationally when agencies focus on impact over hours. (Ep. 48) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min

  5. FEB 5

    Ep. 111 - Consulting M&A Trends for 2026 w/ Ramone Param

    In this episode of The Professional Services Pursuit, Brent is joined once again by Ramone Param, Managing Director at Kennedy M&A, to kick off a new series focused on mergers and acquisitions in professional services. Together, they reflect on the 2025 M&A landscape and look ahead to what 2026 holds for consulting firms navigating economic uncertainty, AI-driven disruption, and shifting buyer expectations. Ramone shares firsthand insights from the deal market, offering a clear view of where momentum is building, what buyers are prioritizing, and how firms can position themselves for stronger valuations in the year ahead. Key topics covered in this episode: What changed in 2025—and why optimism is returning in 2026Where buyer demand is strongestThe shift from buying headcount to acquiring AI-enabled consultants, proprietary data, and differentiated intellectual propertyNew value drivers in consulting valuationsRamone’s outlook on a potential transformational, cross-functional deal that could redefine the professional services landscape You can find Ramone’s newsletter by visiting: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramoneparam/ Learn more about Kennedy M&A here: https://www.k2consultingresearch.com/ma-advisory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min

  6. JAN 22

    Ep. 110 - A Crawl–Walk–Run Path to Outcome-Driven Services w/ Melissa Korzun

    AI is rewriting the rules of professional services. As delivery time compresses and impact accelerates, traditional pricing models — T&M, fixed-fee, retainers — are starting to break. In this episode, Banoo is joined by Melissa Korzun, Kantata’s VP of Industry Solutions to explore what outcome-driven delivery really looks like in an AI-powered services world. When utilization is no longer the scoreboard, firms are being judged on time to value, customer lifetime value, and portfolio ROI. We cover: How to redesign service offerings and commercial models around measurable outcomesWhat changes when delivery becomes hybrid across humans and AI agentsWhy sales, delivery, and ops must evolve together—not in silosA practical crawl-walk-run approach to transformationHow transparency and accountability become margin protectors, not overhead The firms that win next won’t just deliver faster—they’ll make outcomes visible, repeatable, and profitable. This episode shows how to get there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min

  7. JAN 8

    Ep. 109 - A Practical Approach to Technology Decisions That Stand the Test of Change w/ Shawn Windle

    In this episode of The Professional Services Pursuit, host Brent sits down with Shawn Windle, Founder and Managing Principal of ERP Advisors Group, to unpack a challenge nearly every professional services firm is grappling with: how to choose technology that delivers relief today and provides support for the needs of tomorrow. Drawing on hundreds of ERP and PSA implementations, Shawn shares candid insights into what works, what doesn’t, and how leaders can avoid costly missteps while laying the groundwork for scalable, long-term success. Key topics covered in this episode: The people, process, and growth signals that indicate when it’s time to outgrow mid-level systemsWhy firms that delay investing in core systems risk falling behind as AI adoption acceleratesThe hidden dangers of overshooting your actual business needs with overly complex platformA pragmatic framework leaders can use to make smarter, more confident technology decisions Visit ERP Advisors Group to learn more about their services and schedule a consultation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    Ep. 108 - The Evolving Role of the CFO: Driving Strategy, Operational Clarity & Scalable Growth w/ Steve De Santis & Dave Ristow

    In this episode of The Pursuit Power Half Hour, Brent sits down with two seasoned CFOs, Steve DeSantis and Dave Ristow, to explore how the role of finance leadership has rapidly expanded across professional services. They discuss how CFOs are now expected to shape strategic direction, unify systems and data, strengthen delivery operations, and build tech stacks that can sustain long-term growth.  Key topics covered include: How the CFO role has evolved from traditional financial oversight to strategic operatorThe challenges of rapid growth and how unified tools (PSA, ERP, BI) restore clarity and control.How CFOs partner with operations and delivery leaders Signs it’s time to evolve your tech stackAdvice for CFOs on owning the enterprise tech stack, preparing for AI-enabled operations, and building companies that can scale through multiple stages of investment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Our goal is simple: to give professional services leaders a place to go to be inspired and tap into expert advice, trends and best practices in our collective pursuit of excellence. From agencies to IT services and every PS organization in between, our hosts and guests will provide the insights you need to drive a resource first organization and do what you do best, only better. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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