Welcome to Season 4: The Level-Up Blueprint

Unlock the secrets to thriving as a woman of color in the consulting industry. Season 4 of the Black Girls Consult TOO! podcast promises a deep exploration into the shifting dynamics of consulting and how you can harness these changes to your advantage. With technology revolutionizing traditional practices and altering client expectations, discover how to stand out, maintain authenticity, and tailor solutions that resonate with your clients' values. This season is dedicated to empowering you to work smarter, not harder to build a business that invigorates rather than drains. Tune in for a transformative conversation to help you reshape the future of consulting.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:01

Hello and welcome to the Black Girls Console 2 podcast. I'm your host, dr Angelina Davis, and before we start this episode, I want you to take a deep breath with me for just one second. You know, I want you to know that this is a space that's just for you, a space where you are seen, where you are heard and you are valued. You know, we've created this space together, our little corner of the world where we get to have honest conversation about what it really takes to thrive as a woman in consulting, and especially if you're a woman of color. You know, over recent years the world of consulting has been shifting under our feet. What used to work even just five years ago isn't enough anymore. Technology is changing, we have changing client expectations and there's a rise of the personal brand that has completely reshaped the landscape of our industry. I mean, for decades the consulting world has been controlled by gatekeepers, large firms that dominated the industry and they set the standards. If you want to succeed, you had to play by their rules. That meant rigid frameworks and corporate politics and, yes, the old school methods like cold calls and endless RFPs and endless proposals. The business was highly transactional and, let's be honest, exclusive, because often we weren't factored in, it was not designed for people like us. But today the game is changing and technology has broken down so many barriers and created opportunity for what I would say is a more level playing field. Platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube are amplifying individual voices and allowing independent consultants to stand really shoulder to shoulder with major firms. We have tools now that let us automate repetitive tasks and streamline our workflows. We can literally run global businesses from our laptops and at the same time, clients have shifted their expectations. They don't want or even need cookie cutter solutions. They have AI for that and they definitely don't want to feel like a mere number on a long client roster. They want authenticity. They also desire connection. They're looking for thought leaders. They want consultants who not only bring expertise, but who can also deliver tailored solutions that align with their values. And as much as these changes have opened doors, they've also created some new challenges for us, like how do you begin to stand out in a saturated market where everyone claims to be an expert? How do you adapt to these tools without feeling overwhelmed or losing the human touch to your work, and how do you position yourself as a high value consultant in this new era without burning out trying to do it all. These are questions we're going to explore together this season.

Speaker 1: 3:11

You may be wondering why I've decided to make this shift. Well, when I first started in the industry, I felt like I was climbing uphill, uphill, with no map and no one to help me along. I had the qualifications, I had the experience and the drive, but it always felt like I was being told I had to prove myself and be twice as good and work twice as hard. And it wasn't just me. I saw this happening to other brilliant and extremely capable women, Women who look like me, and women whose values were constantly questioned, even though they had everything they needed to succeed. And, honestly, what I realized along the way is that working harder was not the answer.

Speaker 1: 3:58

The real enemy isn't just the external systems we're up against. It's the internalized systems too, the ones that we've been conditioned to carry the cycle of undervaluation and misalignment and burnout, the endless hustle that begins to leave us exhausted and scattered and disconnected from what matters most. Those things play a role too, and in this season, it's about breaking that cycle. It's about creating something better. So I want you to just imagine for a moment a consulting business where your expertise is not only valued but it's sought after, where clients come to you ready to invest, fully aligned with your vision and values. Imagine a life of financial stability, where your income is predictable, your revenue streams are steady and you can plan for your future with confidence. This isn't about working harder, it's about working smarter and it's about working together, building a business that allows you to work less and to live more. A business that excites you, that challenges you and that fills your life with joy, not one that drains you and demands that you sacrifice things that you find to be so important. Those are sacrifices that you don't have to make any longer.

Speaker 1: 5:23

Okay, this season is about helping you shift the way you operate. We're going to say goodbye to old ways of working and embrace the tools, the strategies and the mindset shifts that help us thrive in this new era. We're going to tackle things like how to build a consulting business that feels aligned and balanced and joyful, how to break free from the feast or famine cycle and create consistent, predictable revenue, to begin to develop the confidence to take up space to articulate our value and to attract the highest level aligned clients. And then, finally, to prioritize you, to prioritize ourselves, all of you, your peace, your purpose, so that your business serves your life and not the other way around. My focus is on boosting your performance, cultivating a resilient mindset and creating the kind of life harmony that lets you excel without sacrificing your health, your family or your joy. But more than that, I want to help you unlock your ability to lead, to rise above the noise and to cut through all of the doubt, so you can make bold moves that position you as a thought leader in your industry.

Speaker 1: 6:45

My wish is that you will feel empowered every time you tune into an episode.

Speaker 1: 6:51

I want this podcast to feel like a conversation with someone who gets it, someone who understands the challenges you face and the weight that you carry, and I want you to think of this podcast as more than just something to listen to. I want it to really feel like your sanctuary, a place where you can step away from all the noise, tune into what really matters and take away something valuable for your journey. Friend, this is your space, a space to grow, to stretch and to create a consulting business that works for you. Whether you're just starting out or you're ready to scale, my mission is to give you the tools and the confidence to level up, not just in your business, but also in your life. So take this as your invitation right now to take your business to a new level. I want you to hit the follow button, I want you to share the podcast with someone who needs it and get ready for a season full of clarity, confidence and growth. You got this, and I'm here to walk with you every step of the way. We'll talk soon.