Why I Work In… is a monthly feature, sponsored by Huddersfield-based Scriba PR, where we ask people about their jobs and the industry they work in. Paul Beaumont, of ConsultPB, answers our questions.
Tell us a little bit about ConsultPB. We are a boutique management consultancy focused on assisting SMEs, owner managers and MDs/CEOs to develop their business, scale up revenues and prepare for sale and exit. We get to work with some fabulous people and businesses. We are incredibly lucky. In short, we help to increase stakeholder value.
And what’s your role there – how would you describe your job to an alien? As managing partner, I tend to get involved directly in start-ups, scale ups, turnarounds, strategic planning and sometimes as a sounding board for MDs and CEOs, which can sometimes be a very lonely role. I sit on a number of boards as an advisor or non-executive director.
How long have you worked in this sector? I have been running ConsultPB for around seven years but have over 30 years’ experience as MD / CEO running everything from start-ups to blue chips, all over the world. I have achieved four successful start-ups and eight successful turnarounds during this period – and have experience of dealing with every type of opportunity or challenge that a business leader is likely to come up against.
What skills make someone a good management consultant? Experience is key in this sector. You cannot teach experience, unfortunately. I work with lots of hugely talented and entrepreneurial people on a regular basis – but there are always times when even the most talented leader needs advice and assistance from someone with a successful track record of having been there and done it.
What’s your advice for people looking to get into management consultancy? Take a hard and critical look at your strengths and weaknesses and understand how these can be of assistance to a business. Play to your strengths and do not try to be something that you are not.
If you could describe your job in only three words, which would you choose? Privileged, hugely satisfying.
What do you most love about it? Working with great people who have lots of talent.
What word would your colleagues use to describe you? Enthusiastic!
Where do you hope your career may take you? I am looking to add to my non-executive director / board advisor portfolio, to enable me to work consistently with a small number of key businesses over a longer period. I presently work with two boards, one in London and one in Bradford. Another two would be great.
If someone is reading this and thinks, I’d love to work at ConsultPB, what should they do? Contact me at paul@consultPB.co.uk!
