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In this episode, Russell, Chris, Tara, and David explore what a testing consultancy could look like if you stripped it back and built it around values, experience, and honest reflection.
Starting with some light-hearted conference banter, the conversation quickly turns to consultancy models, what works, what does not, and what they would do differently.
Outcomes over outputs
A recurring theme throughout the discussion is the importance of focusing on outcomes rather than outputs.
The group reflect on:
- Delivering meaningful change, not just activity
- Avoiding long-term dependency on consultants
- Measuring success by what happens after you leave
Enablement and sustainability
Rather than doing the work for clients, the conversation leans towards:
- Setting up repeatable processes
- Enabling teams to continue without support
- Leaving organisations self-sufficient
The idea of making yourself redundant comes up as a sign of success.
Working with context
The discussion explores how consultants engage with existing client environments:
- When to adapt to existing processes
- When to challenge and improve them
- The importance of pragmatic, context-informed decisions
There is no single answer, but a strong emphasis on informed choice and transparency.
Thought leadership vs “bums on seats”
The group question traditional consultancy models, particularly:
- Staff augmentation
- Long-running placements
- Value tied to time rather than impact
Instead, they explore a model centred around:
- Short-term, high-impact engagements
- Strategic and cultural change
- Supporting teams rather than filling roles
Follow-ups, iteration, and lasting change
A key challenge raised is what happens after consultants leave.
The group discuss:
- Returning at later checkpoints
- Supporting incremental change
- Preventing regression to old habits
The idea is less one-off transformation, more ongoing iteration.
Consultancy as connection
An alternative model emerges during the conversation:
- Acting as a connector of people and expertise
- Matching specialists to specific problems
- Leveraging community rather than a fixed bench
Blurring the line between consultancy, partnership, and network.
Who would this be for?
The group gravitate towards:
- Startups and scale-ups
- Organisations open to change
- Teams looking for guidance, not just delivery
With less interest in:
- Large-scale augmentation
- Traditional long-term consultancy models
This episode explores
- What good consultancy looks like in practice
- Outcomes vs outputs in client engagements
- Enablement and making change stick
- Navigating client context and constraints
- Thought leadership vs staff augmentation
- Alternative consultancy models and community-led approaches
Referenced in this episode
Fiona Charles – 10 Commandments for Ethical Testers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQHt4Pao2Vs
#PeersCon27 (March 11th, 2027) is now LIVE Tickets for the event are live for the Early Bird Price of £15 until November 30th 2027.
