Trials & Errors Webinar Series-Trials & Errors: Jennie Moule and Andy Wood

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In a session focused on career transitions, Mary-Rose Delorsen and Hannah Fox discuss the shift from higher education to consultancy work with guests Andy and Jenny. Andy, an experienced development consultant, shares an early consulting mistake where he misattributed fundraising success, based on assumptions from his past experiences, highlighting the importance of thorough questioning to truly understand client dynamics. Jenny, a former consultancy owner, recounts a project misstep where she underestimated the expectations of a client's team, leading to mistrust and the need for extensive relationship repairing. Both emphasize the challenges of adjusting to consultancy from in-house roles, such as the need for quick rapport-building with multiple clients and the importance of co-creating solutions tailored to unique organizational needs. They advise leveraging professional networks, clearly defining one's unique selling proposition, and maintaining transparency and thorough understanding in consultancy roles. The session underscores the complexities of consultancy work, the necessity of adaptability, and the critical role of effective communication and relationship management.

Asset Subtitle

January 2025

Jennie Moule (University of Cambridge) and Andy Wood (Andy Wood Consulting) join Hannah Fox (Regent’s University London) and Marie-Rose Delauzun (The Sutton Trust) to discuss how they have navigated career changes, including leaving the educator sector for consultancy. Expect informal and candid discussion on decisions they regret or unavoidable errors - and plenty of reassurance that you're not alone!

Keywords

career transitions

higher education

consultancy work

client dynamics

rapport-building

organizational needs

professional networks

unique selling proposition

relationship management