In this episode of the Thriving Through Podcast, host AJ Riedel sits down with Mark Rapier, a consultant, advisor, and author of The Leader with a Thousand Faces. Mark shares decades of real-world consulting experience and breaks down the three types of consultants, contractors, project consultants, and advisors and explains how positioning yourself as an advisor allows you to charge premium rates while building a sustainable consulting practice.
Mark opens up about his transition from large consulting firms to independent consulting, how COVID accelerated his move, and the biggest mindset shifts required when running your own consulting business. He also discusses why the most effective consultants focus on influence, leadership, and enterprise-level thinking, not just execution.
You’ll learn how to:
• Identify which type of consultant you are, and which one you should be
• Position yourself as a strategic advisor instead of a “gun for hire”
• Use LinkedIn and thought leadership to attract inbound consulting opportunities
• Build a consulting network that actually generates business
• Say no to the wrong projects so you’re available for the right ones
• Price your services confidently and explore alternative compensation models
• Turn consulting engagements into retainers and recurring revenue
• Stay relevant by continuously preparing for the “next wave” in your career
Mark also shares insights from his time as an interim CIO, lessons from uncovering hidden organizational risks, and how writing his book helped strengthen his authority and consulting pipeline.
If you’re a consultant, coach, advisor, freelancer, or professional service provider looking to grow your influence, raise your rates, and build a consulting practice that doesn’t burn you out, this episode is packed with practical wisdom.