PODCAST
Feeling Bloated? Time for Some Lean Consulting
For decades, big problems meant hiring big consulting firms. The logic was simple: size equals impact. But what if that model is fundamentally broken? What if the hundred-page slide decks, massive teams, and staggerin…
Episode 05 · 27 min · August 18, 2025
Show notes
For decades, big problems meant hiring big consulting firms. The logic was simple: size equals impact. But what if that model is fundamentally broken? What if the hundred-page slide decks, massive teams, and staggering bills are a sign of waste, not value?
In this episode, Ben Griswold (Grizen) and Noah Heldman (OutcomeSource) make the case for a different approach: *Lean Consulting*. They break down why small, senior, and persistent teams are better equipped to deliver real business impact than their bloated, old-school counterparts. Drawing on a story of launching a mobile app in just five weeks by breaking the rules, they reveal how cutting waste—not corners—leads to faster pivots, deeper alignment with business goals, and a more effective partnership.
*In This Episode, You'll Learn:*
* The key differences between "bloated" and "lean" consulting models.
* Why connecting high-level strategy directly to on-the-ground execution is non-negotiable for success.
* The rise of the "Forward Deployed Engineer" and why generalists with business acumen are so valuable.
* How a small, nimble team launched a production-ready mobile app in just five weeks.
* The three pillars of lean consulting: persistent teams, direct stakeholder access, and the ability to pivot fast.
*Connect with Us:*
* Ben Griswold | Grizen: https://grizen.com
* Noah Heldman | OutcomeSource: https://outcomesource.com
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