Smart Consulting Sourcing

A consulting agreement might not be flashy — but it’s one of the most critical tools in your consulting procurement arsenal. In this episode of Quick Takes on Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, breaks down the seven must-have elements every procurement pro should scrutinize before signing a consulting contract. From scope clarity and payment terms to IP rights and termination clauses, she highlights...

In this thought-provoking episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Helene Lafitte unpacks a question that every organization faces but few answer strategically: should you handle a consulting project in-house or bring in external experts?

With humor, clarity, and a practical five-pillar framework, Helene guides you through the complexities of the make-or-buy decision—looking beyond cost to consider capability, strategic value, and l...

Should you invest in an internal consulting team? In this episode of Quick Takes with Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, breaks down the strategic considerations behind this crucial decision. From analyzing consulting spend to defining a clear team mandate, she explains why internal consulting is about more than just cutting costs; it's about driving long-term efficiency, retaining knowledge, and op...

Companies spend billions on external consultants, but is there a better way? In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, explores the growing trend of Internal Consulting Groups and how they can serve as a powerful strategic asset. Far from being just a cost-cutting measure, internal consulting helps organizations retain knowledge, develop future leaders, and optimize consulting spend with...

Change management is crucial in any procurement transformation, but when it comes to consulting, it takes on a whole new level of complexity. In this episode of QuickTakes with Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, explores why change management in consulting procurement is fundamentally different. From the intangibility of consulting services to the high-level stakeholder sensitivities, she unpacks th...

Digitalizing consulting procurement offers immense potential—efficiency, transparency, and smarter decision-making. But without the right approach, organizations can fall into common traps that hinder progress.

In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, breaks down the five biggest pitfalls companies face when implementing digital procurement solutions. From mistaking tools for the solu...

In today’s fast-paced digital world, effective collaboration between procurement and business lines is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. In this episode of Quick Takes with Smart Consulting Sourcing, Hélène Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, unpacks how organizations can break down silos and foster seamless collaboration. From understanding each other’s priorities to leveraging digital tools for transparency, she shares actionabl...

Digital transformation isn’t just about flashy new tools—it’s about redefining how we work. In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Helene Lafitte, CEO of Consulting Quest, dives deep into the pivotal role of change management in digital procurement transformation. From real-world challenges like misaligned teams to actionable strategies for driving success, Helene breaks down why transformation in consulting procurement requ...

In the world of procurement, centralised vs. decentralised procurement structures is one of the most debated topics. Should you centralize your consulting procurement? Opt for a decentralised approach? Or is the ideal solution a balanced hybrid?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but in this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing, Helene dives deep into these concepts to help you determine which structure best suits your organisatio...

We’re back with another Q&A episode of the Smart Consulting Sourcing Podcast! Today, we're tackling a critical topic: the impact of early procurement involvement in consulting projects.

Ever wondered how involving procurement right from the start can transform your consulting outcomes? What strategies can help align stakeholders effectively? And how do you overcome the common challenges of gaining buy-in from senior executive...

When it comes to optimizing consulting spend, you're not just fine-tuning a few processes—you’re fundamentally shifting how your organization selects and manages consulting services. And let’s be honest, that kind of change often faces resistance, especially from the top. To succeed, you need everyone on board, from procurement to senior leadership.

At Consulting Quest, we rely on John Kotter’s 8 Steps for Leading Change, a prove...

Welcome to the Smart Consulting Sourcing Podcast's LIVE Q&A session! Today, we’re diving into some of the most pressing questions about consulting sourcing.

What’s the first step in choosing the right consulting project? How do you weigh cost versus value when selecting consultants? Should you go with boutique firms or stick to the big players? If you're looking to invest wisely in expertise and get the most out of that invest...

In this episode of Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, your favourite host, Helene, dives into the fascinating world of specialised and niche consulting—a trend that’s revolutionizing how businesses tackle their most pressing challenges. Think of niche consultants as your business's expert surgeons: for general health, you consult your GP, but for a heart condition, you want a cardiac specialist.

Similarly, as your challenges grow...

In this exciting new episode, we’re launching a fresh segment that’s sure to become a staple in your listening routine—a live monthly Q&A session. Each month, we’ll tackle a hot topic and answer the questions that matter most to you. This week, we’re kicking things off with a deep dive into a subject that every consultant or procurement professional faces sooner or later: negotiations. Today’s session is all about preparation....

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, the role of consulting services has never been more pivotal. For Strategy, Finance, and Procurement Executives, understanding the nuanced overlap between these domains is essential. It is this very overlap that can spell the difference between a consulting project that delivers transformative value and one that merely scratches the surface.

In this episode of our Smart Consulting Sourcing...

When it comes to navigating the intricate world of consulting, the traditional mindset of price-slashing and hard-nosed bargaining often falls flat. Consulting isn't just another commodity; it demands a sophisticated approach where value and cost optimization go hand in hand.

In this episode of Smar Consulting Sourcing podcast, your host Helene offers profound insights that could transform how organizations engage with consulting f...

We will delve into a crucial aspect that every business executive, whether you’re in procurement, strategy, finance, or sitting in the C-suite, needs to master: the art of scoping your consulting projects.

Proper scoping isn't just about controlling costs—it’s about maximizing the value each consulting engagement brings to your organization. Scoping your consulting projects is not just a preliminary step before issuing an RFP; it’s...

Optimizing consulting costs is the top priority for companies investing in consulting services. However, at Consulting Quest, we don't merely focus on cost-cutting; we prioritize obtaining the best value for your investment. We have developed a comprehensive framework that considers both scoping and pricing levers to ensure that every dollar you invest in consulting delivers maximum impact.

In this episode of the Smart Consulting S...

Welcome to another episode of the Smart Consulting Sourcing podcast, where your favourite host, Helene, delves into the nitty-gritty of consulting sourcing, and today she's tackling a critical aspect, demand management.

Think of demand management as your trusted decision-making partner. It's there to ensure you're putting your resources where they truly count – on the projects that will drive tangible value for your organization. I...