Going out on your own
Two and a Half Years In: What I’ve Learned About Consulting and Building a Business
Two and a half years in, there have been many learnings — about consulting, about people, and about building a business from the ground up.
When I started The Change Factor, I didn’t just want to do change management. I wanted to make change management possible — to make sure the change factor was always considered, regardless of resourcing.
The leap into consulting came after years in tech leadership, business improvement, and transformation roles — and one perfectly timed question from my husband:
“When will you be more ready than now?”
That question gave me the nudge to start. Since then, every project and client has shaped what I know now about consulting, business, and myself.
1. Be clear on your Why, How, What, and Who
One of the biggest lessons early on was clarity on the value you offer and who might benefit from your offering.
Knowing why your business exists, how you deliver value, what you actually do, and who you do it for changes everything. It gives you a guiding star for decision-making and a language for talking about your work with confidence especially when you start networking! It also allows you to be focused in where you choose to spend your energy in business for the greatest value both as a business and for your clients.
2. You will wear every hat
Running your own consultancy means taking on multiple roles. You are the people leader, strategy leader, consultant, marketer, business development manager, project manager, admin, and sometimes, all of the above in a single day.
It’s not easy some days but it is empowering. You learn how every part of your business works and what really drives success. It teaches you discipline, humility, and self-awareness in equal measure.
3. Network, network, network
If I could only give one piece of advice to anyone starting out, it would be this: build your network and continue to nurture it.
Every opportunity, referral, and collaboration I’ve had has come through relationships rather than any cold calls or advertising. Consulting is built on trust, and trust is built through connection.
People who choose to bring you into their business do so because of you — your approach, your energy, and the way you make them feel supported, not just because of the service you offer. Anyone can offer change management, but (I hope) people choose to work with us because of the way we partner with them and genuinely care about their success.
The more you show up, have meaningful conversations, and support others, the more the right doors open. Just remember to focus on the relationship, not the outcome. Networking should always feel authentic, never transactional.
4. Boundaries matter
When you love what you do, it’s easy to keep saying yes - to one more client, one more late night, one more deliverable.
But burnout doesn’t serve anyone. I’ve learned to plan breaks, protect energy, and stay present for the parts of life that matter most.
As a mum, one of the greatest benefits of consulting is flexibility and being able to choose the hours I work and how I balance life and business. That freedom is something I never take for granted.
As many people will share when they start a business, there are peaks and troughs in consulting but I suggest not waiting for a trough to take the break. Book it in, enjoy the anticipatory joy of the lead up and look after yourself first so you can enjoy life, support your family and better serve your clients.
5. Gratitude keeps you grounded
Having an attitude of gratitude is the thread that runs through everything for us.
I’m grateful for the clients who trust me to help them through change, for the colleagues and mentors within our community who shared their time and advice, and for the team who now helps shape The Change Factor into what it is today.
Our values — people-first, curiosity, care, excellence, growth and sustainability — aren’t just words on a page. They are genuinely how we show up for our clients and for each other.
6. Consulting is about impact
At its core, consulting is about impact. It’s not the size of the project or the number of deliverables, but the difference you leave behind once you step out.
It is about helping people see what is possible, building confidence, and creating clarity where there was once uncertainty. It is about embedding change so that when you leave, the organisation continues to move forward on its own.
Our true measure of success is when a client says, “We’re doing this differently now and it’s making a real difference.” That’s impact. That’s why we do what we do.
Consulting is not just about delivering outcomes. It is about leaving behind capability, confidence, and belief. It makes for meaningful work and is what keeps me passionate about doing what we do.
Final thought
If you’re thinking about taking the leap into consulting, I hope these reflections help you find your own clarity and courage.
Two and a half years in, I’ve learned that clarity, connection, community and care are what make change possible. And for this, I’m deeply grateful.