PICA Member Spotlights

Q&A with independent consultants who successfully “made the leap” and created the consulting career of their dreams

 

Q: Please introduce yourself, including the name of your business and your consulting specialty.

A: My name is Patton Granada.  I don’t have a separate business name; I do business as a sole proprietorship using my own name.  My consulting specialties include change management, process redesign, and program management specifically for large systems implementations.  Within change management, I cover the areas related to change champion networks, communications, training, stakeholder engagement, business readiness, and post go-live support.

Q: How long have you been independent?

A: Seventeen years, and counting.

Q: Why did you become an independent consultant?

A: While working with Accenture, I struggled with work/life balance due to the constant pressure of work travel.  I also wanted to have more influence over the industries, clients, and projects that I work with.  Being an independent consultant has allowed me to address both areas.

Q: Do you remember how you “made the leap”?

A: I joined a consulting network for independent consultants, specifically an agency.  Online platforms didn’t exist at that time. They matched my skills and experience with the requirements of their clients; and I worked as a subcontractor. [PICA: Tips for subcontracting here.] After a few projects, I found clients through referrals and started working directly with my own clients. 

Q: You seem to have long engagements with your clients. What’s the secret to your success?

A: I work to have long engagements with clients through a combination of 1) having a wide range of business skills and experiences, 2) establishing relationships with the client sponsors who believe in my work and my capabilities, 3) demonstrating the willingness to take on more complex projects with compressed timelines and limited resources, 4) quickly establishing healthy and meaningful working relationships with peers within the client organization. 

Q: What’s next for you and your consulting business?

A: Over the last 10 years, I’ve mainly focused on fashion apparel and tech clients.  I’d like to explore other industries such as oil & gas and life sciences.

Q:  How can people find out more about you or your business?

A: Just reach out via LinkedIn!


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