As another year draws to a close, it’s natural to reflect on what we’ve achieved, the challenges we’ve faced, and the lessons we’ve learned. For me, this year has reaffirmed why Create Cadence exists and why the work we do is so important.
This reflection was prompted by an article in the Financial Times that summed up the shortcomings of large consultancies, you can read their full article here.
“They know less than they claim to, cost more than they seem to and - over the long term - prevent the development of in-house capabilities.” (Financial Times)
Having spent decades in project delivery, particularly in financial services, I’ve seen these truths play out time and time again. Yet, big consultancies continue to thrive. As the year ends, I find myself asking: why does this cycle persist, and what does it mean for the future of transformation and project delivery?
We bring hands-on experience to every project. Whether it’s managing large-scale digital transformations or navigating regulatory complexities, our team knows what it takes to succeed because we’ve been there.
We don’t just deliver solutions—we empower organisations to take ownership of them. By transferring knowledge and building confidence within teams, we ensure the impact of our work lasts long after we’ve gone.
At Create Cadence, we don’t aim to be a permanent fixture. Our goal is to leave organisations stronger, more capable, and ready to tackle the future with confidence.
Why do big consultancies keep getting hired?
There’s an old saying in the corporate world: “No one gets fired for hiring McKinsey.” Big consultancies offer a sense of security. Their polished presentations, prestigious reputations, and global reach make them an easy choice for organisations under pressure to deliver.
But convenience often comes at a price:
- High Costs, Low Returns: Their fees are significant, but the results don’t always align with the investment.
- Short-Term Focus: Big consultancies often prioritise deliverables over equipping organisations to sustain change independently.
- Generic Solutions: Their frameworks are built for scale, not nuance, and can overlook the unique needs of individual organisations.
This reliance on big consultancies creates a vicious cycle: organisations solve immediate problems but fail to build the internal expertise needed to address future challenges.
Reflecting on the vision behind Create Cadence
This realisation was one of the key reasons I founded Create Cadence. I wanted to break the cycle. I believed—and still believe—that organisations deserve better. Looking back on this year, I’m proud to say that Create Cadence has stayed true to its mission. Our approach is built on three principles that challenge the status quo:
Real-World expertise:
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Sustainable change:
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Partnership, not dependency:
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A year of learning and growth
2024 has been a challenging year for Create Cadence, yet I’m proud of the clients we’ve had the privilege to work with. Together, we’ve tackled challenges ranging from digital transformation projects to organisational change initiatives.
What stands out to me as I reflect is the power of partnerships. When you approach a project with the mindset of collaboration - listening, tailoring, and building trust - you achieve results that go beyond deliverables. You create lasting change.
Looking to the future
The critique of big consultancies by the Financial Times resonates now more than ever. As we enter 2025, organisations must rethink how they approach transformation. The answer isn’t always the biggest name or the most impressive pitch—it’s finding the right partner.
A partner who:
🤔 Understands your unique challenges.
💰 Delivers value beyond expectations.
🚀 Empowers your people to thrive.
At Create Cadence, that’s the commitment we bring to every project.
As the year ends, I’m grateful for the trust our clients have placed in us and the impact we’ve been able to create together. I’m also excited for what’s ahead: new challenges, new partnerships, and new opportunities to do things differently.
If you’re ready to move beyond the limitations of big consultancies and take a fresh approach to transformation, let’s have a conversation. You can view our rate card and service packages here.
Here’s to building a better future - together. 🔥
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