In this episode I am joined by Director Ana-Marija Špicnagel to unpack the dynamic between consultants and clients in the EU proposal space. From proposal writing to project management and reporting, consultants play a vital role - but the relationship can be delicate. Ana-Marija offers an honest and reflective take on how trust is built, how expectations are managed, and why good consulting is as much about chemistry and timing as it is about technical expertise.

The episode covers the full consultant lifecycle: identifying the right fit, setting clear scopes, managing feedback loops, and navigating tensions between control and support. We reflect on the value of long-term collaboration over one-off contracts. This is a great episode for grants consultants with a thoughtful conversation on how to create healthier, more productive partnerships in the world of EU-funded projects.

Time codes:

00:01:58 Introduction

00:08:02 Fly in

00:14:05 Consultant-client relationship

00:40:48 Translation as a core competency

00:52:03 Ana-Marija's three pillars

01:13:32 Final reflections and advice

01:22:14 The toughest challenge