Podcast Summary

In this opening episode of Series 3, I reflect on one of the quiet but critical challenges of working independently in HE: balancing client delivery with the development of your own consultancy or freelance practice.

When you’re deep in delivery mode, business development can slip off the radar. And when you’re focused on visibility, networking, and strategy, it’s easy to worry that you’re not “earning” your time. This episode explores that tension and offers practical, sustainable strategies for building a practice that supports you, not just one that keeps you busy.

I share lessons from my own practice, questions I revisit when I feel stuck, and a few systems that help me maintain the ongoing balance between working in the business and working on it.

Key Takeaways

• Balancing delivery and development is not a one-time task; it’s a recurring rhythm that needs tending.

• It’s easy to slip into reactive mode when you’re busy with client work, but setting time aside for your own business is essential to long-term sustainability.

• You don’t need to do everything; just focus on a few strategic activities you can do consistently.

• Guilt is common, especially when business development feels intangible or self-indulgent. But it’s part of the work, not a distraction from it.