April was a special month here at Showpiece Solutions because it meant we passed the eight year mark of entrepreneurship! If you had asked me ten years ago if this is where I saw myself in ten years, I would have said a resounding no. What started eight years ago as a willingness to jump into complex, high-stakes events and get things done has evolved into something much deeper: a strategic operations consultancy that helps organizations navigate messes, scale smartly, and move forward with clarity and purpose. From national political conventions to NCAA championships to municipal government projects to infrastructure overhauls, I’ve learned that operations management is never just logistics – it’s also the bigger picture of deep trust, building systems that create momentum, and sustainable growth.
Every new project provides a chance to grow and learn, something that I deeply value throughout my work. However, as much as I have to learn, there were many rules of consulting that I had to unlearn in order to create the best results for my clients. Unlearning these things have proven successful for me, and I believe that they may be of value to you. Let me present: the eight things I had to unlearn to become The UnConsultant.
1. Being Uncomfortable is Wrong.
This couldn’t be more wrong.
Have you ever heard of the phrase “life begins at the end of your comfort zone”? That applies to consulting as well. My best work happens when I’m pushing boundaries and finding unconventional solutions to complex problems.
How do you do that? You have to be willing to sit in that uncomfortable, awkward space with your clients and guide them through the raw, exposing work that needs to be done to improve their operations. Only then can you truly make meaningful progress.
2. Clients Always Know What They Want
See also: the client is always right.
If there’s anything my experience has illustrated, it’s that the real work is getting past the client’s ask and finding what they really need to succeed. For example, some clients want the easy way out. They have a preconceived idea of what needs to be done and are bringing on a consultant purely for reassurance.
That’s not how I work. My job is to get to the bottom of the issue and find the best, most cost-effective, efficient solution to guarantee ease of operation in the long run. In the end, the clients will thank you.
3. Build It and They Will Come
Listen – if your branding is good but your product or service isn’t, people aren’t going to pay attention. It’s like putting lipstick on a pig! (I raised pigs as a proud 10 year 4-H member, the cosmetics don’t work. 😀)
There needs to be an alignment between the content you put out and the products and services you are providing. When you have something of value to offer, clients will follow. It’s those discovery conversations, first impressions and customer reviews that drive business.
That being said – it never hurts to have a strong brand and digital presence. It’ll validate your product or service offering, helping customers to say ‘yes’ with confidence.
4. Every Opportunity Deserves a Yes
How many times have you been told “say yes to everything”?
I know I’ve heard it far too much. Here’s the truth: being open to opportunities is great. It gives you a chance to explore different industries, meet interesting people and learn something new. However, being open to new opportunities does not mean saying yes to everything.
Sometimes, the client isn’t the right fit for me. Other times, I might not be what the client is looking for. That’s okay. What matters is that the partnership is mutually beneficial, and if that means saying no to a few opportunities here and there before I find that relationship, so be it.
5. The Plan Is the Point
Yes – having a plan is critical. Without one, you’re left floundering and unguided, both of which are my job to help clients avoid.
However, having a specific plan and sticking to it no matter what is a no go. What happens when the unexpected happens? What if it rains during an outdoor event? What if your new CFO is caught doing something shady?
My job is to help clients plan for the unexpected – not to make a plan and stick with it. The real skills you need to have are adaptability and agility. Be ready to pivot and roll out plans B through Z as needed.
6. Hard Work Equals Forward Momentum
As a Gen Xer and a product of the Midwest, this one is really challenging for me.
Just because you put a lot of effort into a project doesn’t necessarily mean you’re making progress. You could be putting your energy towards the wrong aspect of the project or into something that doesn’t provide any payoff.
Burnout and overactivity steal perspective – sometimes you need to take a break, step back and reevaluate. It’s strategy, rest and experimentation that will drive the growth you’re looking for.
7. I Have to Prove Myself in Every Room
This one? Fully unlearned.
Today, I don’t walk into rooms hoping to earn my place anymore. I walk in with confidence knowing I bring clarity, momentum, and strategic leadership (and with some authentic Jeremiah humor). And my track record proudly backs that up.
I’m not an eager applicant. I’m the operations partner you actually want in the room when things are messy, complex, or high-stakes. My role isn’t to impress – it’s to deliver. And I do.
8. Being the Rock Means Never Cracking
No, not that The Rock.
As a CEO, founder, coach and operator, I’m often the anchor. But even anchors eventually get rusted by waves.
I’ve said this to you all many times, but I’ve had to lean into this construct more. It’s easy to feel discouraged when something you’ve been working towards falls through – especially when there’s an entire team of people looking to you for help, and it’s okay to feel that way. It can be hard to remember that one misstep or failure isn’t the end all be all. There are more plays available on the chess board.
Vulnerability isn’t weakness – it’s access to support, connection and renewed energy.
Photo Credit: Jayson Rivas.
