As an independent consultant, I sometimes work with other firms and consultants who are hired to provide advice in areas that my experience covers. It's a good arrangement for the client, who gains best-practice advice without having to pay for a larger firm's overhead. It also helps keep me busy, not a bad thing.
For the last several years, I've done several assignments in which Quantum Media has been the lead consultant. Much as Magellan focuses on magazine, book and association publishers, Quantum works in a narrow space, with deep expertise in the media, information, and entertainment industries.
Both Quantum and Magellan were formed in the late 1990s, a time when collaborative and ad hoc relationships among consultants were less common than they are today. Quantum pioneered a consortium approach to consulting in the media and information businesses.
Over time, I've worked alongside many of the firm's principals, including Ava Seave, Carla Graubard, Christine Arrington (who was also part of the NYU faculty when I taught there), Jean Hellering and Anne Kinard. This year, I've worked with Ava on two different assignments, a level of involvement that got us talking about working together more formally.
Earlier this month, Quantum announced that I am joining their consortium as an associate. In practice, Quantum associates are established consultants offering deep skills in one or more areas relevant to the firm's consulting practice. In my case, those skills include workflow assessment and redesign.
Magellan Media continues to operate its own consulting practice, but the formal relationship opens up additional opportunities for me to engage Quantum principals in an assignment that might be led by someone from either firm. It also gives Quantum more direct access to my specific expertise on an ongoing basis.
If you have a moment, check out the Quantum site. In addition to its consulting activities, several of the firm's principals run the highly successful Media Guru and Media Disruptor series for the Harvard Business School of New York.
Upcoming guests include Meredith EVP Liz Schimel (October 10), Bonnier CEO Jonas Bonnier (November 9) and Pottermore CEO Charlie Redmayne (February 10). If you sign up for any of these events, let me know. I'd love to introduce you to my new associates.
