When You Need a Different Kind of Support: Why SMEs and Startups Turn to Independent Experts

There’s no doubt that big consultancy firms bring incredible value. They offer global insights, analytical horsepower, and time-tested frameworks. I’ve worked with many of them over the years and I truly respect what they do.

But when you’re a startup or an SME navigating tight timelines, limited budgets, and hands-on execution needs sometimes, what you need looks a little different.

The Reality for Growing Businesses

When you’re scaling a team, entering a new market, or trying to align your commercial and operational efforts, things move fast. You don’t have the luxury of month-long discovery phases or extended stakeholder interviews. You need someone who can jump in, make sense of the complexity, and help you act quickly and strategically.

Where HLP Comes In

As an independent consultant with nearly two decades of operational and commercial leadership experience, I offer something complementary to traditional firms: agility, deep contextual understanding, and a hands-on partnership.

I don’t arrive with a playbook and a team of juniors. I arrive with lived experience having led regional expansions, transformed underperforming functions, and delivered measurable results. I work alongside you to define what matters and help make it happen.

One recent project involved a mid-sized company entering a new market in Southeast Asia. They had strong products and a clear vision, but they were struggling with execution—especially in aligning their sales strategy with supply capabilities. A large consulting firm had already supported them in shaping the high-level strategy, but what they needed next was someone who could sit with their regional team, uncover blockers, and guide the operational rollout.

I helped them localize their go-to-market model, optimize their direct sales structure, and set up performance KPIs tailored to their team size and market maturity. We are now tracking improvements in both margin and team engagement. Most importantly, there’s a renewed sense of clarity and confidence in their direction that feels promising and well-earned.

This Isn’t an Either/Or Conversation

In fact, I often complement the work of larger firms. While they may set the strategic direction, I’m often brought in to support implementation, align local teams, or bring clarity to operational bottlenecks. My role is to translate strategy into action, ensuring that great ideas lead to real results.

If You’re in a Stage of Transition or Growth

Whether you’re a founder trying to scale, a regional leader tasked with transformation, or a team that needs fresh perspective, I’m here to help.

I offer project-based consulting, executive coaching, and strategic advisory support designed around your needs, not a template.

Let’s talk if that sounds like what you need right now.