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  • James Brentley on Why Relationships Still Win in the Age of AI

    James Brentley on Why Relationships Still Win in the Age of AI
    Apr 30 2026
    What does it really take to build a Microsoft Dynamics consultancy that grows year on year, treats people like the product and stays sane through the AI bubble?In this episode of The Catch Up Podcast, host Phillip Blackmore is joined by James Brentley, founder of AgileCadence, for a candid conversation that traces his journey from teenage Flash developer at Sheffield Hallam, through early Axapta days at eBecs, projects at Tribal Group, Stemcor and the landmark Dentsu Aegis programme, to launching his own firm in 2012.They explore why James walked away from London to build a remote-first consultancy long before that was normal, how a near-burnout reshaped his definition of success, and why values like transparent, authentic and generous now sit at the core of every commercial decision. Against a backdrop where BCG forecasts 50 to 55 per cent of US jobs will be reshaped by AI over the next two to three years, James offers a refreshingly human take on AI: not as a faster typewriter, but as a way to release cognitive load and deepen client relationships.(00:00) - Welcome to The Catch Up Podcast (01:41) - Sheffield Hallam, Web Design and a 2:1 (05:02) - First Steps at eBecs and the World of Axapta (08:15) - The AOT, E-Alerts and Snake (10:15) - Burnout, the Outdoors and a Return to Tech (14:19) - Tribal Group, AX 2012 and the Isle of Man (21:44) - London, Stemcor and Going Independent (23:23) - DevOps for Dynamics and Dentsu Aegis at Scale (27:16) - Personal Loss and the Pivot to Remote Working (29:53) - Founding AgileCadence: Values over Money (37:26) - The AI Bubble, Cognitive Load and People-First Tech (48:35) - Choosing the Right System and Looking AheadJames Brentley: James Brentley is the founder and owner of AgileCadence, a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Business Applications headquartered in Perth, Scotland, specialising in Microsoft Dynamics 365, licensing, Azure and managed services. After early roles at eBecs, Tribal Group, Stemcor and Dentsu Aegis, he founded the firm in 2012 (originally trading as T3 Synergy) and has grown it into a team serving around 40 SMB and mid-market customers across the UK, with reported year-on-year growth in the region of 25 per cent and around 80 per cent of revenue coming from repeat business. AgileCadence opened a permanent Aberdeen office in 2025 and was recognised at the UK's Best Workplaces Awards 2026. Episode Insights:Walking away from a stable career to build something of your own does not require a perfect plan. eBecs gave James a working blueprint that showed grit, determination and a clear culture could build a serious tech business in a regional UK town.Burnout is part of the journey for many tech professionals, but the answer is rarely to leave the industry for good. James left for the outdoor sector, learnt the grass really is greener but the money is not, and returned to build a more sustainable career.A clear, lived set of values, transparent, authentic, generous, fun, empathetic and exceptional, has become AgileCadence's commercial filter for choosing customers and projects, not just an internal poster on the wall.AI risks becoming an AI-to-AI loop of emails and documents that strips out genuine value. The opportunity is to use it to release cognitive load and deepen human relationships, not replace them.Microsoft's own narrative is shifting from Copilot as a faster typewriter toward Copilot Cowork and agentic capabilities, which makes how leaders frame AI to their teams more important than which licences they buy.Action Points:Pick a system you can secure, then commit: James's advice for any leader thinking about D365 Finance and Operations or another ERP is to choose a platform you can genuinely secure and stand behind, rather than chasing the greenest grass. Treat security as central, not bolt-on, and resist hopping between platforms in search of a perfect fit that does not exist. The competitive edge is in how well you implement and run it, not which logo you pick.Use AI to release cognitive load, not to slash headcount: Map the routine, low-value work that drains your best people every day and apply AI there first. Reinvest the time saved into customer relationships, deeper discovery and quality of delivery, so your team becomes ten times better at what they already do. As Microsoft moves from Copilot to Copilot Cowork, build that mindset into how you measure productivity.Make your values a commercial filter: Write down the three to six values you actually live by, then apply them to your sales pipeline and hiring as rigorously as you apply them to operations. If a deal would push you to break those values, walk away. Over time, the customers who share them deliver the repeat business that compounds growth and protects culture.Always be on the right side of the bar: Use the framing James borrows from his Sheffield student days as a sense check on career and business choices. Ask whether each decision puts you closer to building durable value, ...
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    53 Min.
  • From Chartered Accountant to Enterprise Architect: Rohit Bansal on Building a Dynamics Career

    From Chartered Accountant to Enterprise Architect: Rohit Bansal on Building a Dynamics Career
    Mar 26 2026
    What does it take to deliver Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations at true enterprise scale, without losing users, control, or the upgrade path?In this episode of The Catch Up Podcast, host Phillip Blackmore speaks with Rohit Bansal about a non-linear career journey from ACCA-qualified finance professional to enterprise architect working on some of the largest global programmes in the Dynamics ecosystem.Rohit shares hard-won lessons from an early AX 2009 implementation that went badly, and why negative project experiences can become a practical playbook for what not to do next time. They explore the reality of moving from end user to partner, the cultural differences between client and consultancy priorities, and why the strongest programmes keep key responsibilities in-house, particularly process definition, testing, and training.They also dig into how the product has evolved from AX into D365, why heavy customisation now creates recurring pain through frequent updates, and how the ISV ecosystem helps organisations stay closer to out-of-the-box. Finally, Rohit explains how his current programme measures success after go-live, using adoption dashboards and bug trends to spot where rollout teams need to adjust.(00:00) - Welcome to The Catch Up Podcast (02:16) - From Finance Controller to AX 2009 Project Lead (04:33) - The Bad Partner Lesson and Moving Into Consulting (07:07) - Why Methodology Matters and How Partners Differ (08:29) - End User Versus Partner: The Culture Shock (10:53) - Why Consulting Accelerates Learning Across Clients (12:25) - Users Make Projects Succeed or Fail (14:23) - Why Contracting Made Sense for Enterprise Programmes (17:12) - How D365 Became an Enterprise Rollout Platform (21:35) - What Clients Misunderstand About Handing Over Delivery (24:07) - ISVs, Customisation and the Forced Update Reality (34:20) - Measuring Success: Adoption Metrics and Bug Trajectories (36:25) - AI Agents, Upskilling and the Future SA Role (38:44) - What Makes a Great Solution Architect (41:19) - Pre-Project Strategies: Process, Data, Testing and TrainingRohit Bansal: Rohit Bansal is an enterprise architect in the Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem with a background in finance and accountancy. In this episode, Rohit describes moving from an ACCA-qualified finance career into Microsoft Dynamics after serving as an internal project lead on an AX 2009 implementation, then progressing through partner work and contracting into large, multi-country D365 Finance and Operations programmes. Episode Insights:Users determine whether an ERP programme succeeds. Project plans matter, but adoption on the floor makes or breaks the outcome.Large programmes work best with a blended model. Clients should retain process definition, training, and testing to avoid conflicts of interest.The shift from AX to D365 changed the fit. D365 F&O suits large enterprise rollouts but often prices out smaller organisations.Heavy customisation is harder to justify now. Frequent service updates increase regression testing and code merge effort.A global template with controlled localisation supports a sustainable support model and upgrade path.Action Points:Retain ownership of process definition: Define your global processes before the programme starts, ideally before partner selection. Use these processes to drive solution design, not the other way round. Expect local teams to describe different ways of working, and use the global model to converge.Separate assurance from delivery: Keep testing and training in-house where possible, even when implementation work sits with a partner. Avoid asking a partner to test their own build without independent scrutiny. Use a blended approach that leverages partner skill while retaining unbiased validation.Control customisation to protect the upgrade path: Assume you will take frequent platform updates and plan for continuous regression testing. Prefer proven ISVs over bespoke build when an established solution exists. Reserve custom code for true competitive advantage, not convenience.Design an adoption dashboard before go-live: Decide what adoption looks like per function, such as AP, AR, supply chain, and production. Track month-on-month operational volume and compare sites to spot where training or process clarity is failing. Share progress visually with users to reinforce value and momentum.Treat rollout architecture as global-first: Build a global template with limited, controlled localisation. Challenge any request that makes the core model work for only a subset of the enterprise. Protect live sites by assessing how local changes affect current and future deployments.The Catch Up Podcast brings you candid conversations with industry leaders, consultants, and change-makers from the Microsoft Dynamics and tech ecosystem. Hosted by Phillip Blackmore, Sales Director at Catch Resource Management, each episode dives into the real stories behind business transformation, career pivots, and scaling success. ...
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    46 Min.
  • Building High-Performing Delivery Teams with Musonda Veronica

    Building High-Performing Delivery Teams with Musonda Veronica
    Mar 5 2026
    How do you build a career in programme management when your path is anything but linear, and what separates a successful transformation from an expensive recovery job?In this episode of The Catch Up Podcast, host Phillip Blackmore speaks with Musonda Veronica about moving from studying law into leading complex Microsoft Dynamics 365 programmes. They explore why communication is the core of delivery leadership, how to adapt your style to different stakeholders, and why integrity is what builds the trust programmes depend on.Musonda also breaks down a practical distinction many organisations miss: Dynamics 365 CE delivery often demands an iterative, agile approach because of heavier customisation, while finance and operations programmes tend to suit more structured delivery patterns.The conversation lands on the unglamorous foundations that keep budgets intact: clear decision ownership, dedicated SMEs, and change management that treats resistance as human rather than a problem to crush. This aligns with common ERP failure patterns such as under-committing internal resources, highlighted in Guidehouse analysis.Click Here to Watch the Video Episode. (00:00) - Welcome to The Catch Up Podcast (01:17) - From Law to Programme Management (03:11) - Early Roles and Finding Direction (06:36) - First Exposure to Dynamics 365 and CRM (09:19) - Why CE and FinOps Are Delivered Differently (17:08) - What Makes a Strong Programme Manager (23:34) - Gen Z in the Workforce (25:38) - Why Programmes Run Over Time and Budget (34:40) - The One Thing to Fix Before You Start (42:07) - Mentoring, Speaking, and Purpose Beyond DeliveryMusonda Veronica Malama: Musonda Veronica Malama is a UK-based transformation programme manager and programme recovery leader specialising in Microsoft Dynamics 365 delivery. She is also a career coach and professional speaker, covering topics including leading successful teams, delivering high-stakes programmes, and inclusion in the workplace. Alongside hands-on delivery work, she mentors professionals moving into project and programme roles and speaks at industry events. Episode Insights:Programme management is mostly communication: translate between technical teams and business stakeholders without needing to be the technical expert.Dynamics 365 CE programmes often require more iterative delivery because customisation tends to be higher than in finance and operations work.Readiness is not a slogan: programmes slip when decision ownership, resourcing, and governance are unclear at the start.The pace of decision-making predicts delivery outcomes: stalled decisions create delays that burn budget.Trust is an execution tool: integrity and early communication reduce churn, resistance, and rework.Action Points:Define decision ownership: Name a single accountable sponsor for the programme, backed by a small decision forum. Set a cadence where priority decisions get made quickly. Escalate unresolved items to that forum immediately, not after timelines slip.Backfill your SMEs: Ringfence the people who know the real processes and give them time to contribute. Remove BAU load or provide cover so workshops and testing do not become optional. Treat SME availability as a critical path item, not a nice-to-have.Choose a delivery model that matches the product area: Use a more iterative approach where customisation is high, particularly in CE work. Keep stakeholders close to demos and feedback loops so you reduce rework. Avoid forcing one template delivery model across all workstreams.Build trust through visible integrity: Commit to a small set of deliverables and hit them consistently. Communicate bad news early, with reasons and next steps. Make reliability part of the programme culture.Treat resistance as data: Assume uncertainty will surface as pushback. Involve impacted people early and show tangible benefits before go-live. Run simple, frequent communications that reduce speculation and corridor narratives.The Catch Up Podcast brings you candid conversations with industry leaders, consultants, and change-makers from the Microsoft Dynamics and tech ecosystem. Hosted by Phillip Blackmore, Sales Director at Catch Resource Management, each episode dives into the real stories behind business transformation, career pivots, and scaling success. Expect thoughtful interviews, practical insights, and honest reflections.Brought to you by Catch Resource Management, a leading UK recruitment specialist for Microsoft Dynamics and ERP talent, this podcast is your inside track to the people shaping the future of enterprise technology. Tune in for new episodes and stay ahead of the curve.The Catch Up Podcast is produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford, UK.
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    46 Min.
  • Samit Roy's Journey From Electrical Engineer to D365 Solution Architect

    Samit Roy's Journey From Electrical Engineer to D365 Solution Architect
    Jan 29 2026
    How do you build the experience and skills needed to become a trusted solution architect in the world of enterprise ERP? In this episode of The Catch Up Podcast, host Phil Blackmore speaks with Samit Roy, an experienced D365 Finance and Operations solution architect, about his two-decade journey from electrical engineering through Dynamics Great Plains, AX 2009, AX 2012, and into the modern D365 ecosystem. They explore the hard-won lessons from working across partner and end-customer environments, the importance of getting out of your comfort zone as a freelance consultant, and why solution architects must bring far more than product knowledge to the table.With Microsoft Dynamics 365 recently named a Leader in three Gartner Magic Quadrant reports and research showing that effective project risk management can boost on-time completion rates by up to 90%, Samit explains why early engagement of a solution architect is critical, how to avoid common ERP pitfalls like poor data migration and unchecked customisation, and what separates good architects from great ones: curiosity, empathy, and the ability to ask the right questions at the right time.From navigating the transition between product versions to putting yourself in the customer's shoes, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for aspiring solution architects and a reminder for organisations embarking on ERP transformation that investing in architectural expertise from day one pays dividends throughout the project lifecycle.(00:00) - Welcome to The Catch Up Podcast (02:03) - Early Career: From Electrical Engineer to ERP (03:36) - The Origins of Dynamics and Great Plains (05:24) - Moving to the UK and Dynamics AX (06:23) - Working at ePartners and Small Project Teams (10:00) - The Transition from AX 4 to AX 2009 (12:35) - Moving from Partner to Freelance Consulting (16:15) - The Challenge of Working Outside Your Comfort Zone (22:02) - Transitioning to Solution Architect Roles (27:42) - What Solution Architects Bring Beyond Product Knowledge (34:34) - Common ERP Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them (39:14) - What Makes a Good Solution Architect (44:45) - Advice for Organisations Embarking on D365 ImplementationSamit Roy: Samit Roy is an experienced D365 Finance and Operations solution architect with over 20 years' expertise in Microsoft Dynamics ERP implementations. His career began with Dynamics Great Plains in India before relocating to the UK in 2005 to work with Dynamics AX, progressing through AX 4, AX 2009, AX 2012, and into the modern D365 ecosystem. Samit has worked across both partner and end-customer environments, delivering complex, large-scale ERP programmes for multinational organisations in sectors including manufacturing, distribution, and professional services. His architectural approach combines deep functional and technical knowledge with a focus on business outcomes, change management, and long-term system sustainability. Samit transitioned to freelance consulting in 2011, working on implementations ranging from six-month projects to multi-year, multi-geography transformations, and is known for his pragmatic, empathetic style and ability to translate complex technical concepts into decision-ready language for boards and senior stakeholders. Episode Insights:Becoming a solution architect requires at least a decade of hands-on experience across multiple projects, environments, and product versions—there are no shortcuts to building the breadth of knowledge and pattern recognition needed for the role.The best solution architects are not necessarily experts in every feature of the product but have deep core knowledge, broad business exposure, and the intellectual curiosity to ask incisive questions and understand what the client truly needs.Early engagement of a solution architect—ideally from the discovery phase—dramatically improves project outcomes by surfacing risks, guiding phased vs big-bang decisions, and ensuring design choices support long-term resilience, not just go-live.Common ERP pitfalls such as poor data migration, unchecked customisation, and performance issues can often be avoided with experienced architectural oversight that challenges assumptions and applies lessons learned from previous projects.Transitioning from a partner environment to freelance consulting forces consultants out of their comfort zone, accelerating skill development and building the self-reliance and troubleshooting instincts that define strong solution architects.Action Points:Engage a solution architect from day one: Involve an experienced solution architect during the discovery and design phases, not as an afterthought when problems arise. Early architectural input shapes critical decisions around scope, phasing, data migration, and customisation, setting the foundation for long-term project success and helping avoid costly course corrections later.Build broad experience before specialising: If you aspire to become a solution architect, ...
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    49 Min.
  • Out of the Box Only: ERP Lessons from Programme Director Mark Edwards

    Out of the Box Only: ERP Lessons from Programme Director Mark Edwards
    Dec 18 2025
    Why do so many ERP and Dynamics 365 programmes go wrong, even when the technology is sound? In this episode of The Catch Up Podcast, host Phillip Blackmore sits down with experienced D365 Programme Director Mark Edwards to unpack what really makes or breaks complex transformation. Mark traces his journey from manufacturing engineering and production management into ERP, consulting and programme leadership, showing how hands‑on operations experience shaped his approach to delivery and change.Drawing on decades of work across manufacturing, supply chain, chemicals, retail, rental, charities and more, Mark explains why vague contracts, missold projects and over‑reliance on partners leave clients exposed. He argues that too many organisations only bring in a programme manager after supplier selection, when much of the risk is already locked in. His perspective lands against a backdrop where industry research suggests that a majority of ERP programmes still fail to meet their original objectives, largely due to organisational rather than technical issues.From defining a clear vision and target operating model to insisting on “out of the box” first and investing seriously in change management, this conversation offers a practical playbook for leaders planning their next transformation.Click Here to Watch the Video Episode. (00:00) - Welcome to The Catch Up Podcast (02:17) - Early Career in Manufacturing Engineering at GEC (05:55) - First ERP Project and Discovering MFG Pro (07:20) - Seeing ERP From User, Vendor and Consultant Perspectives (11:18) - Defining Vision and Objectives Before Choosing a System (19:08) - Why Clients Must Own the Programme, Not the Partner (24:48) - Treating ERP as Business Change, Not an IT Project (28:02) - Out of the Box Only and the Risks of Customisation (31:16) - Change Management as a Shared Leadership Responsibility (35:01) - Data Quality, Cutover and Continuous Improvement (37:12) - Tough Projects, Bad News Early and Programme Integrity (44:28) - Key Advice for Leaders Starting a D365 or ERP JourneyMark Edwards: Mark Edwards is a seasoned D365 Programme Director with a career that spans manufacturing engineering, production management, ERP consulting and large‑scale programme leadership. Starting in manufacturing engineering with GEC, he moved through roles in production management and supply chain before leading his first ERP workstream on a mid‑market system. He went on to join ERP vendor QAD as a manufacturing consultant, later moving into pre‑sales, marketing and running a consulting practice back to profitability through value‑based selling. Since then, Mark has delivered and overseen ERP and Dynamics programmes from multiple perspectives: as a vendor, as a management consultant, and as a client‑side programme leader. His experience covers manufacturing, supply chain, retail, rental, third‑sector charities and chemicals, with a consistent focus on clear vision, honest communication, realistic contracts and rigorous change management.Episode Insights:Successful ERP and D365 programmes start with a clear, business‑led vision and target operating model, not with software features or vendor demos.Vague contracts and scopes of work create downstream conflict; precise deliverables and roles protect both client and partner.Clients must own the programme: partners bring solution expertise, but only the client can supply true process ownership and decision‑making.“Out of the box” should be the default; unnecessary customisation quickly multiplies risk, cost and long‑term complexity.Change management is a shared leadership responsibility, not a single person’s job, and must start well before go‑live.Action Points:Define a business‑led vision before talking to vendors: Bring your senior team together to answer why you are changing systems and what success looks like in business terms, not technology terms. Capture the key objectives, from risk reduction to productivity and customer service, and use them as the non‑negotiable brief for any vendor conversations.Tighten contracts and scopes of work: Review existing or draft contracts to check how clearly outcomes, responsibilities and deliverables are defined. Challenge vague language around scope, roles and assumptions, and insist on documentation that spells out who does what, by when, and to what standard.Build a client‑side programme spine: Identify and appoint internal process owners and workstream leads across planning, procurement, operations, finance and other core areas. Make them accountable for defining processes, signing off designs and owning change, rather than leaving all decisions to the implementation partner.Apply the “out of the box” test to customisation: For every requested change to standard D365 or ERP behaviour, ask whether the same business outcome could be achieved using the default process. Treat customisation as an exception that requires a clear business case, ...
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    51 Min.
  • Lessons from the Front Line of D365 with Chris Lalley

    Lessons from the Front Line of D365 with Chris Lalley
    Nov 27 2025
    What does it actually take to land a complex ERP or Dynamics 365 transformation without becoming another horror story? In this episode of The Catch Up, host Phillip Blackmore sits down with seasoned programme leader Chris Lalley to unpack the realities of delivering large‑scale finance and D365 projects in the real world. They explore how careers evolve from operational finance into programme leadership, why variety and curiosity matter, and how personal quirks like “dishwasher‑level” OCD can be a genuine asset in delivery.Throughout the conversation, Chris returns to a consistent theme: technology‑enabled transformation is fundamentally about people, not platforms. That message is timely. Recent research shows that while ERP capabilities have advanced, 55–75% of projects still fail to hit their original objectives, with average cost overruns near 189%, largely due to organisational, not technical, issues. Chris explains how he approaches new engagements, from establishing vision and sponsorship to assessing team capability and rescuing “programmes in jeopardy”. For leaders about to embark on a D365 or ERP journey, this episode offers grounded, experience‑led guidance on what success really demands.Click Here to Watch the Video Episode. (00:00) - Welcome to The Catch Up Podcast (01:45) - From Big Five Accounting to Early Transformation Projects (03:40) - Finding the Bug for Large-Scale Change Programmes (05:00) - OCD, Attention Span and the Appeal of Programme Work (07:10) - The Dishwasher Story and Structured Thinking (09:13) - First Steps into Microsoft ERP and Dynamics 365 (13:15) - Greenfield versus Mature Organisations in ERP Delivery (17:03) - Starting a New Programme: People, Vision and Strategy (20:06) - Recovering Programmes in Jeopardy and Rebuilding Confidence (26:43) - Learning from Mistakes and Getting Capability Right (33:32) - Fixed Price vs Time and Materials in ERP Contracts (39:50) - Defining Success and the Role of Executive SponsorsChris Lalley: Chris Lalley is an experienced ERP and finance transformation programme leader with a background that spans Big Five accounting, industry finance roles and large‑scale technology‑enabled change. Starting his career in operational finance at firms such as Arthur Andersen and Ernst & Young, he led major internal projects including a global PeopleSoft implementation and the establishment of an offshore shared service centre in Bangalore. That exposure to complex programmes sparked his move into full‑time project and programme leadership, where he has since delivered and recovered high‑stakes ERP and Dynamics 365 initiatives across multiple sectors. Drawing on years of hands‑on delivery, Chris is known for his focus on people, structure and sponsorship as the real levers of success in transformation.Episode Insights:Successful Dynamics 365 and ERP programmes are driven more by people, clarity of vision and sponsorship than by the underlying technology stack.The first weeks on a programme should be spent meeting stakeholders, understanding their motivations and aligning ERP outcomes to business strategy, not rushing into Gantt charts.Change management is usually under‑invested, yet it affects not only employees but also customers when portals and digital channels are redesigned.Capability at the right time is non‑negotiable: under‑resourcing business analysts, architects or change leads early on slows delivery and magnifies risk later.Programme directors must be willing to say when “conditions for success don’t exist” and walk away, protecting both their own reputation and the client’s investment.Action Points:Define success in business terms before you start: Agree a clear vision, outcomes and measures of success with the C‑suite before mobilising your D365 or ERP programme. This includes how the transformation supports overall strategy, what benefits you expect and how you will track them over time. Without this foundation, scope, design and prioritisation quickly drift.Invest properly in change management, not just technology: Treat change, communications and training as a core workstream with its own budget, leadership and methodology. Map who is impacted inside and outside the organisation, from finance teams to customers on portals, and design their journey through the change. Under‑investing here is one of the fastest routes to user resistance and poor adoption.Build the right team and lock in key people: Identify the critical roles across business, partner and contractor resources, then secure the best people you can for a realistic duration. Use contracts and governance to minimise churn in key posts like solution architect, programme manager and lead BAs. Consistent faces and continuity of knowledge are vital for multi‑year ERP journeys.Be honest about risk and willing to make compromises: Accept that large ERP programmes are hard, will involve setbacks and will require compromises on ...
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    45 Min.
  • From Contractor to CEO: Steve Snowden’s Journey Building a Dynamics 365 Consultancy

    From Contractor to CEO: Steve Snowden’s Journey Building a Dynamics 365 Consultancy
    Oct 30 2025
    Is the traditional model of ERP implementation truly broken? Host Phillip Blackmore sits down with Steve Snowden, Founder and CEO of Snowden Consulting, for a fascinating look at the evolution of the tech space. Steve recounts his journey from an early role at a pharmaceutical plant during an SAP implementation to becoming a highly sought-after Microsoft Dynamics manufacturing solution architect and, ultimately, a successful business owner. The discussion highlights the seismic shift from on-site camaraderie to remote delivery following COVID-19, and the modern challenge of navigating Microsoft's rapid, AI-driven updates. Steve shares critical insights on project success, emphasising why a "process-first" approach is vital, especially given that more than 70% of recently implemented ERP initiatives fail to meet their original business use case goals.He reveals the two golden rules for a successful global rollout—getting the first template right and meticulously managing data—and how building a relationship-based culture guarantees client loyalty and success. This is a must-listen for consultants, end-users, and business leaders focused on ERP transformation.Click Here to Watch the Video Episode. (00:00) - Welcome to The Catch Up Podcast(01:46) - Steve Snowdon's Jounrey into ERP(05:31) - Contracting and Consulting Adventures(07:49) - Impact of COVID on Consulting(16:45) - Founding Snowden Consulting(25:32) - Initial Project Challenges(28:37) - Cost Implications of Cutting Corners(30:59) - Successful Project Implementation(32:55) - Growth and Challenges of a Consultancy(44:48) - Future Plans and AdviceSteve Snowden: Founder and CEO of Snowden Consulting Limited (SNCL), a Certified Microsoft Business Applications Partner. With a career that spans from Continuous Improvement Manager to a highly-regarded Microsoft Dynamics manufacturing solution architect, Steve is a renowned visionary innovator in integrating AI, ERP, and change management. Under his leadership, SNCL has been recognised as a Partner of the Year multiple times and is focused on delivering exceptional Dynamics 365 solutions with a 100% implementation success rate.Episode Insights:The personal and professional journey of scaling from an independent ERP contractor to the CEO of a successful consultancy.How the role of an ERP consultant has changed since the pre-1995 era and the impact of remote working post-COVID-19.The two fundamental "golden rules" for success in a complex global ERP rollout, relating to the template and data.The primary red flags and biggest challenge Steve faces when scoping a new Statement of Work (SOW) with a client.Why thorough User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is critical and how cutting corners on testing leads to costly issues down the line.Action Points:Prioritise the Global ERP Template: When planning a global rollout, base your first project on your most complex manufacturing or distribution site, not the simplest one like a sales office. This forces you to build a comprehensive template that can be scaled down, ensuring you don't face huge complications when moving to more intricate locations later. Getting this template right makes subsequent rollouts significantly easier for all countries.Focus on Data Quality from Day One: Treat data migration as a critical project component from the very beginning, not an afterthought. You must be absolutely at the top of your game with data governance as you integrate more applications. Get your data right early to avoid a difficult, upward battle with system performance and integrity for years to come.Invest in Thorough UAT: Do not allow the project to skip the essential phase of User Acceptance Testing (UAT). Steve’s golden rule is to aim for the high nineties for UAT completion. The money and time spent on this phase is paid back in spades by ensuring a smooth, successful go-live, preventing costly fixes and dissatisfied users post-launch.Maintain a Human-Centric Culture: For consulting leaders, focus on building a culture of camaraderie and human relationship building, which can be lost in a remote-first world. This not only improves team retention but also increases project success by fostering strong client relationships. This is what drives long-term client loyalty and repeat business.Evolve Your Skill Set with AI: Stay ahead of Microsoft’s rapid, twice-yearly updates and the deep integration of AI (like Copilot) within Dynamics 365. Encourage a learning culture where team members follow their interests to keep their skills up-to-date. As process becomes even more key with the advent of AI, continuous upskilling is essential for job security and competitive advantage.The Catch Up Podcast brings you candid conversations with industry leaders, consultants, and change-makers from the Microsoft Dynamics and tech ecosystem. Hosted by Phillip Blackmore, Sales Director at Catch Resource Management, each episode dives into the real stories behind business transformation, ...
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    51 Min.
  • 45 Million Reasons to Get Your ERP Strategy Right with Lionel Wilson

    45 Million Reasons to Get Your ERP Strategy Right with Lionel Wilson
    Sep 25 2025

    Have you ever wondered why so many large-scale digital transformation projects go wrong?

    In this episode, host Philip Blackmore is joined by Lionel Wilson, an experienced digital transformation program lead, to unpack the hidden challenges of ERP and CRM implementations. Drawing from a career that spans from early IT systems to managing 35 international Dynamics 365 programs, Lionel shares a candid look at both his successes and his "war stories," including a project that failed after costing £45 million.

    The conversation delves into the critical difference between project and program management and reveals why the human element is often the key to success. The insights shared by Lionel are more relevant than ever, serving as a timely guide for anyone embarking on their own transformation journey.

    Click Here to Watch the Video Episode.

    • (00:00) - Welcome to The Catch Up Podcast
    • (00:56) - Early Career and First Steps in IT
    • (03:37) - Journey into Microsoft Dynamics
    • (08:48) - The Importance of Communication in IT
    • (12:15) - Role of Program Managers vs Project Managers
    • (14:40) - Common Pitfalls in ERP Implementations
    • (24:30) - Consultancy vs. Client-Side Experience
    • (26:17) - Starting a Career in Project Management
    • (29:16) - The Value of Patience and Skill Development
    • (31:01) - Managing Contractor Expectations
    • (32:41) - Overcoming Significant Project Challenges
    • (35:33) - The Human Element in Project Management
    • (38:44) - Measuring Project Success
    • (44:10) - Key Advice for Implementing Microsoft Dynamics

    Lionel Wilson: An accomplished IT and project management professional and program lead at GENII Software Group. With over three decades of experience, he has founded his own consultancy, Illusioneering Limited, and has successfully delivered over 35 international implementations of large-scale, complex D365 programs for major end users. His expertise lies in navigating the intricate blend of technology and human dynamics to ensure project success.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • The tangible difference between a program manager and a project manager and why your business needs both.
    • Why the human element and managing people are more crucial to an ERP project than the technology itself.
    • Key red flags that signal a digital transformation is headed for failure, and how to spot them early.
    • The essential questions you should ask and the groundwork you must complete before embarking on a major ERP implementation.
    • The risks of treating a consulting partner as the sole owner of a project and why internal ownership is non-negotiable for success.


    Action Points:

    1. Conduct a Pre-Project Diagnostic: Before kicking off your digital transformation, spend at least one to two months on the RFP and initial project plan. Bring on an experienced program lead to help shape the RFP, ensuring you capture all complexities and set a realistic budget and timeline. This upfront work can save millions in the long run.
    2. Prioritise People Over Ego: When selecting a program manager, look for someone who acts as a facilitator, not a demagogue. Their role should be to engage and empower your internal teams by listening to their needs and guiding them to solutions, rather than imposing their own. This approach fosters ownership and increases the likelihood of user adoption and project success.
    3. Establish Clear Success Metrics: Define your KPIs and OKRs at the start of the project. Separate operational and technical delivery streams to create a more resilient structure. This allows for a more forgiving and adaptable approach to operational changes while keeping the project on track and accountable to its core goals.


    The Catch Up Podcast brings you candid conversations with industry leaders, consultants, and change-makers from the Microsoft Dynamics and tech ecosystem. Hosted by Phillip Blackmore, Sales Director at Catch Resource Management, each episode dives into the real stories behind business transformation, career pivots, and scaling success. Expect thoughtful interviews, practical insights, and honest reflections.

    Brought to you by Catch Resource Management, a leading UK recruitment specialist for Microsoft Dynamics and ERP talent, this podcast is your inside track to the people shaping the future of enterprise technology. Tune in for new episodes and stay ahead of the curve.

    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford, UK.

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    48 Min.