Podcast summary

This opening episode of Series 4 marks a shift in focus for The HE Consultant’s Toolkit. Moving beyond questions of survival and capacity, it explores what it means to work strategically on an independent practice in higher education.

The episode invites experienced consultants and freelancers to step back from delivery mode and consider what they are building over time. It reflects on intentional choice, sustainability, and the difference between reacting to opportunities and shaping a practice that aligns with professional values and long-term aspirations.

Rather than offering quick fixes, the episode creates space for reflection and sets the foundation for a series focused on strategy, ethics, and long-term practice design.

Key takeaways

• Strategy in independent work is less about growth and more about intentional choice

• A full diary does not necessarily indicate a well-designed practice

• Sustaining a practice and shaping a practice are related but distinct forms of work

• Long-term viability requires periodic reflection, not just operational efficiency

• Asking “what do I want this to become?” is a strategic act in its own right

Links to relevant resources

Thinking about going freelance or setting up a consultancy in HE? My short courses offer practical guidance to help you take the first steps.Find out more at: https://khlconsulting.co.uk/courses

KHL Consulting website
https://www.khlconsulting.co.uk

LinkedIn profile — Karen Heard-Lauréote
https://www.linkedin.com/in/profkhl

Network for Educational Enhancement Consultants (NEEC)
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14409504/

Calls to action

Subscribe and share
If you enjoyed this episode or are finding this series helpful, please subscribe and share it with your network.

Connect on LinkedIn
I’d welcome your reflections on today’s episode. You can connect with me on LinkedIn at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/profkhl

Look out for the next episode
The next episode will be released soon. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it.

Summary:

In this reflective closing episode of Series 3, Karen explores the emotional and strategic dimensions of building a consultancy or freelance practice where you are the brand. From managing visibility to handling rejection, setting boundaries to staying authentic, this episode offers grounded insights into what it means to work in a way that reflects who you are and sustains you for the long haul.

Key Takeaways:
You are the brand and that brings both visibility and vulnerability
Authenticity doesn’t require overexposure choose what and how you share
Rejection is hard, but not always personal timing and fit matter too
Visibility is part of the job not vanity, but contribution and connection
You can shape your practice intentionally and it’s worth pausing to reflect on how

Links to Relevant Resources:

• Thinking about going freelance or setting up a consultancy in HE?

• • My short courses offer practical guidance to help you take the first steps. Find out more at khlconsulting.co.uk/courses

• KHL Consulting Website: www.khlconsulting.co.uk

• LinkedIn Profile for Karen Heard-Lauréote: www.linkedin.com/in/profkhl

• Network for Educational Enhancement Consultants: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14409504/

Calls to action:

• Subscribe and Share: If you enjoyed this episode or are finding this series or previous ones helpful, please subscribe and share it with your network.

• Connect on LinkedIn: I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s podcast, so feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/profkhl

• Look Out for Series 4 Episode 1: We’ll be back soon with the next episode. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it!

Podcast Summary

In this episode, Karen Heard-Lauréote reflects on one of the most important and most difficult aspects of running a consultancy or freelance practice: recognising when you're at full capacity and how to say no with care and confidence.

She explores the signs of overload, the quiet guilt of turning down work and the long-term value of becoming more selective. Drawing on lived experience, this episode offers practical strategies for protecting your time, energy and quality of work while maintaining relationships and your professional reputation.

This one’s for anyone who’s ever said “yes” out of obligation, and later wondered how to claw back time for what matters.

Key Takeaways

• Over-commitment has a cost: Every “yes” uses up your creative, emotional and physical energy, not just your time.

• Capacity can be subtle: The signs you’re over capacity aren’t always dramatic. They can be subtle signs, such as brain fog, irritability, or a tendency to procrastinate.

• Saying no protects quality: Turning down work helps ensure the work you do take on gets your full attention and care.

• You can say no without burning bridges: Being honest, prompt, and helpful (such as recommending someone else) helps preserve relationships.

• Project stacking is risky: Overlapping work can lead to blurred focus, deadline collisions, and compromised delivery.

• Pause before you accept: Ask yourself whether the work aligns with your energy, values, and future direction.

• • Space enables sustainability: Saying no makes room for the non-billable work that sustains your practice, like writing, reflection, or rest.

  
  

  Links to Relevant Resources

  
  

• • Thinking about going freelance or setting up a consultancy in HE? My short courses offer practical guidance to help you take the first steps. Find out more at khlconsulting.co.uk/courses
  • KHL Consulting Website: www.khlconsulting.co.uk
  • LinkedIn Profile for Karen Heard-Lauréote: www.linkedin.com/in/profkhl
  • Network for Educational Enhancement Consultants: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14409504/

  
  

  Calls to Action

  
  

  • Subscribe and Share: If you enjoyed this episode or are finding this series or previous ones helpful, please subscribe and share it with your network.

  • Connect on LinkedIn: I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s podcast, so feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/profkhl

  • Look Out for Series 3 Episode 3: We’ll be back soon with the next episode. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it!