Member Thought Leadership
In his latest article, Stephen B. Breitfeld emphasizes the importance of regularly reevaluating consulting fee structures, particularly during quieter periods like summer. It highlights that consulting rates are not arbitrary but are based on detailed cost models, with personnel expenses accounting for the majority of costs and non-billable work such as proposals and research playing a significant role. Specialized services like executive search face additional invisible costs, but these investments are essential to minimize risks like failed C-level hires, which can be extremely costly. The piece advocates for more transparency in pricing, encouraging open conversations about the true value of expertise and the economic rationale behind consulting fees. In an age of AI, it concludes, human insight remains a key differentiator, making thoughtful pricing and honest dialogue more important than ever.
