Running a solo business doesn’t mean you have to figure it all out on your own.
Being an independent consultant can feel isolating—and when you’re the strategist, implementer, and decision-maker, it’s easy to get stuck in your own head. That’s precisely why Matty Bakkeren, once a corporate executive and now an independent consultant, created a system that brings the same focus and discipline to his business as the one he used to lead high-impact teams and strategies in the corporate world.
In this episode, Melisa sits down with Matty to explore how he’s translated a corporate Executive Business Review (EBR) framework into a powerful tool for independent consultants. With a thoughtfully selected “Inner Circle” of advisors, Matty has built a system that provides honest feedback, pushes him past perfectionism, and keeps him accountable to his goals.
You’ll hear how this process supports decision-making, sharpens messaging, and helps Matty work through business challenges in a way that feels intentional and aligned with his goals. He also opens up about how coaching fits into this rhythm and the real-life lessons he’s learned along the way.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to set up your own EBR process and why it’s a game-changer for solo consultants
- The power of building an “Inner Circle” that challenges and supports you
- How to balance mentorship, coaching, and peer feedback for faster growth
- Common mistakes to avoid when inviting advisors into your business
- Ways to stay strategic (instead of reactive) in your planning and decision-making
Whether you’re just getting started as an independent consultant or looking to scale with more focus, Matty offers an innovative, practical framework you can adapt to fit your consulting business. Tune in now to learn how to apply corporate-level strategy and structure to your independent consulting business.
🔗 Companion Resource: Drive smarter decisions, enhance visibility, and accelerate growth with key business metrics – Download Your Business Dashboard One-Pager
FOR MORE RESOURCES SPECIFIC TO THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT —
- Coaching for Consultants: Click here to schedule your Coaching Exploratory Call.
- Book: Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality
- YouTube Podcast Channel
- Website
- Related Podcast Episode: Episode 208 – Becoming a Client Sherpa with John Healy
- Connect with Matty Bakkeren: Matty Bakkeren | LinkedIn
