This is the recording from a recent Honeycomb online event. If you’d rather listen than watch, the audio can be accessed as a podcast through all major podcast apps instead. Just search ‘The Skilled Consultant podcast’.
We were delighted to welcome Maurizio Cuna (MC), Partner at Infosys Consulting and 20+ year consulting veteran, for a wide-ranging discussion inspired by his new book, Beyond Slides. As his title suggests, Maurizio argues that great consultants succeed not just through sharp analysis and communication, but through attitude, relationships, influencing, and professionalism.
All are things typically described as ‘soft skills’, but Maurizio highlights the misnomer:
“Soft skills are anything but soft.
They’re hard to build, hard to master, and critical to your success.”
This is a valuable listen for technically-strong consultants looking to grow their influence. Also, for managers and L&D leads supporting transitions into leadership, client ownership or business development roles.
Expect to discover:
Why being technically brilliant is rarely enough
At some point, someone else will have the same technical skills as you — plus something more. That “something” often decides who gets promoted, who gets invited back, and who builds lasting client relationships.The habits that compound into long-term impact
Writing, reading widely, and developing a strong point of view aren’t just nice-to-haves. Done consistently, they help consultants clarify their thinking, grow their visibility, and contribute more effectively.Why trust is built through behaviour, not just competence
Maurizio shares how he starts with trust, leads with generosity, and adapts to cultural context. The result: client relationships that last decades and teams that stay connected across continents.How to build connections as an introvert
Many consultants are analytical introverts. The key is understanding your style and finding ways to connect that feel authentic, intentional, and grounded in real value.
There aren’t many consulting Partners sharing their experience of twenty years in the industry. Maurizio does so on LinkedIn, X, and through his own newsletter on Substack - Consulting Intel - with wit and intellect. I encourage you to add him to your feed. And here’s a link to his #1 Amazon best seller - Beyond Slides.
The Skilled Consultant is written by Deri Hughes and Colin Mann, Managing Directors of Honeycomb Consulting Skills Training. We help consulting leaders develop exceptional teams with world-class training to support every career transition.
If this discussion raised a question about your own team, do drop a comment below or book a 30-minute call with Deri or with Colin to discuss how we could help you.
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