Paul Taylor: Change Management Consultant and Leadership Advisor
Paul Taylor is a seasoned consultant with extensive experience across multiple sectors, including financial services, technology, charity, and education. As the head of TryDown, Paul specialises in Change Management, helping businesses navigate complex transformations and drive sustainable growth. His expertise lies in bringing clarity and focus to organisations facing operational and strategic challenges.
Known for his adaptability and commitment to continuous learning, Paul stays at the forefront of industry developments through a multi-faceted approach that includes hands-on experience, learning from peers, and engaging with industry experts. He is currently preparing for a portfolio career, balancing consultancy, advisory roles, non-executive directorships (NED), and teaching. Paul’s dedication to professional development and his ability to manage change make him a trusted advisor and leader in the consultancy space.
Paul Taylor’s career is a testament to adaptability, continuous learning, and an unwavering focus on delivering value in an ever-evolving consultancy landscape. As a seasoned Consultant with C-level experience spanning start-ups, financial services, charity, education, and technology, Paul is known for his expertise in Change Management and leading businesses through periods of transformation. He currently heads TryDown, a consultancy firm focused on helping companies navigate the complexities of modern business.
From Multi-Sector Expertise to Consultancy Mastery
Paul’s journey in consultancy spans across multiple industries, from financial services to education and technology. His experience has enabled him to develop a deep understanding of the intricacies each sector faces, from operational challenges to market volatility. Paul’s unique ability to bring clarity and focus to these diverse fields has made him a sought-after consultant, particularly in Change Management, a discipline he is well-known for.
However, his consultancy journey hasn’t been without challenges. “The biggest challenge I face as a consultant is keeping my skills and industry knowledge up to date so that I can continue to give the best service to my clients,” Paul explains. Navigating rapid technological advancements and evolving business environments requires not only experience but also a commitment to continuous professional development.
Strategies for Success in Consultancy
Paul’s approach to staying ahead in the consultancy world is multifaceted. “I focus on three main areas of learning,” he shares. “The first is traditional methods such as books, courses, and tutorials. However, the other two areas are often even more important: learning from watching others—such as senior staff and industry experts—and learning from doing the tasks at hand.” This comprehensive approach ensures that Paul remains adaptable and well-prepared to tackle the diverse challenges his clients face.
In an industry where specialisation is becoming increasingly important, Paul’s ability to remain versatile across multiple sectors sets him apart. He predicts that over the next five years, firms will start to use consultants for very specific or niche areas. “It’s essential for consultants to keep their skills and knowledge up to date,” he emphasises.
Embracing a Portfolio Career
Looking ahead, Paul is preparing for a portfolio career, balancing consultancy, advisory roles, non-executive directorships (NED), teaching, and writing. This transition reflects his desire to leverage his expertise in a more diversified way, contributing to both business success and personal growth. “Personally, I’d like to move into a more portfolio-based career, incorporating consultancy, advisory, NED roles, teaching, and writing,” he says.
This multi-faceted career approach also allows Paul to engage with emerging challenges and opportunities in various sectors, using his extensive experience to shape the future of consultancy and leadership.
Key Insights for Aspiring Leaders
For those looking to follow a similar path, Paul offers valuable advice. One key insight is the importance of maintaining a learning mindset. “You have to be proactive in learning from various sources—whether it’s reading, observing, or hands-on experience. You never stop learning in this field.”
Paul’s adaptability and commitment to learning have been central to his success, and these qualities will undoubtedly drive him forward as he navigates the evolving consultancy landscape in the years to come.
A Vision for the Future
As the consultancy world becomes increasingly specialised, Paul Taylor remains confident that a balanced approach to professional development and industry-specific expertise is the key to long-term success. Through his work with TryDown and his vision for a portfolio career, Paul continues to drive impactful change across industries, helping businesses thrive in a rapidly changing world.
For more information about Paul’s work, visit www.paultaylor.associates.
Q&A with Paul Taylor: Insights into Consultancy, Change Management, and the Future
Q: How do you stay ahead in an industry as fast-moving as consultancy?
Paul Taylor: The key is to never stop learning. I rely on a combination of traditional methods—like books and courses—and more practical approaches, such as learning by observing senior staff or industry experts. But nothing beats the value of hands-on experience. Keeping skills and knowledge up to date is crucial, especially as businesses increasingly seek consultants for niche areas.
Q: What challenges have you faced in your consultancy career?
Paul Taylor: One of the biggest challenges is staying on top of the latest industry trends and technologies. Consultancy is constantly evolving, and it’s important to keep improving and updating your skills. It can be difficult to balance the demands of client work while staying proactive with personal development, but it’s essential.
Q: What do you see as the future of consultancy?
Paul Taylor: Over the next few years, I believe we’ll see more firms looking for consultants who specialise in specific areas. There’s a growing demand for niche expertise, so staying adaptable while also deepening your knowledge in particular fields is going to be increasingly important. Consultants will need to be more focused in their specialisations to meet client needs effectively.
Q: You’re planning to move into a portfolio career. What motivated this decision?
Paul Taylor: I’ve always been passionate about consultancy, but I’m keen to diversify my work by incorporating other roles, such as non-executive directorships, advisory roles, teaching, and even writing. A portfolio career allows me to use my expertise across different areas, which not only adds variety but also keeps me engaged in the evolving landscape of business.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring consultants or leaders?
Paul Taylor: Always maintain a learning mindset. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, the business environment is constantly changing, and you have to stay adaptable. Learn from everything—books, mentors, colleagues, and your own experiences. And, of course, never shy away from a challenge.
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