What is consulting? What does it mean to be a consultant at Reaktor?

Consulting is a dynamic and multifaceted field that plays a crucial role in solving some of the most complex challenges businesses face today. At Reaktor, consulting is about more than just offering advice; it’s about partnering with clients to drive real, lasting change. But what does it truly mean to be a consultant? Let’s break it down.

“Consultant” is a broad term that encompasses many different types of people working on different projects. There are more than 700k consultancies globally, taking different approaches, and having different areas of expertise some of the big names include McKinsey, BCG… or Reaktor 😉.

The goals of the project depends on the consultancy and the client, but some examples of objectives that consultancies might have could be:

• Providing information to a client

• Solving a client’s problems

• Making a diagnosis, which may necessitate redefinition of the problem

• Making recommendations based on the diagnosis

• Assisting with implementation of recommended solutions

• Building a consensus and commitment around corrective action

• Facilitating client learning—that is, teaching clients how to resolve similar problems in the future

• Permanently improving organizational effectiveness

Consultants come in as the experts, and can fill gaps in resources that companies don’t have e.g. a machine learning expert. Furthermore, lots of companies value getting feedback from someone on the outside looking in.

🚀 Put simply: Consultants are experts that help their clients to solve their problems.

At Reaktor, we offer our clients expert advice and solutions to help organizations tackle complex technology and business challenges. Reaktor’s consulting services are broadly focused on several key areas:

• Digital transformation: Helping businesses adapt to the digital age by integrating new technologies and digital practices into their operations. This includes developing digital strategies, implementing new technologies, and optimizing business processes.

• Custom software development: Creating bespoke software solutions tailored to the specific needs of clients. This can involve everything from developing new applications to modernizing existing systems.

• User Experience (UX) and design: Enhancing the usability and aesthetic appeal of digital products and services. Reaktor often focuses on creating intuitive and engaging user experiences.

• Technology strategy: Advising organizations on how to leverage technology to achieve their strategic goals. This involves understanding the client’s business objectives and recommending technological solutions that align with those goals.

• Data and analytics: Assisting clients in managing and utilizing their data effectively. This includes developing data strategies, implementing analytics tools, and deriving actionable insights from data.

• Agile coaching and process improvement: Helping organizations adopt agile methodologies to improve their project management and development processes. This includes training teams, implementing agile practices, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Our approach involves close collaboration with clients to deeply understand their needs and challenges, followed by the design and implementation of tailored solutions that drive tangible results. Our focus is often on combining technological innovation with strategic insight to create impactful and sustainable outcomes for our clients.

At Reaktor, we pride ourselves on a unique approach to consulting that goes beyond conventional methods. We don’t just solve problems—we co-create solutions with our clients, ensuring that every strategy is not only innovative but also deeply aligned with our client’s vision and values.

Our culture at Reaktor is built on collaboration, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This culture shapes our consulting work, enabling us to deliver solutions that are not just effective but also sustainable and tailored to the unique needs of each client.

You can read more about our Culture here:

Reaktor Culture

To be an effective consultant, a diverse set of skills is needed. Here are some key skills and attributes that are important:

• Analytical skills:

  • Ability to assess complex problems, identify key issues, and devise effective solutions — this is not just about doing tickets

  • Proficiency in data analysis and interpreting results to make informed recommendations

• Communication skills:

  • Strong verbal and written communication abilities to articulate findings, recommendations, and strategies clearly to clients

  • Ability to discuss complex technical challenges in layman’s terms e.g. discussing pros and cons of using a particular technology

  • Good listening skills to understand client needs and concerns accurately

• Problem-solving skills:

  • Creative and critical thinking to develop innovative solutions to client challenges

  • Ability to approach problems from different angles and find practical, effective solutions

• Industry knowledge:

  • Deep understanding of the industry or field in which you are consulting. This includes staying updated on trends, technologies, and best practices… whilst you might not join a project with this information you have to be willing to learn

• Project management:

  • Skills in planning, executing, and managing projects to ensure they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget — you will do this with support from account managers and more senior team members but we work on autonomous teams and value our low hierarchy structure

• Interpersonal skills:

  • Building and maintaining strong relationships and trust with clients, stakeholders, and team members

  • Ability to work collaboratively and influence others without direct authority

• Business acumen:

  • Understanding of business operations, strategy, and financial principles to provide advice that aligns with the client’s objectives and enhances their business performance, again this might not be something you know off-the-bat but you do need the ability to learn and have a basic understanding of how business works

• Adaptability and flexibility:

  • Ability to adjust strategies and approaches based on changing client needs and project requirements

  • Being open to new ideas and willing to learn and adapt to different situations

  • Able to learn new languages or frameworks quickly to adapt to the client’s needs

• Ethical judgment:

  • Commitment to maintaining professional integrity and delivering honest, unbiased recommendations

  • Ensuring confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately

• Business development skills:

  • Whilst you will always be supported by our sales team, consultants who join proposals and pitches are the most successful here at Reaktor. You play the technical expert in the room, but the more you can present and pitch your thoughts and ideas — the more likely we are to win projects

To thrive as a consultant at Reaktor, you need more than just technical expertise. The role requires a diverse skill set that blends analytical thinking with strong interpersonal abilities, all grounded in a deep understanding of both technology and business.