WKM Consulting Services LLC’s Post

As the end of the summer is getting near, It is also a good time to reflect. After successful achieving a tech transfer project milestone where I worked on for more than 2 years with a fantastic team of Sanofians, I passed on the 'Quality' baton in May 2024 to the next group to bring the project over the finish line. I wish them all the best and I have no doubt they will succeed! For myself, I took steps to materialize an idea that was already brewing for several years in my head. I parted with a company where I worked for more than 8 years and began as independent consultant and started my own company. No hard feelings in any way, but by doing so I was able to take full control of my own career and life and be independent to share my skills with many other companies. Saying I wasn’t worried or a bit scared of a potentially uncertain time, would be an understatement. However, I am grateful that I found in a short timeframe a project where I could share my QP expertise in a new environment. The change has definitely been worth it! Here are some things I learned so far: 1. The nr. 1 question I received the last couple of months from friends, family or people in my network was why I would change the comfort and familiarity of a permanent job with uncertainty as freelance consultant (not knowing the environment you’ll work in, constant hunting for work, no guaranteed benefit package, and possibility to drive long distances to get to work). Well, the answer is simple: I feel more confident because I am doing what I want to do. I am able now to choose to apply for a project, for my own reasons, and that feels good and is priceless.  2.  During my career, I received many great chances to build up a broad set of skills and expertise in Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs CMC. I am grateful for the people wo gave me these chances and that I can apply these skills now in a completely different environment, technology area, and type of work. Things you did day-to-day and took for granted in good and well-organized companies, are really important and useful when you need to get things done independently. 3. As a bit expected, I really enjoying the branding or business site of having your own private company. There is of course some administration that comes along with it (especially in Belgium😉), but you don’t hear me complaining. 4. Saved the most important lessen as last: If you think something needs to change, do it! Don't hang around until the moment you think you are ‘locked in’ in a certain job. My initial worries at the start were unwarranted when I think about now. Don’t be scared of change! My current assignment is nearing its end, but I would already like to thank Select Projects and Organon for their trust in working together with me. What's next? Well, during the next weeks I’ll be ramping up my search for new freelance project work from the end of October 2024 (consultancy recruiters - please note my availability😉).

As I continue my journey, I'm constantly reminded of the value of growth, networking, and seizing new opportunities. #consultant Here's to new connections and continued success. #ProfessionalGrowt #Networking #CareerDevelopment #YourIndustry #auditing #internalaudit

Securing New Clients and Managing Your Client Load: A Practical Guide As someone who has been navigating the world of client management for years, I have picked up a few vital lessons that I believe can make a significant difference for anyone in a similar field. Firstly, Leverage Your Past Success- One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is your past client reviews. When prospective clients are considering working with you, they are often looking for reassurance. Positive feedback from previous clients can be the golden ticket that helps you stand out. Make sure you consistently deliver quality work on time, this creates a strong foundation of trust and reliability. Your past performance isn’t just a reflection of your skills—it's a beacon that attracts future opportunities. Secondly,Set Realistic Expectations: When you are on the hunt for new clients, it is crucial to be mindful of timezone differences, your own availability, and your current capabilities. Accepting jobs without considering these factors can lead to overpromising and underdelivering. Be upfront about what you can realistically achieve and how soon you can get it done. Clear communication here helps in building a professional relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. Also, always, Embrace a Learning Mindset: To efficiently manage your growing client base, developing a learning mindset is essential. When new tasks or projects come your way, take the time to understand and master them. This doesn’t just mean picking up new skills but also internalizing processes that can streamline your workflow. By staying curious and adaptable, you not only improve your efficiency but also position yourself as a knowledgeable resource that clients can rely on. In essence, it's all about showcasing your strengths through past work, managing expectations with clear communication, and continually evolving through learning. These steps can help you secure new clients and manage your workload like a pro! #ClientManagement #ALXVA #ALXLearnloud #ProfessionalGrowth #WorkSmart #ClientSuccess #LearningJourney

Choosing Your IT Career Path: MSP, Consultancy, or End-User? Are you considering a career in IT but unsure whether to work for a Managed Service Provider (MSP), a consultancy, or an end-user organization? Each path offers unique experiences and opportunities. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide: 🔲 Managed Service Provider (MSP) ◻ Diverse Challenges: MSPs manage multiple clients, exposing you to a wide variety of IT environments and challenges. ◻ Fast-Paced Environment: You’ll need to adapt quickly and prioritize tasks efficiently. ◻ Continuous Learning: With ever-changing client needs, you’ll constantly learn and grow your skillset. 🔲 Consultancy ◻ Project-Based Work: Consultancies focus on specific projects, often with defined timelines and deliverables. ◻ Client Interaction: You’ll work closely with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions. ◻ Specialized Expertise: You can develop deep expertise in niche areas, making you a sought-after specialist. 🔲 End-User Organization ◻ In-Depth Knowledge: Working for a single company allows you to gain deep insights into their specific IT infrastructure. ◻ Stable Environment: Enjoy the stability of working within one organization and building long-term relationships with your team. ◻ Focused Goals: Your efforts contribute directly to the success of the organization, providing a sense of accomplishment and alignment with company objectives. Each path has its own rewards and challenges. Whether you thrive on variety, enjoy deep dives into projects, or prefer a stable environment with focused goals, there’s a place for you in the IT world. Which path resonates with you? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments! #ITCareers #MSP #Consultancy #EndUser #TechJobs

Why Hiring a Third-Party Consultancy/Functional Services Firm is Beneficial for Quality Assurance in Life Sciences In the competitive and highly regulated life sciences industry, maintaining stringent quality assurance (QA) standards is paramount. Here are some compelling reasons to consider hiring a third-party consultancy or functional services firm for your QA needs: 1. Expertise and Specialization: Gain access to seasoned professionals with specialized knowledge in life sciences QA, ensuring compliance with the latest regulations and industry standards. 2. Flexibility and Scalability: Easily adjust the level of support based on your project requirements, allowing for efficient resource management without long-term commitments. 3. Cost Efficiency: Avoid the costs associated with hiring, training, and maintaining a full-time in-house team. Pay for the expertise you need, when you need it. 4. Speed and Efficiency: Consulting firms can quickly mobilize and integrate with your team, accelerating project timelines and delivering results without the ramp-up time required for new hires. 5. Objective Perspective: An external team brings a fresh, unbiased view, identifying areas for improvement and implementing best practices that might not be evident from within your organization. Investing in a third-party consultancy or functional services firm can provide your life sciences company with the agility, expertise, and cost savings needed to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. #QualityAssurance #LifeSciences #Consulting #QAServices #RegulatoryCompliance #ThirdPartySupport 

This is why 99% of Quality Professionals Fail in the Long Run? → They claim to stay updated, but their certifications lapse, and they never attend industry events. → They dream of leading quality initiatives but do not actively improve their skills or take on additional responsibilities. → They want recognition but hesitate to propose new ideas or demonstrate their impact on the company. → They prepare for audits... only one day before the audit. Rest of the time they are busy with routine tasks. → They aspire to move up the career ladder but refuse to step out of their comfort zone and explore new methodologies. Success is about Consistency. It's about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching or when it's not immediately beneficial. #QAQC #Quality #Professionals #Repost

𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 In the realm of operations, Quality Assurance (QA) Managers play a vital role in maintaining product integrity and compliance. Retaining top QA talent is crucial for sustaining operational excellence. Here are some effective retention tactics for Quality Assurance Managers in operations: ➡️ Offer Professional Development Opportunities: Continuous learning and career advancement are key motivators for QA Managers. Provide opportunities for training, certifications, and attending industry conferences to keep their skills updated and aligned with the latest quality standards. ➡️ Foster a Collaborative Work Environment: Encourage a culture of collaboration where QA Managers can work closely with cross-functional teams. This not only enhances their understanding of the broader operational processes but also fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. ➡️ Implement Flexible Work Arrangements: Flexibility in work hours and remote work options can significantly enhance job satisfaction. Offering flexible arrangements helps QA Managers balance work and personal life, reducing burnout and increasing retention. ➡️ Recognize and Reward Excellence: Regularly acknowledge the contributions of your QA Managers. Implement a recognition program that celebrates milestones, successful audits, and innovative solutions. Recognition fosters a positive work environment and motivates continued high performance. ➡️ Provide Clear Career Pathways: Clearly define the career progression opportunities available within the organization. Regularly discuss career goals with your QA Managers and provide a roadmap for achieving them, which can significantly boost retention. ➡️ Engage in Regular Feedback and Communication: Maintain open lines of communication and provide constructive feedback. Regular check-ins and performance reviews help QA Managers understand their strengths, areas for improvement, and how they contribute to the organization's success. ➡️ Focus on Work-Life Balance: Promote a healthy work-life balance by encouraging reasonable workloads and taking necessary breaks. Supporting their well-being leads to higher job satisfaction and loyalty. As the Vice President of Client Engagement at Abel Consulting and Executive Search, I understand the importance of retaining skilled QA Managers in operations. By providing concierge-level service, we help organizations implement effective retention strategies that keep top talent engaged and committed. Let’s prioritize these tactics to ensure that your QA Managers feel valued and motivated, contributing to long-term operational success. #QualityAssurance #Operations #RetentionStrategies

Did you know ISO standards impact over 22,000 industries worldwide? That’s a lot of opportunity waiting for you! Just one week left—are you ready to gain practical tools and fresh insights to turn challenges into opportunities? Don’t miss your chance to boost your career and stay ahead of the curve. Register now and step up your game! https://atol.pub/3W1MnmS #AuditorTrainingOnline #Webinar #ISOCareerTrends2025 #LeadTheStandard #ISOTraining #ISOManagementSystem #ATOL

🌟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 🌟 Recently, I had the opportunity to connect with Afzal Nakhuda, a seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience at Telus and Ontario Health, for a virtual coffee chat. What began as a discussion about certifications like ITIL, AWS, Azure, and PL-300 turned into a powerful exchange of ideas on resilience, career transitions, and the evolving job market. 🔑 Key Highlights from Our Conversation 1️⃣ The Courage to Evolve Afzal’s move from Telus to Ontario Health reflects the shift toward specialized skills. His willingness to embrace continuous learning, even after a stellar career, highlights the power of reinvention—something I value deeply in my own journey. 2️⃣ The Value of Certifications Certifications like PMP, ITIL, and PL-300 aren’t just career checkboxes—they’re tools that help us stay ahead. During our chat, I shared my experience with PL-300 and how I approach data storytelling through Power BI. Afzal’s curiosity to learn and integrate new technologies further validated the importance of blending traditional expertise with cutting-edge skills. 3️⃣ Bridging Generations As we discussed the career dynamics of today versus two decades ago, one thing stood out: the mutual value of shared insights. Whether it’s the agility and tech-savviness of Gen Z or the strategic wisdom of seasoned professionals, true growth happens when we learn from one another. 4️⃣ Networking with Purpose We agreed on the importance of authentic connections in creating opportunities beyond the traditional hiring process. 5️⃣ Insights with Impact During our conversation, I had the chance to share my perspective on applying project management principles to personal and professional growth—adapting to change, thriving under uncertainty, and leveraging tools and certifications for real impact. These principles have guided my own journey from incident management to data analytics and beyond, and it was gratifying to see them resonate with Afzal. 📝 Why These Conversations Matter This exchange reminded me of the power of open dialogue to inspire, guide, and uplift. It’s not just about sharing knowledge but about creating a space where experiences spark new ideas and possibilities. As someone who thrives on meaningful interactions, I am grateful for the opportunity to share my insights while learning from a seasoned professional like Afzal. 🌟 Let’s Keep Growing Together Conversations like this reinforce why I value LinkedIn as more than just a professional network—it’s a community where stories like these unfold every day. 👉 What’s a recent conversation or connection that inspired you? 👉 How are you embracing continuous learning in your journey? Let’s exchange thoughts and inspire each other. Drop your stories in the comments below! 👇 #ProjectManagement #Networking #ContinuousLearning #CareerGrowth #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #Resilience #PMTalks