1. Pete Smith
Business Advisory
Services
My Business Advisory Services is a retainer based service that provides advice for CEO's,
Executive teams or Boards of software and professional services companies. The advice is
operational. The focus is to improving operational results while grow capability.
What are
Business
Advisory
Services?
Business Advisory Services is a monthly retainer based service that is focused on a specific
project or outcome in your business. These projects often involve a major change in your
business, affecting your operations, organizational structure and culture. At the same time,
they are projects that are leading your business to its next level and therefore ones of which
you cannot afford to misstep.
I am retained to advise your team on the project as it is planned and executed. As an advisor
to your project’s executive leader, I bring my 35+ years of experience to help them in
planning, assessing risk, mitigating issues and executing to a successful outcome.
How do
Business
Advisory
Services
work?
As part of your team, I work closely with the project leader and team to advise and help solve
problems. This may involve developing the project plan, facilitating planning meetings,
advising on tactics and strategies, attending weekly update meetings, and one-on-one
coaching for the executive leader or team members.
This service is often used in conjunction with my Business Coaching Services.
What are the
benefits of
engaging me
on your team?
Simply put, my involvement will reduce your project’s risk because I have deeper and broader
experience than the project team. As a result, I will often see opportunities that they might not,
and I will likely catch issues before negative consequences occur. My experience will guide
them to explore options that they may otherwise not consider. In addition, my participation
and coaching is an inexpensive way to grow talent and experience faster on your team.
What are some
sample
engagements?
In the past, I have assist a client in reorganizing their professional services team and their
software development team. I have also worked with a client to re-engineer their recruiting
and talent acquisition processes. Another project involved assessing and putting in place a
plan to upgrade the skills and capabilities of an executive team. I am currently working with a
client on a strategic re-design and rollout of their organization structure.
Qualifications I am a seasoned software and services executive with over 35 years of extensive global
experience that includes a track record of managing organizational change, resulting in
growth and increased profitability in the technology industry. My experience includes senior
roles at IBM, PeopleSoft, Information Resources and am currently Managing Partner of The
Meaford Group, a Corporate Director of Headcount Corp. and former Director of Granitium,
CSDC Systems, gShiftlabs, and Vana Workforce.
During my career, I have led new strategy development projects, annual strategic planning
processes, business transformation projects, corporate reorganizations and restructuring,
acquisition due diligence and operations integration, selling companies, as well as many
change management initiatives.
For further information, please refer to http://ca.linkedin.com/in/smithpeterj
Fees This retainer based service at generally begins with fixed price project assessment and then
evolves into a monthly retainer for the duration of the project.

2. 2
What other
Clients say
about working
with Pete
“Peter has been an invaluable advisor over the years for the leadership team at BigKite. His
guidance on everything from company structure, contract practices, HR advice and almost
everything else under the sun has been tremendously helpful, and his wealth of knowledge
and great network was much appreciated. Most recently Peter helped us navigate an
acquisition with Traction on Demand, ensuring we found a deal that worked for all parties
involved.” Harpreet Aujla, Toronto GM, Traction on Demand
“We recently restructured our global services leadership team. To help kickoff the new
organization and solidify the leadership team, we engaged Pete to facilitate a two day
leadership strategy and planning session. The results exceeded our expectations. Pete was
organized and prepared to challenge our team. He pushed us to think bigger and act quicker.
His deep background in running professional services organizations, combined with his knack
for simplifying an issue, helped us to develop a playbook that we will guide our actions for the
next 12-18 months.” Chris Bishop, Group Vice President, Global Services and Support, Plex
Systems
“Peter is a talented and giving business professional. Whether he is providing strategic
business consulting, sales team training or career coaching, Peter consistently provides value
by challenging those he works with to stretch -- being strategic and self-aware -- and to get
connected. I was fortunate to have Peter working with me as I built the Client Experience
team at Achievers and his guidance was golden”. Holly Tiessen, VP Client Success,
Achievers
“When I first met Pete 3 years ago, I was immediately impressed by his critical thinking and
command of business strategy. I didn't know him well, but in our short conversation I was
taken aback by how quickly and effortlessly he cut to the core issue and wonderfully
articulated some potential strategy options for us to consider. I was impressed. In fact, I was
so impressed, I invited Pete to join my board of directors. I can honestly say that Pete has
been instrumental in helping drive our business forward. Pete is not going to tell you what you
want to hear -- he will challenge you and help drive your thinking to places you hadn't
considered. As the founder and CEO of my company, it was sometimes difficult to have
someone pick apart my strategy, but in the end, we are significantly better off because of it.”
Mark Ryski, CEO Headcount Corporation
“Peter has a combination of talents that includes asking tough thoughtful questions pushing
you to think outside the comfort zone. Working with Peter I know I have examined some
aspects of the business more critically leading to better outcomes for the business. Peter also
has a strong network that he has made available for specific strategic opportunities which has
fast tracked a number of initiatives.” David Lloyd, CEO, Intelliresponse.
“Pete was a highly valued contributor to the strategic direction of the company. He provided
exceptional insight and always offered innovative thinking and perspectives while
demonstrating his results oriented leadership style in ensuring effective execution of initiatives
under his direction. Pete offered a highly balanced perspective with exceptional strategic and
operational depth in sales, marketing and client services initiatives. It is without hesitation that
I highly recommend Pete as a great strategic and operational resource and advisor at the
board and/or senior executive level.” Peter Andrews CEO Grantium
“I have leveraged Peter's skills and experience in a variety of areas, most recently in
assessing the scalability of our Professional Services team, and assisting in identifying and
recruiting executive leadership for this area. Peter is deep in experience, thorough in his work,
operates with the highest standard of integrity, and a great pleasure to work with.”
John Sicard, President & CEO, Kinaxis