Session Abstract

Too many projects ship technology and miss value. In this honest and practical session, Dan Barber (Strathos) and Ian Tweedie (Capgemini), two seasoned leaders in the Microsoft consulting community, explore how we can grow better consultants and better consulting cultures in a world obsessed with tools and delivery speed. Through real stories from the field, they’ll unpack what it takes to shift from mercenary consulting, driven by tasks, transactions, and outputs, to missionary consulting, which centres on purpose, trust, and transformation. You’ll learn how to move off the solution and back to the real problem, ask questions that uncover value, and build the curiosity and courage that define great consulting. Expect a candid conversation filled with frameworks, stories, and practical tools you put straight into action back in your teams. You’ll leave with new ways to: • Develop consultants who think critically, not just execute. Shepherds not sheep • Create environments where enquiry is rewarded over advocacy. • Guide clients along a path of clarity, collaboration, and measurable value. If you’re tired of watching consulting drift into transactional delivery, this session is your wake-up call. It’s time to rebuild the craft—and this conversation is where that change begins.

Ian Tweedie

As a Senior Technical Architect at Capgemini, Ian Tweedie is a driving force in the Power Platform and cloud technology space. With an impressive 32 certifications, majority in Microsoft, he has a proven track record of bridging the gap between low-code solutions and pro-code development. Ian's journey from IT Manager to a leading Power Platform Technical Architect showcases his passion for continuous learning and adaptation. His blog, TechTweedie, is a go-to resource for peers, and his certified Power Automate connector demonstrates his ability to deliver real-world solutions. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Ian brings a strategic and process-oriented mindset to every project. Beyond his technical achievements, Ian is committed to giving back to the community, serving as a trustee for digital transformation for Prosper Learning Trust.