Uncomfortable truths: What do clients really value?

What makes a consultant genuinely valuable to a client? And what gets in the way of consultants delivering that value? At Futurespace, the panel session Uncomfortable truths: What clients really value will tackle those questions head-on. 

Uncomfortable Truths speaker panel for Futurespace

It’s a chance to hear the things clients and project partners perhaps don’t always say out loud. What do they wish consultants understood better? What behaviours frustrate them or erode confidence? And what separates a consultant who simply delivers what’s asked from one who is genuinely valued? 

“We want to give clients, contractors and project leaders permission to be honest about what’s frustrating them, what they need from consultants, and where they think the profession could improve,” says Hannah Bryce, ACE General Manager of Engagement. 

“At the same time, we want to explore the other side of the equation. If clients want consultants to add more value, challenge thinking, bring new ideas and act as trusted advisers, how are they creating the conditions for that to happen? Are consultants brought in early enough? Are they given the opportunity to contribute their expertise? How can consultants uncover opportunities and help their clients act on them?”  

Facilitated by Mike McRoberts, this session will bring together different perspectives from across project delivery:  

  • Myles Lind, Auckland Council 
  • Priyan Perera, Watercare  
  • Marcus Beddis, Southbase  
  • Tim Palin, Frequency


Expect a candid and practical conversation about where value can get lost, what needs to change, and what both consultants and clients can do differently to get better outcomes.
 

Because if we want consultants to create more value, we need to be prepared to hear the uncomfortable truths about what’s getting in the way. 

This session is sponsored by Frequency 

 

 

 

 

Futurespace 2026 – lead with impact, partner with purpose, deliver with confidence

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4-5 NOVEMBER 2026 // Auckland

Futurespace 2026 brings together business leaders, clients, industry experts and your peers to explore the capabilities that matter as your leadership responsibilities grow.

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