Black Diamond Broadcast: Redefining Consulting Excellence
At OneStream Splash 2024, Black Diamond Advisory (BDA) had the privilege of hosting the Black Diamond Broadcast, a podcast dedicated to exploring the essence of our firm and the exceptional consulting services we offer. During the broadcast, Celvin posed a pivotal question to Randy Werder, CEO of Black Diamond Advisory: “Who is BDA, and what kind of consultants is Black Diamond Advisory?”
Randy’s response encapsulated the core philosophy that drives our firm. He began by stating simply, “We make clients happy, that’s it.” This seemingly straightforward statement carries profound significance. Randy elaborated on the vision that shaped BDA from its inception. Having been part of various consulting firms, he learned from both positive and negative experiences. This collective wisdom fueled his desire to create a consulting firm with a difference. From the outset, BDA has focused on fostering a culture that prioritizes efficiency, collaboration, and happiness. Randy emphasized that the true measure of a consulting firm’s success lies in the quality of its people. “It doesn’t matter what name you have,” he explained. “What matters is the actual people on the project and in the company. That’s the reason for our success.”
Carefully Curated Expertise
At BDA, we are meticulous in selecting experts who embody the spirit of collaboration. Randy highlighted the importance of assembling a team that not only possesses technical expertise but also shares the belief that a rising tide lifts all boats. This culture of mutual support and collective growth ensures that our consultants work harmoniously to deliver solutions that address complex business challenges.
Bridging the Gap and Solving Business Problems Together
Our mission is to guide clients from outdated methods to innovative, modern approaches. Randy humorously described our goal as moving clients “from the 1990s way of doing things to 2024.” This transformation is achieved in a manner that ensures satisfaction for both our clients and our team. The journey, though sometimes lengthy, is made enjoyable through the collaboration and dedication of all involved. In essence, what we do at Black Diamond Advisory is solve business problems. We work closely with our clients to deliver tailored solutions that meet their unique needs. The emphasis is not only on the end result but also on enjoying the process. By focusing on building strong, happy relationships with our clients, we create an environment where success is a natural outcome.
Accordion Rolling Forecast: A New Era in Financial Planning
The recent OneStream Splash 2024 event was abuzz with exciting announcements and insights, especially from the Black Diamond Broadcast hosted by BDA. During the broadcast, Greg Beaton posed an intriguing question to Randy Werder: “What is the Accordion Rolling Forecast?” Randy’s response not only introduced the concept but also shed light on its development and significance. He began by mentioning the keynote presentation and partner session where BDA officially released the Accordion Rolling Forecast. This innovative forecasting tool is set to revolutionize financial planning and analysis. The Accordion Rolling Forecast is a dynamic and flexible financial planning tool designed to adapt to changing business conditions. Unlike traditional static forecasts, it allows for continuous updates and adjustments, providing a more accurate and responsive approach to financial planning. This tool is particularly beneficial in today’s fast-paced business environment, where agility and precision are paramount.
Randy shared the backstory of the Accordion Rolling Forecast, highlighting the collaborative journey that led to its creation. He and Damon, a key member of BDA, have worked together for over 15 years. Their partnership is a blend of functional and technical expertise. Randy, with a background in Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) and experience as a Finance Director, combined his functional insights with Damon’s extensive technical knowledge. This synergy was crucial in developing the Accordion Rolling Forecast. By leveraging the Accordion Rolling Forecast, businesses can achieve better financial visibility and make informed decisions with confidence. This tool facilitates more frequent and detailed forecasting, enabling organizations to respond swiftly to market changes and internal shifts. It’s not just about predicting the future; it’s about actively shaping it. The release of the Accordion Rolling Forecast marks a significant milestone for BDA and its clients. It embodies the firm’s commitment to innovation and excellence in financial consulting. As Randy and Damon’s story illustrates, the development of this tool is rooted in years of experience, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future of financial planning.
Commitment to OneStream
Another key topic of discussion during the podcast was BDA’s conscious decision to focus solely on OneStream technology. Randy shared insights from conversations at the expo, where he observed that many firms juggle multiple competing technologies. Randy explained, “When Yost and myself sat down and started BDA, we had to make a decision. Did we want to be in different competing technologies? Damon was very adamant that was not going to happen. We came from a former company that did Oracle and under the same umbrella. It did not work at all. There was always the competing interest, and it drove consultants crazy because they were on one project with one technology, and then had to switch to another.”
Randy highlighted that by focusing exclusively on OneStream, BDA ensures a more streamlined, cohesive approach that benefits both clients and consultants. This focus eliminates the confusion and inefficiencies that come with managing multiple technologies, allowing BDA to deliver exceptional, specialized service.
