What does it take to build a consulting practice that is both sustainable and personally fulfilling?

In this episode of Thriving Through, host AJ Riedel sits down with Kit Friday, an independent marketing consultant with 15 years of experience, to explore her journey from paralegal and private investigator to creative entrepreneur and strategic marketer. Kit shares the challenges of stepping fully into self-employment, overcoming self-doubt, and realizing the value of her innate talents.

Throughout the conversation, Kit opens up about:

How she blended analytical skills and creative passions to define her career path

The long road to confidence and believing in her own value as a consultant

Learning to differentiate instinct from anxiety and make strategic decisions under pressure

Structuring a consulting practice around tailored marketing, authenticity, transparency, and goal-setting

Building repeat clients and maintaining long-term relationships through clarity and communication

Developing prospecting systems to escape the feast-or-famine cycle

Expanding her practice through workshops, speaking engagements, and teaching

Kit also reflects on the personal lessons she’s learned from early client experiences, including the power of self-reflection surveys and the importance of setting boundaries to deliver high-quality work consistently. She shares practical strategies for consultants who struggle with imposter syndrome, inconsistent revenue, or finding the confidence to scale their businesses.

In this episode, we cover:

Kit Friday’s path from paralegal and private investigator to marketing consultant

The creative and analytical duality that shaped her career

Overcoming self-doubt and finding professional confidence

Tailoring consulting services to clients’ needs and budgets

Goal-setting and measuring consulting impact

Prospecting, repeat clients, and stabilizing income

Transitioning toward workshops, teaching, and speaking engagements

Lessons from early projects and self-reflection practices

If you’re a consultant, freelancer, or small business owner seeking clarity, confidence, and a sustainable approach to client work, this episode offers actionable insights to help you thrive through your consulting journey.

👉 Learn more about Kit Friday:
Website: kitfriday.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kitfriday/

🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel
✨ Keep Thriving Through