Episode 280: How to Build Partnerships That Drive Real Growth with Elia Blankenship

About the Guest: Elia Blankenship is a consulting leader at RSM specializing in transformation work for financial institutions and beyond. With a background in management, organizational change, and a deep commitment to emotional intelligence, Elia challenges the traditional “consultant tells, client does” approach. Instead, she builds partnerships rooted in listening, candor, and collaboration, empowering clients to own their growth journey. She’s also a champion for automation and AI adoption in the industries she serves.

About the Episode: In this conversation, host Steve Mellor and guest Elia Blankenship unpack what it really means to be “growth ready.” They challenge outdated notions of consulting, explore the role of trust and candidness in partnerships, and dig into the messy reality of change. Elia shares her approach to creating ownership in clients, why “reading the room” is a critical skill, and how personal growth mirrors professional transformation. They also touch on adapting to digital trends, breaking through ego and bias, and the importance of staying curious in a fast-moving world.

At the heart of the discussion? Growth takes work. Hard work. But with the right people, the right mindset, and the willingness to listen, it’s work worth doing.

Key Topics Discussed

• Rethinking the role of a consultant
• The importance of listening, humility, and service in leadership
• Building trust before candid conversations
• Creating ownership so clients sustain progress
• Overcoming ego, pride of ownership, and readiness barriers
• Reading the room and adapting communication styles
• Applying consulting lessons to family and personal growth
• The need to embrace AI, automation, and digital transformation
• How speed-to-market is changing the consulting landscape
• Personal reflections on future growth and unfinished projects

Links and Resources Mentioned

• RSM – https://rsmus.com
• Books on Emotional Intelligence (Emotional Intelligence 2.0)
• Microsoft Copilot and AI tools referenced in discussion

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This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...