In this episode of The Consultant’s Way Podcast, hosts Anthony Paluska and Dean McMann sit down with JJ Navarro, a customer service leader whose career has spanned consulting, technology, and client success. JJ’s journey blends humor, humility, and hard-won lessons about what separates good consultants from great ones. It is not about titles or buzzwords. It is about curiosity, honesty, and building trust that lasts.

JJ shares how his first job valet parking cars taught him more about customer service than any business course could. That early experience shaped his consulting mindset, treating every client interaction as personal and every problem as solvable. He also opens up about how avoiding jargon, asking better questions, and admitting when you do not have all the answers became cornerstones of his approach.

The conversation moves from practical to philosophical as JJ, Dean, and Anthony trade stories about humility, client dynamics, and professional growth. JJ talks about the trap of trying to be the smartest person in the room and how real influence comes from listening and learning. He also introduces his “rocket ship” philosophy, where recognizing opportunity and deciding quickly whether to jump can shape an entire career. It is a framework for managing risk, spotting turning points, and knowing when to move forward.

JJ’s insights on leading teams through constant change feel both authentic and timely. He talks about balancing pressure with perspective, keeping teams engaged when everything around them is shifting, and finding meaning in the chaos.

Sprinkled throughout are moments of humor and grounded wisdom, including a story about how to make a lasting impression at a business lunch, a reminder that no one is above rolling up their sleeves, and a truth every consultant learns eventually: credibility is earned one genuine conversation at a time.

This episode captures the mix of reflection and real talk that defines The Consultant’s Way. It reminds listeners to stay humble, keep their eyes open for the next rocket ship, and never stop learning.