Envelope Linkedin Instagram

When Plans Shift, Execution Matters Most

Summary:

Execution beats expectation.

In professional services, change is inevitable—whether from market shifts, internal restructuring, or evolving client needs. The differentiator? Operational resilience.

 

At VFP Consulting, we empower teams to:

  • Strengthen team handoffs with automation and aligned milestones
  • Gain real-time cash flow visibility through integrated systems
  • Deliver consistently to earn client trust
  • Align platforms like Certinia PSA and Salesforce to actual workflows

Because the firms that thrive during disruption don’t just plan—they execute smarter.

 

Why operational resilience is the real differentiator in professional services

 

In the professional services world, change is constant.

New client priorities. Market shifts. Team turnover. Macroeconomic pressure. Any of these can throw a wrench in even the most strategic plans.

 

But what keeps high-performing services organizations on track isn’t just vision—it’s execution.

 

At VFP Consulting, we work with firms navigating complexity every day. Whether they’re scaling fast, merging operations, or restructuring their delivery model, one truth holds up across the board:

 

Example Scenario: For a timesheet implementation project, the RAID tracker could identify that “consultants may not adopt the new timesheet system due to lack of training” (Risk), while also noting that “team leads are expected to approve timesheets within two days” (Assumption).

 

Strong execution is what turns disruption into opportunity.

The secret isn’t in working harder—it’s in building smarter, more resilient operations. Here are a few tactical ways to do just that:

  1. Strengthen Handoffs Between Teams

 

Poor handoffs between Sales, Delivery, and Finance are one of the biggest sources of dropped balls and delays. When the deal closes and scopes get handed off, the clarity and accountability often get lost.

 

The fix?

Establish consistent processes for handoffs, document key client details in shared systems (like Salesforce or Certinia PSA), and align all teams on milestone definitions.

 

Pro Tip: Automate your project kickoff triggers so delivery teams get real-time alerts and access to scope, timelines, and budgets the moment a deal closes.

 

  1. Get Clearer Visibility Into Cash Flow

 

In services, cash flow is king. But when billing schedules, time entries, and rev rec data live in separate systems—or worse, spreadsheets—it’s nearly impossible to know where you stand.

 

The fix?

Connect your project management and financial systems so billing events, timecards, and cost tracking are synced. Forecast cash flow based on real-time project performance, not just historic models.

 

Pro Tip: Use dashboards to surface red flags early—such as delayed milestones, underutilized resources, or margin slippage—so you can course-correct in a timely manner.

 

  1. Maintain Consistency to Build Customer Trust

 

Clients understand that challenges happen. What they won’t tolerate is poor communication, inconsistent delivery, or misaligned expectations.

 

The fix?

Standardize delivery workflows across all projects and equip client-facing teams with shared insights and KPIs. The goal: eliminate surprises, not just for your team, but for your clients.

 

Pro Tip: Build checkpoints into your delivery cadence that proactively surface risks and give clients visibility into outcomes, not just activity.

 

  1. Align Systems to Your Strategy

 

Too many firms invest in technology that ends up underused—or worse, adds complexity. When your platforms (such as Certinia PSA or Salesforce) are aligned with your team’s actual workflows, they become enablers of speed, not blockers.

 

The fix?

Map technology capabilities to business goals—then phase implementation to reduce change fatigue and support adoption.

 

Pro Tip: Work with a partner who understands not just the software, but how services organizations operate day-to-day. (Spoiler: that’s what we do.)

 

It’s not just about tools. It’s about execution.

 

There’s no single playbook for what’s coming next, but one thing is clear: the organizations that succeed in times of change aren’t the ones with the fanciest systems. They’re the ones who know how to execute.

 

At VFP, we help services businesses turn technology into traction—from streamlining PSA operations to building connected Quote-to-Cash workflows that unlock revenue and reduce risk.

 

Let’s talk about how your business can stay resilient, even when plans change.

 

www.vfp-consulting.com 

 

#ExecutionExcellence #ProfessionalServices #OperationalResilience #PSA #Certinia #Salesforce #CashFlowVisibility #BusinessContinuity #DigitalTransformation #VFPConsulting #TeamVFP #ServiceDelivery #StrategicExecution

 

We are registered Salesforce® & Certinia partners
and honored to be 2X Partner of the Year for Certinia and 3X Inc.5000 winner

Envelope Linkedin Instagram
Envelope Linkedin-in

Raul Acosta

Sales Director

As an agile, focused and collaborative team player Raul strives to consistently take a holistic approach and make an impact with each networking experience and partnership forged.

 

With 15+ years of experience in sales strategy, application sales, and relationship management, he excels at solving complex business challenges through data-driven insights, superior customer service, and relevant Salesforce expertise.

 

As a former trusted advisor at Certinia and Salesforce, Raul has successfully implemented strategies that drive revenue, align business units, engage target audiences, strengthen brand image, maximize productivity, develop people, transform processes, and improve overall customer experience, showcasing his commitment to clients, partners, and colleagues.

Envelope Linkedin-in

Michael Kelly

Engagement Director & Head of Project Management

Michael, with a background in project financial management and analysis, has spent over a decade in various project management roles. Leading clients, project teams, and fellow project managers, he ensures successful project deliveries and implementations. Michael’s PMP Certification enables him to stay current with the latest industry standards and project management practices.

 

Passionate about his field and role, Michael finds fulfillment in successful projects, tangible results, and meeting client needs.

 

Throughout his experience in engagement management Michael has successfully led over 25 clients, projects, and go-lives. He has overseen a project budget portfolio of $25 million per year, managing 21 separate project engagement efforts concurrently for his client base. In his career, Michael has hired, trained, and personally managed a team of over 50 project managers.

 

He has also contributed to the development and training of new agile project methodologies in multiple companies.

 

Currently, at VFP, Michael has played a crucial role in implementing the new agile methodology across all active projects for their client base in 2023.

Greg headshot
Envelope Linkedin-in

Greg Plaisance

Managing Consultant

Throughout his career at VFP, Greg has progressed from the role of Consultant to Senior Consultant and currently serves as a Managing Consultant.

 

With 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Greg possesses a diverse skill set that spans Retail Banking, Post Audit, and Consulting. He holds 3 Salesforce certifications and 2 Certinia certifications, showcasing his expertise in areas such as Accounting, Revenue Recognition, Billing, and leadership strategy. Greg’s extensive background equips him with a deep understanding of financial processes, enabling him to offer valuable insights and guidance to clients within the industry.

 

Passionate about process improvement, efficiency, and leadership he helps companies by managing the systems that support their core objectives, allowing them to focus on their key goals.

 

Greg aims to build VFP into a premier consulting firm that is highly sought-after by both clients and professionals as a desirable place to work.

Kristin headshot
Envelope Linkedin-in

Kristin Hubbard

Managing Consultant

Kristin, a seasoned Salesforce and Certinia professional since 2011 specializes in Financial Management, specifically focusing on areas such as Billing, Revenue, and Accounting.

 

With a degree in Accounting, Kristin began her career as a Billing Specialist, where she actively contributed to the implementation of Salesforce and Certinia, showcasing her problem-solving skills and passion for process improvement.

 

Recognizing her abilities, she transitioned to the role of Certinia Administrator, playing a crucial role in the system’s global rollout. Later, as a Business Systems Manager, she assumed responsibility for the entire Salesforce platform. Motivated by her love for the job and a desire to help multiple organizations, Kristin pursued consulting, specializing in Certinia ERP and leading consultant teams for approximately eight years.

 

Since 2018, she has played a vital role in planning and executing the Florida Dreamin event. Recognized as a Salesforce MVP in 2023, she holds 7 Salesforce and 1 Certinia certification, demonstrating her expertise and dedication to growth.

 

Kristin understands the value of embracing technology and streamlining processes to reduce costs and enhance profitability. With expertise in Salesforce and Certinia, she guides organizations to implement efficient systems, optimize operations, and achieve financial success.

Ty headshot
Envelope Linkedin-in

Ty alibhai

Managing Consultant

Ty is a seasoned consulting leader who has focused his experience over the last 15 years on the Salesforce platform and solutions in its ecosystem. He brings 20+ years of business knowledge, consulting experience, and a knack for successful Salesforce and Certinia implementations in the quote-to-cash space. Ty has successfully implemented technology solutions such as Salesforce and Certinia to over 100+ customers over his career and has led/managed consultant teams of 5-10 people.

 

Graduating from UC Berkeley’s Haas Business School and with a strong background in Computer Science, he launched his career in technology consulting. He focused his career on the Salesforce platform after experiencing success at Salesforce in the early 2000s and growing that knowledge with consulting partners the latter half of his career. His knowledge spans multiple industries, solutions, and market segments from SMB to Enterprise level experience.

 

As part of his role at VFP, he effectively manages a team of consultants, empowering them to achieve their career objectives. He also leads project teams and ensures the seamless adoption of technology, thereby driving client success at VFP.

 

Driven by a strong desire to make a positive impact on customers’ lives by simplifying their experience with new systems he excels as a leader, mentoring consultants and guiding project teams to successful outcomes.

Envelope Linkedin-in

Nick Anderson

Managing Consultant

A global Salesforce and Certinia consulting and implementation leader, Nick is an expert in his field with more than 8 years of experience on the platform, specializing in Quote to Cash and Professional Services Automation best practices.

 

With a focus on mid-market and enterprise accounts, Nick brings a deep knowledge of best practices to all aspects of client projects including change management, business process documentation & improvement, system configuration, revenue recognition and managed services.

 

With an extensive background in International Business and PSA solutions, Nick is the driving force behind the VFP consultants, helping the team tap into their full potential in order to deliver excellent results.

 

Never one to back down from a challenge, Nick embraces his ever-changing environment and encourages customers to do the same as a way to drive further success down the road. He stresses the importance of clear communication and building strong working relationships in order to effectively articulate a vision for the future of a business.

 

Using his own years of consulting experience as a touchstone, Nick’s focus is on developing talent and ushering in customer success for the VFP team across the board.

doug headshot
Envelope Linkedin-in

Doug Johnston

Chief Operating Officer

Building scalable large-capacity services teams in enterprise environments for more than 25 years, Doug is focused on operational excellence and builds high-quality and high-growth companies and teams.  


As COO, Doug’s responsibilities encompass overseeing all facets of customer services including a Project Management team, internal operations, and a team of expert consultants. His primary focus lies in fostering a high-performing team and culture, guiding its development, providing support, and offering coaching to optimize efficiency.

Doug’s diverse experiences in industries including software services, government, private sector, medical, and beyond have led to the development of a global team, overseeing projects ranging from small initiatives to multi-million dollar implementations and long-term relationships with clients.


With unwavering determination, Doug strives to establish a top-tier consulting firm in collaboration with VFP’s CEO, Stephanie Taylor. Together they shared a vision that transcends software implementation, aiming to provide value, challenge conventions, and leverage expertise for optimal outcomes. Though strategies shift with growth, the core objective of building an exceptional company remains a constant in Doug’s journey. 


Doug joined VFP in its infancy, with a goal to grow the team and scale the operation – which is now doubling year over year, based on a passion for people matched with a deep sense of purpose. With 2x INC5000 placements under 1000, team growth of more than 10,000%, high customer success ratings and stability within the team, his leadership has proved vital to positive growth and long term stability for VFP. 

Stephanie headshot
Envelope Linkedin-in

Stephanie Taylor

Chief Executive Officer

A sought-after leader with a 20+ year history working with global Fortune 500 companies, Stephanie is a business process expert with a deep and well-recognized expertise in the Salesforce and Certinia ecosystems, with a focus on Quote-to-Cash, ERP, CRM, and Financial Management.

 

Stephanie founded VFP Consulting to offer companies with access to a 360 approach to not just implementing but managing their technology investments over time, from aligning people, process and product needs to long term management that maximizes the investment and fuels growth and business needs over time. 

 

Front-line experience overseeing 100+ projects and relationships with diverse clients, from mid-market enterprises to billion-dollar enterprises, Stephanie’s expertise spans high-growth businesses, private equity, mergers and acquisitions across various industries. Her leadership at VFP places a premium on the core values behind the name – Vision, Focus, and Passion.

  • Industry:
    Call Center Technology
  • Company Size:
    • 2,000+ employees around the world
    • 2,500+ enterprise, mid-market, and SMB customers in 104 countries
  • Solutions:
    Certinia Professional Services Cloud