What does it take to thrive in the Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem?

In this episode of The Catch Up Podcast, host Phillip Blackmore sits down with James Downes, Partner at EY, to explore a 25-year journey through tech consulting, solution architecture, and leadership in the Microsoft space.

From starting out with Great Plains in the late '90s to leading global ERP implementations, James shares insights into career growth, network-building, and the culture shifts between partner and end-user environments. Listeners will learn why listening is a superpower, how the Dynamics community has evolved, and why adaptability is key to long-term success.

Whether you’re an aspiring consultant, seasoned technical lead, or considering a move to a Big Four environment, James’s journey offers practical advice and inspiration.

• (00:00) - Welcome to the Catch Up Podcast
• (00:37) - Early Career and First Role in Microsoft Dynamics
• (02:07) - Transition to Technical Architect and MVP Journey
• (03:28) - Career Growth and Networking
• (06:18) - Key Lessons and Community Insights
• (11:35) - Joining KPMG and Culture Shift
• (13:33) - Independent Consulting and ASOS Project
• (17:19) - End User vs Partner Channel Experience
• (23:30) - Big Four Experience and Entrepreneurial Spirit
• (29:43) - Advice for Major Technology Implementations
• (32:33) - Final Thoughts and Reflections

James Downes: Partner at EY with over 25 years of experience in Microsoft Dynamics. James specialises in global ERP delivery, solution architecture, and consulting leadership. He has worked across end-user and partner organisations, including roles at ASOS, KPMG, and PwC.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How James Downes built a career in Microsoft Dynamics over 25 years
• Why networking and reputation matter in niche tech communities
• The differences between partner and end-user environments in consulting
• How the Dynamics ecosystem has evolved over time
• Key traits for success in large-scale ERP implementations

Action Points:

1. Build Long-Term Relationships: Keep in touch with former colleagues and peers. A strong professional network can lead to future opportunities and collaborations you never saw coming.
2. Listen Before You Lead: Strong leadership in tech isn't about speaking first — it's about understanding others. Make space to truly listen before offering solutions.
3. Adapt to Culture Shifts: Moving between partners, end-users, and Big Four firms requires agility. Understand how expectations and working styles shift in each environment.
4. Get the Right People In Early: For any transformation project, assemble a team with the right experience from day one. A capable program director and business-side lead can make or break success.
5. Stay Curious and Evolve: From technical consultant to EY Partner, James's career shows the importance of continuous learning. Be open to taking on roles outside your comfort zone to grow.

The Catch Up Podcast brings you candid conversations with industry leaders, consultants, and change-makers from the Microsoft Dynamics and tech ecosystem. Hosted by Phillip Blackmore, Sales Director at Catch Resource Management, each episode dives into the real stories behind business transformation, career pivots, and scaling success. Expect thoughtful interviews, practical insights, and honest reflections.

Brought to you by Catch Resource Management, a leading UK recruitment specialist for Microsoft Dynamics and ERP talent, this podcast is your inside track to the people shaping the future of enterprise technology. Tune in for new episodes and stay ahead of the curve.

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford, UK.

What does it take to lead a global Microsoft Dynamics 365 project across dozens of countries and legacy systems?

In this episode of The Catch Up Podcast, host Phillip Blackmore is joined by Kerry Hughes Wright, a seasoned delivery leader with decades of experience in ERP transformations. Together, they unpack the complexities of global rollouts, the nuances of team and process management, and the real-world challenges of implementing D365 Finance & Operations across a rapidly expanding enterprise.

Kerry shares her fascinating journey from leaving school at 16 to leading enterprise-wide technology programmes, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how successful ERP delivery is shaped not by technology alone, but by people, process, and perseverance.

With honest reflections, strategic guidance, and practical examples, this episode is essential listening for CIOs, project leaders, and anyone navigating digital transformation in large organisations.

• (00:00) - From Invoice Clerk to Program Director: Kerry Hughes-Wright on Climbing the D365 Career Ladder
• (01:00) - Kerry's Early Career and First Job
• (05:13) - Transition to Technology and Consulting
• (06:35) - Project Management and Higher Education
• (07:31) - Career Progression and Industry Experience
• (11:15) - Leadership Roles and Methodologies
• (15:02) - Challenges in the Partner Channel
• (16:57) - Joining Lloyd's and Adapting to Change
• (22:45) - Moving to HCL and Expanding Expertise
• (29:03) - Current Role and Global Rollout
• (36:23) - Success Stories and Methodologies
• (40:42) - Final Advice and Conclusion

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to structure and lead a successful D365 Finance & Operations programme
• Why people and processes matter more than technology in ERP delivery
• Key considerations when integrating legacy systems and managing data quality
• The importance of methodology, project planning, and using Azure DevOps
• Career advice for professionals entering the Microsoft D365 ecosystem

Action Points:

1. Prioritise People in Your Programme: Ensure you dedicate knowledgeable internal staff to the project and backfill their roles. People who know the business processes are vital to success.
2. Clean Your Data Early: Start cleansing and standardising your data well before implementation begins. It simplifies migration and reduces downstream issues.
3. Define and Follow a Methodology: Use a clear and consistent delivery methodology to align teams, track progress, and avoid chaos. Kerry recommends structured tools like Azure DevOps.
4. Build a Super User Network: Develop a strong network of champions across your organisation. This fosters adoption, knowledge sharing, and local accountability.
5. Don’t Rush Career Progression: For those entering the D365 space, focus on learning deeply before jumping ahead. Solid experience builds credibility and long-term success.

The Catch Up Podcast brings you candid conversations with industry leaders, consultants, and change-makers from the Microsoft Dynamics and tech ecosystem. Hosted by Phillip Blackmore, Sales Director at Catch Resource Management, each episode dives into the real stories behind business transformation, career pivots, and scaling success. Expect thoughtful interviews, practical insights, and honest reflections.

Brought to you by Catch Resource Management, a leading UK recruitment specialist for Microsoft Dynamics and ERP talent, this podcast is your inside track to the people shaping the future of enterprise technology. Tune in for new episodes and stay ahead of the curve.

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford, UK.

What does it take to grow a consultancy from scratch, sell it to a global firm, and then choose to start all over again?

In this episode of The Catch Up Podcast, host Phillip Blackmore sits down with Adam Seaton to explore his remarkable journey from Microsoft Dynamics contractor to founder of Seaton Partners and now co-creator of Team Joe. Adam shares the behind-the-scenes realities of scaling a business, navigating feast-or-famine cycles, managing through Covid, and making the tough call to sell to EY.

Listeners will get candid insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation in the ERP and Dynamics 365 world. Adam also introduces his latest venture, a SaaS training platform designed to transform how enterprise users learn business software. It’s a conversation packed with lessons for anyone in tech, consulting, or business growth.

• (00:00) - How Adam Seaton Built a 50-Person Consultancy from a One-Man Band
• (01:11) - Adam's Career Beginnings
• (03:04) - Transition to Consultancy
• (04:49) - Contracting and Early Challenges
• (07:28) - Building Seaton Partners
• (11:42) - First Major Breakthrough
• (15:56) - Growth and Team Building
• (22:25) - A Promising Start to the Year
• (22:34) - The Impact of COVID-19
• (23:23) - Adapting to Remote Work
• (23:36) - Navigating Financial Challenges
• (24:07) - A New Opportunity with EY
• (25:50) - Transitioning to EY
• (28:00) - Challenges at EY
• (28:46) - Reflecting on the EY Experience
• (29:40) - Starting a New Venture
• (31:13) - Building a Training Business
• (33:01) - Innovating in Training
• (41:11) - Looking Ahead

Adam Seaton: A seasoned Microsoft Dynamics expert and former founder of Seaton Partners, Adam scaled the consultancy to nearly 50 staff before its acquisition by EY. He now leads Team Joe, a startup rethinking ERP training with a product-first, user-centric approach.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Adam Seaton scaled a Microsoft Dynamics consultancy from the ground up
• The challenges and rewards of selling a business to a global firm
• Why ERP training is often overlooked and how Team Joe is changing that
• What it takes to build a SaaS product in a post-Covid world
• Insights on hiring, leadership, and building strong consultancy teams

Action Points:

1. Build for Growth, Not Just Profit: Adam shares why reinvesting in people and skills paid off more than chasing margins. Prioritising team development helped Seaton Partners scale sustainably and retain top talent.
2. Plan Your Exit Early: Whether you're thinking of selling or stepping back, Adam explains why having a long-term view on exit options can shape better business decisions, even if you're not actively pursuing a sale.
3. Don’t Underestimate Training: Many ERP projects treat training as an afterthought. Adam reveals why a long-term, measurable approach to user education can make or break software adoption.
4. Use Contracting as a Launchpad: Learn how Adam used a structured four-day contracting week to bootstrap his business, allowing time to build his own client base and brand.
5. Adapt Quickly to Market Shifts: From Covid to cloud transformation, Adam discusses how staying agile and investing in early adoption helped future-proof his consultancy and fuel innovation.

The Catch Up Podcast brings you candid conversations with industry leaders, consultants, and change-makers from the Microsoft Dynamics and tech ecosystem. Hosted by Phillip Blackmore, Sales Director at Catch Resource Management, each episode dives into the real stories behind business transformation, career pivots, and scaling success. Expect thoughtful interviews, practical insights, and honest reflections.

Brought to you by Catch Resource Management, a leading UK recruitment specialist for Microsoft Dynamics and ERP talent, this podcast is your inside track to the people shaping the future of enterprise technology. Tune in for new episodes and stay ahead of the curve.

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford, UK.