Lessons from the First Consultant - Joseph son of Jacob

A Personal Connection to Joseph

My grandfather’s name was Joseph, and I admired him deeply—not only as a grandfather but as a remarkable businessman. He was a highly successful book publisher back in the day when publishing was, believe it or not, a real business. Growing up, I was captivated by his stories, his wisdom, and the way he carried himself with a mix of confidence and humility. To me, he was larger than life. Because of my admiration for him, I found myself naturally drawn to the Biblical story of Joseph, the son of Jacob.

Throughout the years, I’ve tried to extract different moral lessons from Joseph’s story. His resilience, forgiveness, and unwavering faith have inspired countless generations. But today, I want to focus on a different angle. As a fractional CFO and business consultant, I see Joseph through a unique lens: Joseph, the first consultant. He wasn’t just a dream interpreter; he was a problem solver who delivered actionable solutions to his client, the Pharaoh. Let me share his story and the lessons we can glean from it as modern-day consultants.

Joseph’s Rise to Prominence

The story of Joseph is one of the most remarkable in the Bible. Betrayed by his jealous brothers, sold into slavery, and wrongfully imprisoned, Joseph endured hardships that would have broken most people. Yet, he remained steadfast and faithful. His ability to interpret dreams eventually brought him to the attention of Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt.

Like me, Pharaoh was troubled by two recurring dreams. In the first, he saw seven healthy, plump cows grazing by the Nile, followed by seven gaunt, thin cows that devoured the healthy ones. In the second dream, Pharaoh saw seven full, ripe ears of grain followed by seven thin, scorched ears. None of Pharaoh’s advisors or magicians could decipher the meaning of these dreams. That’s when Joseph was summoned.

The Problem: Famine on the Horizon

Joseph’s interpretation was clear and concise: the seven healthy cows and the seven ripe ears of grain represented seven years of abundance in Egypt, while the gaunt cows and scorched grain symbolized seven years of severe famine that would follow. This instance is a powerful example of Biblical crisis management and ancient problem-solving techniques that remain relevant today. Egypt would face a crisis that could decimate the population if not addressed. But Joseph didn’t stop at identifying the problem. He went one step further, providing a comprehensive plan to mitigate the impending disaster.

The Solution: Strategic Planning and Resource Management

Joseph advised Pharaoh to appoint a wise and discerning man to oversee the country’s resources during the years of abundance. This advice reflects a core consulting principle: identifying leadership needs and operational planning to ensure the successful implementation of solutions. He proposed storing surplus grain during the seven plentiful years so that it could be distributed during the years of famine. This strategy would not only save lives but also strengthen Egypt’s position as a regional power, as neighboring nations would likely turn to them for aid.

Pharaoh was so impressed with Joseph’s insight and plan that he appointed him as second-in-command over all of Egypt. This moment exemplifies Biblical leadership success, as Joseph’s rise to power showcased his ability to turn vision into action and deliver measurable results. Joseph implemented his strategy flawlessly. During the years of abundance, he oversaw the collection and storage of surplus grain, and when the famine struck, Egypt was prepared. The stored grain not only fed the Egyptian population but also provided the means to trade with other nations, further solidifying Egypt’s economic and political dominance.

The Lesson for Consultants

What sets Joseph apart as the first consultant is not just his ability to identify problems but his commitment to delivering solutions. Many consultants today fall into the trap of simply diagnosing issues without offering meaningful and targeted strategies to address them. But that’s just not enough. Clients don’t just need someone to tell them what’s broken; they need someone to guide them toward fixing it.

As consultants, our job is twofold. First, we must accurately diagnose the challenges our clients face. This requires a deep understanding of their business, industry, and unique circumstances. But diagnosis without actionable solutions is like a doctor telling a patient they’re sick without prescribing treatment. Our real value lies in crafting strategies that not only address the immediate problems but also position our clients for long-term success.

Joseph’s story is a masterclass in consulting. He understood Pharaoh’s concerns, identified the root cause of the problem, and proposed a plan that was both practical and visionary. He didn’t overcomplicate the solution, nor did he shy away from the gravity of the situation. He demonstrated foresight, strategic thinking, and leadership—qualities every consultant should strive to emulate.

Bringing It Back to Today

When I work with my clients as a fractional CFO and business consultant, I often think of my grandfather Joseph ... son of Shimon OB'M ... which causes me to think Joseph ... son of Jacob. Like Pharaoh, my clients come to me with challenges they’re facing: cash flow issues, operational inefficiencies, or growth plateaus. It’s my job to not only pinpoint these issues but also develop and implement strategies to resolve them. Whether it’s creating a detailed financial model, restructuring debt, or optimizing processes, the goal is always the same: to provide solutions that drive results.

Joseph’s approach also reminds us of the importance of preparation. His plan required proactive effort during the years of abundance to prepare for the lean years. Similarly, in business, success often depends on what you do during the good times. Are you building reserves, investing in innovation, and strengthening your foundation? Or are you spending recklessly, assuming the good times will last forever? As the saying goes here in Texas, “Dig your well before you’re thirsty.”

The Consultant’s Calling

Joseph’s story teaches us that consulting is about more than just identifying problems; it’s about helping clients navigate challenges with actionable solutions. His wisdom, strategic thinking, and ability to execute set the gold standard for what it means to be a true advisor.

So, the next time you find yourself facing a complex problem—whether as a consultant or a business leader—remember Joseph and open up the book of Genesis for unparalleled inspiration. Ask yourself not only what the problem is but also what the solution should be. Because in the end, it’s not about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about making the smartest decisions for those you serve.