Why I Paid $60 for a Mug (And What That Has to Do With Advisory Work)

I bought a handmade mug for $60. 

Not because I needed another mug (seriously, I don't), but because I loved it's little saying, how I imagined it would match my other mugs, and the fact that someone’s skill, creativity, and time went into making it. After meeting the artist, I loved it even more. 

No one questioned the price — because we expect to pay more for something that’s crafted with care, backed by experience, and not mass-produced.

And yet, in the professional world, advisory or strategic work often gets undervalued — or at least, scrutinized in a different way.

Here’s the truth:

That “one-hour meeting” you're paying for? It includes the 10 years of experience behind it.

That quick insight? It’s the result of a thousand not-so-quick conversations, patterns spotted, and lessons learned the hard way.

That strategic plan? It’s not a template. It’s handcrafted.

Just like the mug.

And that’s exactly the approach we’re taking with our new Human Capital Advisory services. From designing org structures and compensation models to helping leaders retain and engage their people — none of it is one-size-fits-all. It’s custom work, built with and for our clients. Thoughtful, people-centered, and actionable.

I think we can all agree that we pay for expertise, for context, for nuance. Not just for time. So whether you’re the one crafting the mug — or the one holding it — let’s recognize the value behind the work.

If you're ready for something that's built to fit — not just handed off the shelf — let's talk.