“I’ve always been curious,” David Küpper said. “I started out as a physics nerd, got interested in consulting, and today I still follow my passion — working with talented people on new challenges.”
That curiosity became expertpowerhouse, a multi-award-winning marketplace for independent consultants, subject-matter experts, and interim managers. With offices across three continents and a network of over 100,000 vetted professionals, the company has become a trusted partner for global clients who need to move fast and work smart.
The Process: Fast, Human, and Precise
Unlike automated job boards, expertpowerhouse combines AI-driven matching with human vetting to ensure every recommendation fits the client’s specific needs. Clients can submit a request directly on the platform or reach out through established relationships — and within a day or two, they receive a shortlist of top consultants.
But it’s not just about speed. Every consultant or expert in the network goes through a detailed screening process before joining. As David put it:
We have specific requirements. On the consulting side, everyone must have at least two years of experience in a renowned consulting firm. On the expert side, we look for deep, specialized industry knowledge — people who’ve been in the trenches.
The result? Clients get trusted professionals, not unverified profiles. And that trust translates into repeat business, many projects extend well beyond their initial scope, turning short-term engagements into long-term partnerships.
Consultant or Expert? Knowing What You Need
One of the most eye-opening moments in our conversation was when David broke down the difference between consultants and subject-matter experts — two roles often misunderstood or used interchangeably.
If you already have internal expertise but need structure and strategy, hire a consultant. If you need deep, technical or industry-specific knowledge, you need a subject-matter expert.
That distinction is critical for companies looking to scale intelligently. Hiring the wrong type of talent can slow down progress or inflate costs, while choosing the right one can accelerate transformation and deliver measurable results.
Why Some Companies Still Hesitate
Despite the proven value of independent experts, David admits that many organisations still hesitate to embrace freelancing, especially in conservative industries.
It’s often not a process issue; it’s a mindset issue. Some companies simply aren’t used to working with external consultants. They don’t realise it’s not a risk, it’s actually an opportunity.
In fields like IT and marketing, this mindset shift has already happened. But when it comes to strategy or transformation, many still default to big consulting firms — often paying a premium for the same talent that platforms like expertpowerhouse or freelancermap can provide more flexibly and cost-effectively.
The Hidden Value of Freelancers in Implementation
David pointed out a common pattern: companies hire a large consulting firm to create a strategy — and then fail to execute it effectively because their internal teams are already at 100% capacity and overloaded.
This is where freelancers shine.
Independent consultants and experts can step in to execute transformation programs, manage PMOs, or bring specialised insights without adding permanent headcount. “It’s not about replacing consulting firms,” David emphasised. “It’s about complementing them — bridging the gap between strategy and execution.”
Removing Barriers, One Process at a Time
From contracts and payments to vendor setup and compliance, expertpowerhouse handles all the logistics so both sides can focus on results.
The platform ensures smooth onboarding, verified contracts, and timely payments — removing friction for clients and freelancers alike. And if a collaboration doesn’t work out? The process allows for quick adjustments, another advantage over traditional hiring.
If something doesn’t fit, we can replace a freelancer within hours. It’s not firing someone — it’s finding the right match. Everyone moves forward.
Advice for Companies: “Just Try It”
When asked what advice he’d give to companies hiring freelancers for the first time, David’s answer was simple but powerful:
Just test it. There’s no risk involved. You can always say no at the end — but once you experience the benefits, you won’t go back.
His optimism about the freelance economy is grounded in reality. As independent work grows more mainstream, he believes the role of platforms like expertpowerhouse will only expand, enabling both companies and experts to thrive.
Key Takeaways for Leaders and Freelancers
For companies:
- Speed and flexibility are the new competitive advantage.
- Working with freelancers is low-risk and high-impact when done right.
- The best results come from clear scopes, open communication, and trust.
For freelancers:
- Credibility and communication build lasting relationships.
- Treat every project as a partnership, not a gig.
- Platforms can amplify your opportunities — but your reputation sustains them.
The conversation with David was a masterclass in how the independent consulting world operates — a blend of precision, trust, and speed.
If the mindset is there, we’re ready to help. The future of work isn’t about owning talent — it’s about accessing it.
