Why domain expertise is overrated—and what your software really needs

Tired of the same old playbook? Here’s a thought: Maybe industry experience isn’t the solution—it’s the problem.

It’s tempting to think that innovation requires someone with “insider knowledge.” But here’s the thing: When everyone follows the same playbook, the ideas start to feel stale. That’s why the real breakthroughs come from fresh skills and new perspectives—not the usual expertise.

We’ve seen it firsthand. We’ve cut costs by 25% for an online education platform and boosted sales by 3x for a used car marketplace—with fresh skills, not insider knowledge. It’s not about knowing the industry—it’s about mastering the skills that solve the problem.

And the proof isn’t limited to just us. Some of the biggest breakthroughs come from looking beyond an industry’s borders. QR codes, for example, started in grocery stores but now save lives in hospitals. Virtual reality was built for gamers, yet today it helps surgeons practice life-saving procedures. Fresh thinking turns "not my industry" into "next big thing."

So, what’s really holding you back? It’s not a lack of expertise—it’s a lack of new expertise. Your team already knows the ins and outs of your domain. What you need is someone with fresh skills and a new lens to spot what others might miss—and help you rethink the rules.

From fintech to retail, healthcare to automotive, and scrappy startups to Fortune 100s—we’ve helped teams tackle their toughest challenges and unlock real impact. By tapping into ideas from different industries, you’ll break new ground, avoid familiar traps, and achieve the kind of results that set your company apart.

Like PB&J: Blending your expertise with fresh skills

Your team knows the industry. We bring the specialized skills and new perspectives that drive real change. Together, we push boundaries and create solutions that aren’t just “good enough”—they’re tailor-made to meet your exact needs.

Here’s how that powerful combination has made all the difference:

‍25% cost savings and $100k in future gains
An online education platform tapped into our AWS and DevOps know-how to cut costs by 25% and build a data pipeline projected to save $100,000 annually. The consultant leading the project had zero background in online education—but deep expertise in cloud and automation was what made all the difference.

‍Critical API integration: 7 weeks early, bug-free
A legal tech company needed a crucial API integration—and fast. We delivered it seven weeks ahead of schedule with automated tests and no bugs. None of the consultants on the project had legal tech experience, but they had what mattered: expertise in APIs and product management that exceeded expectations.

3x sales growth in 9 months
When a digital used car platform needed help scaling, we built a strong product organization from the ground up. The result? A 3x increase in sales in just nine months. Our product consultant didn’t need deep automotive knowledge—his history of launching successful products was exactly what the platform needed to grow.

4 unexpected benefits of diverse experience

When you bring in consultants with cross-industry experience, you open doors to ideas that industry insiders can miss.

Fresh perspectives unlock new ways of thinking, spotting opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise surface. That’s where innovation truly takes off.

Here’s how diverse expertise drives stronger results than relying solely on domain knowledge:

‍Break free from bias: Industry veterans can fall into the trap of long-held assumptions that stifle creativity. Consultants with diverse backgrounds challenge the status quo, helping you see beyond familiar patterns to uncover more effective strategies.

‍Agility in action: In today’s fast-paced environment, adaptability is key. Consultants with experience across industries are better equipped to pivot and respond to shifting trends, handling unexpected challenges with ease.

‍Rapid ramp-up: A fresh perspective doesn’t mean a steep learning curve. Experienced consultants master new industries fast, adding value from day one—without getting bogged down by entrenched thinking.

‍Broader insights, bigger wins: Consultants with multi-sector experience bring a wider lens to your business, helping you identify market trends and opportunities you might not see. That’s the kind of insight that gives you a serious competitive edge.

‍Need a fresh perspective? 

While industry-specific experience might seem like the gold standard, the real advantage often lies in a consultant’s ability to bring new ideas and perspectives to the table. 

Ultimately, it's not the depth of industry knowledge that counts, but the ability to apply specialized skills effectively to drive innovation and solve your unique challenges.

Ready to see if fresh insights can transform your project? Let’s chat.