Get a Second Opinion
I work two ways, both fixed fee with a defined end: the Second Opinion on one consequential technology decision at $5,000, and the Production Security Assessment at $16,000. This is not a strategy call. It is how you find out whether either one fits the decision in front of you, or whether it does not.
Send a short note: what you are about to spend, what it is for, who recommended it, and when it has to be signed. I read every one of these myself. If I am not the right person, or you do not need anyone, I will say so.
Bring the decision
The proposals, the contract, the initiative, the project that is late. As it is, not tidied up. Everything you send me stays with me; I have no vendor to pass it to.
Get a straight answer
Whether a review makes sense at the size of this decision, and what I would look at first if it does.
Keep your leverage
Nothing I tell you is designed to lead to a build, a platform, or a retainer. I sell none of them, and the review stands on its own whether or not you ever hire me again.
Leave with a next step
A yes with a start date, a no with a reason, or a “do this instead” that costs you nothing.
I sell two things and neither of them is your implementation. If the answer is that you do not need me yet, that is a normal outcome of this and I will say so.
Use the button in the header and send a short note about the decision, what is at stake, and who is pushing for it.