Our Standards Framework

Topiq works because of the quality of our advisors and that doesn’t happen by chance.

In a world where there’s a lot of noise, you deserve to know you’re getting advice from people at the top of their game who’ve actually solved the problems you’re facing, not just talked about it or watched someone else solve them.

Each potential Topiq advisor is vetted to our Topiq Advisor Standards Framework, ensuring you know you can trust the advice you receive if from a place of lived experience, not theory.

Real world competence

Topiq advisors must demonstrate practical, verifiable experience in their domain.

Accepted proof includes:

  • Past roles (e.g., Head of Growth at X; CTO at Y; Fractional CFO for Z).
  • Demonstrated outcomes (e.g., “Took ACME from £2m → £8m ARR”).
  • Case studies with measurable results.
  • A portfolio or work samples (if applicable).
  • Client references.


Why this matters:
It removes “talking heads” and ensures every advisor on Topiq has actually done the thing.

Verified track record

Advisors must meet at least two of the following:

  • 3+ years operating in the specific discipline they want to advise on
  • A minimum of 2-3 measurable wins in that discipline
  • A previous leadership role (Manager, Head of, Director, VP, Founder)
  • Direct experience scaling, optimising, or exiting a business
  • Strong referrals from previous clients, employers, or founders


Why this matters:
It standardises quality across disciplines without being overly strict.

Communication & clarity

Being good isn’t enough. Advisors must be able to:

  • Give clear, actionable advice in minutes
  • Think fast
  • Communicate concisely
  • Avoid jargon, fluff, or rambling
  • Add real value on a first call


All Topiq advisors undergo a screening call as part of the vetting process, with all advisory calls recorded to ensure value.

Why this matters:
This is crucial as all Topiq advisors must focus on clarity, speed, and impact.

Professionalism & reliability

Advisors commit to:

  • Showing up on time
  • Delivering value fast
  • Respecting confidentiality
  • Not upselling, pitch-slapping, or being salesy
  • Maintaining their Topiq rating|

Why this matters:
Our framework ensures that the founder experience is protected and all calls deliver true value.

Ethical & non-promotional

Topiq is NOT:

  • A self-promo platform
  • A place for funnel-building
  • A lead-generation tool


So advisors must agree to:

  • No pitching products/services
  • No funnel trapping
  • No using Topiq as a marketing channel


Why this matters:
Topiq advisors are focused on delivering value through their engagement with you.

Domain Specificity

Every advisor must have one clear Topiq (specialism), e.g:

  • Paid Ads
  • SEO
  • Finance
  • Hiring
  • AI implementation
  • Leadership
  • B2B sales
  • Exit planning
  • Fundraising
  • Etc.


Why this matters:
It ensures founders know exactly who they’re booking – no generalists, no fluff.

Continuous Quality Guarantee

As part of our commitment to you, we monitor the quality of output from all advisors using our Topiq Rating based on:

  • Founder feedback
  • Call effectiveness
  • Repeat bookings
  • Clarity and speed of advice given

 

In order to remain to be recognised as a Topiq advisor, they must maintain:

  • 4.5+ average rating (minimum)
  • Low cancellation rate
  • Respectful conduct

Get the recognition you deserve

Apply to become a Topiq expert

All Topiq experts are vetted in line with our strict Standards Framework

Become an advisor

Proven Expertise. Zero Noise