[zxcvasd]

>you just need to know at least a little more than the companies you are consulting for.

sometimes (i'd argue often, actually), you don't even need that. simply having an outside/fresh perspective and the fact that you aren't part of any of the existing groups/silos is valuable.

[rcxdude]

Often the most useful thing is just listening to the right people in the company. I wouldn't be 100% surprised if someone in the company in the story had already had the idea for the third electrode, but it took the suggestion from the high-paid consultant to get it taken seriously.

[rdiddly]

Probably true, but to get the job in the first place you probably need some sort of showy, impressive credentials.