“AI is not here to replace professionals, but it will certainly redefine what being a professional means.” - Fei-Fei Li, AI scientist and author of The Worlds I See
AI and consulting firms
Consulting firms worldwide are working hard to embed artificial intelligence into their services, driven by client demand and competitive pressure. AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini now handle a wide range of tasks ranging from data analysis to summarising documents. Firms deliver faster but also face client resistance over rates.
You used AI for this, right?
Big consultancies such as Deloitte, McKinsey and PwC have poured large sums into AI platforms to boost efficiency. They reports countless hours saved annually, traditional workflows getting reshaped. But their clients now question the proportion of work they would be paying for that was actually done by AI. It is straining the entire relationship at a fundamental level.
The client expectation shift
Companies paying large fees expect clarity on what they are buying. As executives become more familiar with generative AI, they question whether consultants simply package AI outputs as expert advice. Some firms now face pushback as clients compare invoices with the level of human involvement and request clearer breakdowns.
Competitive imperative
Consultancies need to balance delivering AI powered efficiency with maintaining trust. While AI enhances speed and expands service capability, overreliance can dilute perceived expertise. At the same time, refusing to use AI would leave firms uncompetitive in the clients' eyes.
The road ahead
The industry is moving toward hybrid models where human judgement and AI automation coexist. Consultants who specialise in framing, validating and translating AI derived insights will remain essential, but firms must adapt pricing and disclosure practices to keep pace with client expectations.
Summary
AI is transforming consulting by accelerating work and reshaping client expectations. Firms welcome the efficiency boost, but face pressure to be transparent about how much work is automated and how it affects fees and value.
Food for thought
If AI keeps improving, will clients still see premium consulting as worth the price?
AI concept to learn: AI impact on workflows
AI
is reshaping workflows by automating routine tasks, enhancing
decision-making, and enabling real-time insights. It streamlines
processes such as data entry, documentation, scheduling, analysis, and
customer support, allowing employees to focus on higher-value strategic
work. Collaboration becomes smoother with AI-assisted communication, content
generation, and project tracking. Overall, AI accelerates productivity, boosts efficiency, and
creates more agile, intelligent workflows that adapt continuously to
changing business needs.
[The Billion Hopes Research Team shares the latest AI updates for learning and awareness. Various sources are used. All copyrights acknowledged. This is not a professional, financial, personal or medical advice. Please consult domain experts before making decisions. Feedback welcome!]
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