How AI agents and copilots are rewriting the rules of consulting
AI agents and copilots are more than productivity tools—they are transforming the consulting model itself. From solutioning to delivery, talent development to client interaction, they're redefining the skills, structures, and strategies needed to succeed. As a practice leader at the intersection of business solutions, AI, and organizational change, I've seen firsthand how this shift is playing out and where it's going next.
HUMAN + MACHINE: A NEW MODEL FOR DELIVERY
AI agents are fundamentally reshaping how we think about delivering and consulting. The old model—staffing a team and executing tasks step by step—is evolving. Now, when we build teams, we don't just think about human talent. We think about the tools we'll use to help us make smarter decisions, automate repetitive processes, and surface insights in real time.
This kind of human-machine collaboration means we can spot risks earlier and optimize delivery more efficiently. We're also using automation for tasks like running test cases, which used to require significant manual effort. Now we're cutting down on that overhead, which means faster timelines, fewer errors, and, ultimately, better prices for our clients.
THE EVOLVING ROLE OF CONSULTANTS
One of the biggest shifts is in what entry-level consulting looks like. There's a lot of talk—and some fear—about copilots replacing people. This is understandable. But what I'm seeing isn't replacement, but transformation.
The nature of entry-level work is changing. Rather than doing the manual tasks that lead up to analysis, new consultants are stepping in at the 'what do we do next?' stage. Instead of generating the data, they're interpreting it. They need to be ready to assess project plans, spot risks, and make decisions based on the information AI provides.
That requires rethinking what early career experience should look like. Graduates and newcomers need strong analytical skills and a mindset for continuous learning. Education and certifications still matter, but they have to be paired with curiosity and critical thinking.
THE EXPECTATIONS GAP
Client expectations around AI are skyrocketing. They want faster results, lower prices, and fewer people involved, and they want it all immediately. But while expectations are high, the full value of AI will still take time to realize. This is where some education has to happen.
Some clients are very fluent in AI. Others are just starting to understand what's possible and what isn't. It's important for us to help them see the opportunity while also being honest about what AI can (and can't) do right now. The pace of change is stunning, but that doesn't mean we can instantly deliver everything AI promises. There has to be a learning curve on both sides.
DON'T WAIT FOR PERFECT
If there's one piece of advice I offer to clients and teams when it comes to AI, it's this: Don't wait. Don't wait for perfect tools. Don't wait for someone else to figure it all out first. The companies embracing AI now, speed bumps and all, are the ones that will lead their industries tomorrow.
Will the first AI tool you try be perfect? Probably not. But that's okay. We all need to iterate. Try, assess, adapt. The wins won't all come at once, but they'll come faster than if you sit on the sidelines.
We need to design consulting engagements with outcomes in mind, not just tasks. Because the tasks are being handled differently now, with value delivered through human-machine collaboration. Clients should expect that kind of delivery model, and they should align their objectives accordingly. Having subject matter experts embedded in this environment alongside fast-moving AI tools is where we'll see the most value in the short term.
THE FUTURE IS AGILE
Looking ahead, I'm incredibly optimistic when I think about the tools we don't even have yet: what they could unlock, how much faster we could deliver, and how much higher the quality could be. Maybe we'll even start breaking up large projects into smaller, more value-driven phases because the technology makes it possible.
But I'm also realistic. The pace of AI development means the skills required in consulting are going to keep changing. If you want to be in this business, you have to be willing to adapt—not just every year or every few years, but continuously, and faster than before.
Because here's the truth: AI isn't just rewriting the rules of consulting. It's writing a whole new playbook. And if we want to stay in the game, we've got to keep turning the pages right along with it.
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