I remember conversations with my grandma in Detroit, listening to her describe the technological leaps that defined her lifetime. For her, the widespread adoption of the car transformed not just Detroit, but how people lived and connected. Then came the television, replacing radio as the centerpiece of family entertainment, altering household dynamics. Finally, the moon landing symbolized humanity’s boundless potential and ambition, proving the impossible was indeed possible.
She didn’t get to see the incredible acceleration of change we’re experiencing today with AI and GenAI. But I imagine if I’m fortunate enough to share similar conversations with my grandkids, AI will undoubtedly be a focus of mine.
This week at our Chicago HQ, my colleague Cam Cross and I found ourselves reminiscing about the launch of ChatGPT two-and-a-half years ago, talking as if it were ancient history. In the fast-paced world of GenAI, it practically is. The evolution from simple email-crafting assistants to today's sophisticated AI agents supporting entire data engineering teams is both astonishing and inspiring. I’m now seeing (and West Monroe is developing/using) AI-driven accelerators capable of building data warehouses in mere days, tasks that once required months.
The consulting industry is poised for dramatic change. Large, cumbersome teams could soon be replaced by small, agile pods of consultants paired with advanced AI agents. Offshore resources may be significantly reduced, replaced by always-on, contextually aware AI assistants. Consultants will seamlessly manage multiple clients simultaneously, leveraging AI to rapidly onboard and switch contexts without losing depth or focus. Eventually, and who knows if this is years or decades, the need for consulting could be filled by incredibly aware, personalized agents.
But amidst this seismic shift, what remains constant, and perhaps becomes even more critical, is our humanity. Trust, empathy, and authentic relationships cannot be automated. The genuine connections we build with our clients and colleagues are irreplaceable. AI may enhance our productivity and creativity, but the core of consulting and all business will always be deeply human.
To thrive in this evolving landscape, consultants and firms must:
Commit to continuous learning: Rapid mastery of emerging AI tools is essential, there should be internal functions to uplevel and inform teams of new tech, updates, and changes that come with them.
Prioritize uniquely human skills: Strategic thinking, empathy, and relationship-building become key differentiators.
Blend technology with human insight: Success hinges on effectively integrating cutting-edge technology with an understanding of human dynamics and unique needs/context of the client, industry, and business.
Despite the rapid pace of change and the challenges ahead, I remain optimistic. The current wave of innovation is democratizing access to powerful capabilities that drive creativity, productivity, and strategic thinking across industries. Staying ahead can feel overwhelming, but the possibilities for growth and meaningful impact are incredibly motivating.
I’m looking forward to someday sharing these stories of transformation with my grandkids. When I do, I'll echo my grandma’s sentiments: The technology was incredible, but it was the people who embraced it together that truly impacted me.
P.S.
My fellow DePauw Tigers at West Monroe got together for a group photo this week at our HQ. I'm always grateful for the role DePauw has played in shaping my career and the lasting connections it's created.
The picture in the header is from my visit to Japan, staying at the hot springs, it was unbelievably beautiful!
