Leadership is an ongoing journey, one that requires resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous growth. In a recent panel discussion, I had the opportunity to engage in a rich dialogue with other women leaders at Hult International Business School about the evolving role of women in leadership. Although we brought unique perspectives from different regions of the world, there were indeed some similarities. As we reflected on our experiences, several key themes emerged that resonate deeply with today’s challenges and opportunities.
1. Leadership is Not a Solo Journey
The belief of the lone leader is outdated. True leadership is cultivated through relationships, mentorship, and collaboration. Women who rise to leadership often do so because they have built strong support networks.
Mentorship and sponsorship are critical for career growth—receiving and providing guidance.
Collaboration, rather than competition, creates a stronger leadership pipeline for future generations.
Seeking and nurturing diverse perspectives leads to better decision-making and innovation.
2. The Importance of Owning Your Expertise
Too often, women downplay their expertise or wait to be recognized rather than stepping forward. Leadership requires competence and the confidence to articulate and demonstrate that competence. Sometimes, this is easier said than done. Take one step at a time:
Own your achievements—visibility matters in leadership.
Speak with authority and clarity in high-stakes conversations.
Impostor syndrome is common but can be countered by preparation, practice, and self-assurance.
3. Balancing Adaptability with Authenticity
Leaders must navigate change, but that doesn’t mean losing sight of their core values. Successful leadership requires adapting to new challenges while remaining true to one’s authentic self.
Flexibility is a leadership strength, not a weakness.
Authenticity builds trust and credibility with teams and stakeholders.
Being open to learning and evolving ensures longevity in leadership roles.
Each panelist shared specific examples that showed how they navigated change in a deliberate and authentic way.
4. Systemic Change Requires Collective Action
While personal growth is essential, true equity in leadership cannot be achieved without systemic change. Organizations must actively work to dismantle barriers and create environments where women can thrive, including:
Leadership development programs that prioritize diversity and inclusion.
Policies that support work-life integration and not just work-life balance.
Advocacy and allyship from all levels of an organization that drive lasting change.
What can we do?
Leaders at all organizational levels must commit to measurable actions, whether mentoring underrepresented talent, ensuring diverse voices are heard in decision-making, or holding organizations accountable for equitable policies. Change happens when advocacy turns into action.
“We should be looking at how we operate in an industry, and not as one dominated by one gender or another—but looking at where and how we approach the work that we do, in a way, that is meaningful and authentic, regardless of any of the differences among us.”
Imagine walking into a client meeting armed with robust insights you hadn’t seen before. This isn’t happenstance—it’s the power of using AI in your consulting practice.
As the business world rapidly evolves, consultants who harness AI’s potential position themselves at the forefront of providing value to their clients.
But how do you bridge the gap between AI’s promise and practical implementation?
This guide walks you through the process of integrating AI into your consulting practice to evolve how you deliver value to clients and stay ahead in a competitive landscape.
Assess Your AI Readiness for Consulting
Before diving into AI integration, assessing your consulting practice’s readiness is crucial.
Start by evaluating your current technology infrastructure and personal readiness. Do you have the necessary hardware and software to support AI tools? Are your data storage and processing capabilities sufficient? Are you and your team ready to learn and adopt new technology?
Next, identify the key areas where AI can make the most significant impact in your practice.
The EY whitepaper mentioned above suggests focusing on areas such as data analysis, client communication, project management, or predictive modeling. Prioritize these areas based on potential ROI and ease of implementation.
Practical Tip:
Conduct a SWOT analysis for you and your consulting organization focusing on AI integration. This will help you understand your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in AI adoption.
Selecting the Right AI Tools for Your Consulting Practice
With a clear understanding of your needs, it’s time to choose the right AI tools for your practice. Research AI platforms designed explicitly for consulting or that can be adapted to your needs. There are hundreds of popular generative and no-code AI tools alone, so start your research by asking the AI what tools are available for your consulting area. This can be done with a simple prompt in ChatGPT, such as “Which AI tools are designed explicitly for healthcare consultants?”
Look for solutions that offer:
Data analysis and visualization
Natural language processing for document review
Predictive modeling capabilities
Client interaction management
Consider the scalability of these tools. Can the AI solution grow with your practice? Also, evaluate how well these tools can integrate with systems you may currently use for research, client data analysis, visualization, or content creation.
Actionable Advice:
Start small with a pilot project. Choose one area of your practice to implement AI and test its effectiveness before scaling or repeating with other projects.
Key considerations when selecting AI tools for consulting:
Ease of use and learning curve
Cost and ROI potential
Data security and compliance features
Vendor support and update frequency
Customization options for consulting needs
Developing an AI Implementation Strategy in Consulting
After assessing your AI readiness and selecting the right tools, the next step is implementation.
Let’s explore a real-world example of how a consulting firm successfully integrated AI into a client’s business processes, demonstrating a phased approach that you can adapt to your practice.
A 2024 case study by Green Urbaczewski and Urbaczewski illustrates how RevOppAI, a consulting firm, helped a specialty construction firm (SCF) implement AI solutions to enhance its customer journey and marketing efforts.
Their three-phase approach offers valuable insights for consultants looking to integrate AI into their practices:
Phase 1: Customer Segment Assessment
RevOppAI conducted an in-depth analysis of SCF’s marketing channels and CRM data in this initial phase. They leveraged AI tools like DeepNote, which cut the time required for exploratory data analysis by 60%. This phase demonstrated how AI can quickly provide insights into:
Lead sources and volumes
Sales cycle duration
Customer segment distinctions
Key Takeaway: AI-powered data analysis can rapidly uncover insights that inform strategy shifts and resource allocation.
Phase 2: AI Use Case Identification
RevOppAI systematically identified AI use cases through:
Data assessment
Onsite customer journey development
Team interviews
They prioritized repetitive, rule-based, or time-consuming tasks and evaluated them based on potential ROI. This process led to the selection of 12 narrow use cases for a year-long implementation, with four chosen for the initial 90-day period.
Key Takeaway: Prioritize AI implementations that drive operational efficiency and productivity, build trust in automation, and demonstrate early ROI.
Phase 3: Implementation and Results
The consulting firm adopted an ecosystem approach, leveraging existing software tools and adding minimal costs. Within 60 days of deployment, measurable results included:
21% year-over-year increase in website visits
10% increase in traffic-to-lead conversion
Tenfold increase in social interactions
480% increase in email and text volume to the target segment, with higher deliverability
Key Takeaway: Start with AI solutions that integrate with existing systems to minimize disruption and maximize adoption.
Challenges and Insights
The case study also highlighted essential considerations for AI implementation:
Allocate adequate time for AI work groups (at least 90 minutes weekly).
Overcome skepticism by demonstrating early wins and measuring time savings.
Provide replicable training tools and process guides to facilitate ongoing adoption.
Establish clear ROI measures from the outset.
Prioritize simplicity over complexity where possible.
By following a structured, phased approach to AI implementation, consulting firms can effectively integrate AI into their practices, enhancing efficiency, productivity, and client value.
This real-world example demonstrates that with careful planning and execution, AI can significantly impact a consulting firm’s operations and client outcomes.
Leveraging AI to Enhance Client Value in Consulting
With AI integrated into your practice, focus on leveraging its capabilities to enhance the value you deliver to clients. Use AI for deeper insights and predictive analysis beyond traditional consulting methods.
Employ machine learning algorithms to analyze vast amounts of industry data, identifying trends and potential disruptions that might not be apparent through conventional analysis. This approach lets you provide clients with more accurate forecasts and strategic recommendations.
Implement AI-driven personalization in your client interactions. Use natural language processing to analyze client communications and tailor your approach based on their preferences and needs.
Key Takeaway
AI should augment, not replace, your consulting expertise. Use it to enhance your decision-making and provide more value to clients, but always combine it with your professional judgment, experience, and ethical standards.
Conclusion
Integrating AI into your consulting practice is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a present-day necessity. You can revolutionize your practice by assessing your readiness, choosing the right tools, developing a strategic implementation plan, and focusing on enhanced client value.
Remember, the goal is to use AI and improve your consulting services and client outcomes. As you embark on this AI journey, stay curious, adaptable, and focused on the unique value you bring to the market.
The future of consulting is here—are you ready to lead the way?
Resources
“The future of consulting in the age of Generative AI” – EY [link]
“The AI Advantage: How to Put the Artificial Intelligence Revolution to Work” by Thomas H. Davenport
“Competing in the Age of AI: Strategy and Leadership When Algorithms and Networks Run the World” by Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani
The advent of AI in management consulting heralds a new era that significantly enhances our decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic planning capabilities. However, as we harness these powerful tools, we have to also prioritize ethical considerations to ensure responsible implementation.
Let’s explore ten ways AI is revolutionizing our field while adhering to ethical standards:
1. Enhanced Decision-Making through Data Analysis
AI has transformed our analytical capabilities. It enables us to process vast datasets with unprecedented speed and accuracy. Tools like Jasper.ai exemplify how we can synergize human intuition with AI-driven insights and transend the limitations of human analysis and incomplete information.
2. Automation of Cognitive Tasks
By automating routine tasks such as customizing client proposals and refining project deliverables, AI liberates us to engage in higher-order thinking.
This shift facilitates our immersion in strategic ideation and innovative problem-solving and fosters an environment of intellectual rigor and creativity.
3. Efficiency in Problem-Solving
Generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, have revolutionized our problem-solving approach. These tools evaluate multiple scenarios and potential outcomes, allowing us to explore solutions more comprehensively and efficiently.
Leveraging AI models, we can navigate complex business challenges and develop agile strategies with greater precision.
4. Real-Time Insights for Competitive Agility
In today’s volatile market environment, cognitive adaptability is paramount. AI provides real-time insights and competitive intelligence, enabling swift, data-driven strategic adjustments.
By integrating AI with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, we can offer more informed guidance to clients in their operations, marketing initiatives, and product development endeavors.
5. Ethical Considerations in AI Implementation
As we increasingly rely on AI, it’s imperative to establish clear guidelines addressing ethical and transparency concerns. As Certified Management Consultants (CMC®), we must adhere to our Code of Ethics and maintain vigilant oversight of our AI utilization.
6. Personalized Client Experiences
AI empowers us to tailor our services to meet each client’s unique needs.
By leveraging AI for customer segmentation and strategy development, we can create more targeted and impactful solutions while preserving the human touch that distinguishes our work.
7. Augmenting Consulting Expertise
Rather than replacing our expertise, AI augments it.
By handling data-intensive tasks, AI allows us to focus on critical thinking, creativity, and industry knowledge. This symbiosis of human and artificial intelligence elevates the value we deliver to our clients.
8. Streamlining Research and Analysis
AI accelerates our research processes which enables us to identify information and trends with greater efficiency. This enhanced efficiency allows us to dedicate more time to interpreting results and formulating recommendations, thereby improving the quality of our consulting insights.
9. Enhancing Predictive Modeling
AI has significantly advanced the sophistication and accuracy of our predictive models.
However, the ethical use of these models is crucial. We must maintain transparency in our methodologies and remain cognizant of potential biases in the data and algorithms we employ.
10. Improving Client Communication and Reporting
AI assists in generating clear, data-driven reports and presentations. While this enhances communication, we must maintain transparency with our clients, ensuring they comprehend both the role and limitations of AI in our analyses.
In conclusion, AI is fundamentally transforming the core of management consulting, enhancing our decision-making processes, problem-solving capabilities, and ability to gain real-time insights. To fully capitalize on these advantages, we must diligently manage the ethical implications and recognize AI as an integral component of modern consulting practices.
The ethical and responsible utilization of AI tools can lead to significant improvements in our work, enabling us to deliver enhanced value to clients and drive positive change in the business landscape.
I encourage you to delve deeper into the full ICMCI white paper for a comprehensive exploration of the ethical use of AI in management consulting.
An Interview with Pamela Campagna | President, BLUE SAGE Consulting, Inc.
What do you most like about your job?
Because I work with many companies and organizations, I’m able to carry what I learn from one situation to another. The variety and the constant challenge of solving client problems are really intriguing. As a Certified Management Consultant (CMC®), I am bound by the requirements of a global organization to deliver quality results in an ethical manner.
Why does your work stand out from others that do what you do?
My clients can speak to that: “I had the pleasure of working with Pam at a few firms, one where I hired her as a consultant to help launch new marketing and sales initiatives under an extraordinarily tight timeline. Pam is a strategic thinker who cuts through the noise and identifies the high impact issues and opportunities. She maps out clear plans and then tirelessly executes. Pam just jumps in and does what it takes to achieve the desired targets and immediately earns the respect of the teams she works with. I would highly recommend Pam! “
What questions are you commonly asked, and how do you answer?
Many clients aren’t sure how to work with a consultant. One common question is: “I’m not sure where to get started.” Once the client begins to describe the issue in their business (and with my prodding and probing and discussion), I can get a general sense of where we need to start and how I can help them. Sometimes we “don’t know what we don’t know”. That’s where I come in!
If I were a client, what should I know about your business?
There’s no magic in consulting. Just like many other professions, there are methodologies and processes and best practices that can be followed. Being able to solve problems, think strategically and act with urgency to improve the client’s situation should be the most important role that a consultant can play. Consultants who are committed to the business of consulting and have a lot of successes under their belt can save companies a lot of time and money.
What is the most memorable client engagement that you’ve had?
Several years ago, I was contacted by a company that was looking for help to reorganize their sales organization. Once I started to ask what product they sold (and to whom), what the plans were for products and services in the future (they weren’t sure), how profitable each product was (less sure) and what the business strategy was for the company….we realized that what was missing was a strategy for the company and specific plans to implement it. The sales force wasn’t broken. The company’s strategy was. We started what turned out to be a 4-year engagement, by working on their strategy, then on their product line offerings and go-to-market plan. The engagement was especially worthwhile for the client as it moved their business into a direction much quicker than they had imagined.
Are most of your engagements that long and complex?
By its very nature, the work that I do involves many elements of the client’s business. Whether it’s creating a marketing strategy or developing a program for customer retention, the consulting work tends to be more complex. However, there have been many instances where the project was straightforward and the goals were clear so the work that we did was mostly to execute the project.
What are the most common types of work that you do for your clients?
Our clients in B2B, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and non-profit organizations look to us for:
short-term help on a business issue
long-term advice on operational improvements
growth strategies for a lagging product line
skills development for teams and individuals
guidance on how to develop marketing initiatives
leadership for change and transformation initiatives
operating model and process improvement development
special, unstaffed projects
The projects and engagements span a wide range: we’ve gone to Capitol Hill with a client to support their lobbying efforts as part of their business development strategy. We’ve developed distribution plans and processes with Amazon for another client. We’ve worked with a large pharma to understand the impact of their investment in medical education. Dozens of engagements have included product launches, services implementation, press and analyst relationship development and staff development. And every single engagement is unique.
How do you stay up to date on tools and happenings in your industry?
In addition to my consulting practice, I am an Adjunct Professor at Boston College and a Professor of Practice at Hult International Business School where I teach Leadership, Strategy, and Marketing. The combination of in-the-field experience with my clients, and teaching and collaborating with students and faculty in higher education are a great source of information and inspiration. In addition, we invest our resources in continuing education and ongoing personal development.
Can you name a few trends that you think will have an impact on the consulting industry?
The landscape of the workplace is changing. The concept of a “job for life” doesn’t really exist anymore. The distinction between a contractor (someone who is between jobs or who is a person-for-hire) and a consultant (someone who follows a specific competency framework and builds a business) is confusing to companies that are looking to hire a competent supplement in their organization. Often, the alternative of a large agency or a big consulting firm is too cumbersome for companies that want to get a job done quickly without a lot of overhead.
The trend of “talented resources on demand” will continue and offers an opportunity for consultants like me and the BLUE SAGE team to provide value to clients who are looking for proven results from a team of experts who have years of experience in a number of businesses and challenging situations.
Does this mean that you work alone?
Actually, it really depends on the needs of the client and the requirement of the engagement. In some cases, I work alone on a particular project or as a retainer-based outsourced consultant. Other times, the project may require subject matter expertise or additional bandwidth to be completed. In that situation, I call on BLUE SAGE Associates with whom I’ve worked over the years. They work for the client as part of my team. In addition, I often work with internal teams in the client organization to get the job done.
What are some of the pitfalls of the business?
I’ve spent thousands of hours on 100s of projects helping my clients to navigate through change, build their strategy and run their businesses. I can typically get a sense of how the working relationship with the client will be, based on how discussions go as we figure out how to work together. I can also get a sense of how challenging an engagement will be based on early interactions with potential clients.
Sometimes, the early interactions are an indication that the working relationship is not a good fit. Take, for example, the company in New York that was looking for help to get their marketing activities and infrastructure in shape as they were preparing to seek another round of funding from an investor. I was introduced to the company through one of the key stakeholders and had several conversations and meetings with their leadership. After that first meeting, it became very clear that the President of the company didn’t understand how a “solid” company might run – as they themselves had very little business experience. That’s not unusual, and it allows a consultant to be a “teacher” as well as a consultant. It also became clear during that first meeting that the President was more comfortable doing the work that he had always done instead of taking on more of a leadership role. He spent his days writing copy for the website and code for the product instead of building a team to take that product to market and sell it.
I’m a firm believer in studying best practices and learning by them. I believe in having a sense of urgency and driving toward a goal in an organized fashion. In this case, indecision and “business as usual” were the way that this company runs, and they were not prepared to take action to change. So for them, the timing wasn’t right and it was clear to me that the client was not a good fit for BLUE SAGE as I could not serve them well. In this case, I respectfully pulled out of discussions and I continue to stay in touch with the stakeholder if I can help them in the future.
What is the best way to determine if working with a consultant is the right thing for a business leader?
I rarely come across a leader who thinks that they “need a consultant” in their business. Typically, there is a business need – a pain, a challenge, an opportunity – that needs some attention. Sometimes an objective perspective from an outside third party is what’s required. In any of these scenarios, a qualified consultant should be able to get a sense of the business need and outline areas that might be explored. There are different methodologies that we use depending on the nature of the business problem and the level of complexity. In some cases, it may be as simple as defining a plan and then moving to implement and manage the plan. Either way, the best way to understand whether or not a consultant is a good solution for a business leader is to start a conversation.
Perhaps, like many people around the world, you made New Year Resolutions as last year rolled into this one. Items such as eating healthier, getting organized and losing weight typically top the list of resolutions people commit to in the waning hours of New Year’s Eve. Many business leaders take advantage of the fresh start of a new year as well, vowing that this will be the year they conquer social media, expand their marketing efforts, improve their leadership skills or finally add some expertise to their bench.
January 1st dawns bright with promise and bursting with potential. The unfortunate reality, however, is that January 31st often shows no sign of the changes avowed just a few weeks earlier. A stunning 92% of people who make resolutions abandon them completely, afraid/unwilling/unsure of how to make the changes necessary to be successful.
How can you reach your goal?
Want to ensure that you’re in the 8% of people who make (and keep) their resolutions? A careful look at the habits of people who keep their resolutions provides insight into how to make sure you’re one of the few who maintain their resolve through the year.
Statistically, simply by making a resolution, you’re more likely to be successful at attaining success than those who don’t bother to make any commitment to change. (Seems rather obvious, doesn’t it?) It’s an important distinction, though. To be successful at improving or progressing, you must first determine where to make a change, and what the change needs to be. Put your resolution in writing as both a reminder and a commitment to yourself.
Another important component in reaching any goal is seeking professional help. In addition to acting as an accountability partner, a professional adviser can provide you with expertise and insight that can help you to determine what changes can and should be made to propel you to success. In your personal life, it could mean hiring a personal trainer, signing up for a class or learning a new language from a native speaker. For the business professional, partnering with a consultant may be exactly what you and your company need to reach new levels of success this year. A skilled expert can move you in the right direction.
What kind of consultant should you hire?
Do a quick internet search for ‘business consultants’ and you’ll get thousands of results. How do you know what type of consultant you need and which one would be the best to help you accomplish your goals? Finding the right consultant is imperative for your success. Look for a consultant who can offer assistance in multiple areas of business management, with proven success and verifiable client testimonials. Consultants with strong accreditations and experience in the business world will be able to readily identify areas that need improvement and offer you both support and advice.
What sets BLUE SAGE Consulting apart?
BLUE SAGE has been in the consulting field for decades, with accreditations and accolades and experience from some of the biggest names in the business world. (Find out more about us here.)
Prior to joining BLUE SAGE, our team of experts worked in a variety of fields, handling real-world business challenges and opportunities faced by market-leading public and private enterprises. From assessment, strategizing and execution, BLUE SAGE Consulting stays with our clients every step of the way. Regardless of the size of the organization, BLUE SAGE offers hands-on, focused attention to help our clients figure out exactly what they need to succeed. Most important, we not only get our clients to that point, but we also roll up our sleeves to work alongside our clients to make it happen.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be taking a look at some of the issues that you may be facing in your organization this year and exploring how BLUE SAGE Consulting can help your business thrive in the coming months.
Don’t let your resolutions fall by the wayside. Let BLUE SAGE Consulting help you develop a strategy for success and move from “I should…” to “I did.”
Contact us today to find out how we can make this year the one when you get things done.
Even though your business is considered successful, you still feel like there’s more that can happen; you’re just not sure how or what. You’ve thought about hiring a business consultant but don’t really think that it’s worth the expense because you’re not sure how they can help you.
Being so close to your business, it’s hard to see how an outsider could really understand what’s needed and how to do it without being a part of the business. The ability to see your business objectively and provide you with active, viable solutions is part of the process of working with a business consulting professional.
Working with a management consultant means you’re ready to do what’s necessary to help your business thrive. The first step is finding the right fit.
Learn New Skills
Chances are your business marketing strategy may not be bringing the best results. Business consultants will put your strategy under the microscope and work with stakeholders in your business to implement techniques that optimize opportunities, and bring qualified leads through the door. Skills like project management, resource utilization and problem identification can make a big difference in your business. The more you learn about how to implement these skills in your business, the better prepared you’ll be to implement the necessary steps to succeed.
Create Business Systems
Creating a business system forces you to address the specific steps you need to take to succeed. When you’re that focused, you’re forced to think things through and make better decisions. Being a business manager means that you’re wearing a lot of hats and probably judging competing priorities. A business management consultant can provide the experience, objectivity and focus that will help you improve your business and make it more adaptable.
Change Behaviors
We know the old adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, but when you change behavior, you can often change consequences. Most business managers are focused on things that prompt behavior, such as managing expectations or adhering to company norms, instead of things that can have a significant impact on future behavior, like trying new ideas or embracing culture change. Working with a business management consultant helps to create an environment where positive consequences can be encouraged, and new ideas can be tested.
Discover New Opportunities
Business consultants spend their time working with a variety of organizations, which helps to build extensive networks, strategic partnerships and joint ventures. Whether you’re building a new business or entity, growing a line of business, or maintaining a steady stream of business, a business management consultant can work with you to identify ways to expand your business in ways that minimize costs and maximize exposure.
