I’ve largely steered clear of engaging in the “AI is going to kill consulting” narrative.

I think most of it is fear-baiting vs. a productive conversation about how we can continue to add value at the client-level.

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That said, I do my best to keep abreast of the developments, and caught two interesting podcast episodes this week that you might find helpful as you decide how optimistic or fatalistic to be in this moment.

Or perhaps more productively, how you can best position your solo expertise-based business given the changing context:

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Your Undivided Attention

Guests: Economists Molly Kinder and Ethan Mollick

​Topic: AI & The Future of Work​

My summary: There’s little evidence so far of broad labor disruption by AI, but the tools are getting to a place where some pockets might be.

The question is will AI augment or automate your work. Both these experts believe it’s the former, and that human labor still provides an exceptional value add.

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Unbillable Hours

Hosts: Ash & Flo, two professional services marketing experts

​Topic: Consultancy positioning in the AI era​

My summary: AI introduces a significant structural challenge to large, generalist consulting firms selling intellectual horsepower and ‘butts in seats’.

But for smaller, specialized boutique consultancies, where the model has always centered around deep subject matter expertise, AI is simply a tool that can help scale your delivery.

Even so, solos and boutiques will have to address the perception that AI can replace an expert consultant.

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Happy listening 🎧

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💡

-Wes