The consulting industry is entering one of its most transformative periods, driven by the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI). From rethinking traditional models to embracing AI-native execution, consultants are now faced with a stark choice: adapt to new demands or risk irrelevance.
In a recent discussion with AI and consulting expert Talal Ikhwan, key themes emerged about how consultants can stay relevant in an AI-driven world. The conversation delved into shifting client expectations, the tangible value AI can deliver, and how consulting roles and skill sets are being redefined. This article explores these insights and provides practical guidance for consultants, coaches, and subject-matter experts who want to scale their expertise in the AI era without compromising quality.
The Future of Consulting in an AI-Driven World
Moving Beyond Storytelling
Traditionally, consulting revolved around explaining complex problems, providing structured recommendations, and presenting polished slide decks. However, as Talal points out, AI has changed the game by exposing inefficiencies in this model. Tools like ChatGPT now make it easy to generate reports, insights, and recommendations with a few well-crafted prompts, reducing the reliance on consultants for purely analytical tasks.
According to Talal, the new expectation is "consulting with execution" – not just advising clients but actively implementing solutions and demonstrating measurable results. Consultants who continue to operate as strategists without execution capabilities may find themselves left behind.
The Rise of AI-Native Consultants
For Talal, the consultants who will thrive are those he calls "AI-native" professionals – individuals who have experience building, breaking, and refining AI systems. These consultants don’t just talk about technology; they deeply understand how to operationalize it.
"Clients now demand consultants who have skin in the game", Talal emphasizes. Execution, agility, and hands-on problem-solving are becoming essential traits for success in this new era.
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Delivering Tangible Value: What Clients Expect in Six Months
AI adoption has often faced skepticism due to limited ROI on large-scale projects. However, Talal believes that six months is a sufficient timeframe to deliver meaningful results if approached correctly. Here’s what clients should expect from AI consulting projects within that period:
- Custom Operating Systems: Solutions tailored to the client’s environment, capable of understanding their unique constraints and workflows.
- Reliable and Trustworthy AI Systems: Tools that reduce decision-making time, minimize errors, and avoid AI "hallucinations."
- User-Centric Design: Systems that employees want to use because they add value to their daily tasks, rather than being forced to adopt them.
- Agility and Iterative Development: A shift from over-planning to quickly deploying minimum viable products (MVPs) and continuously improving them based on user feedback.
Talal shares an example: Instead of spending months cleaning data before deploying an AI tool, his team plugged the AI system into existing data early in the process. This approach allowed them to identify which data needed refinement, saving time and resources while accelerating the path to results.
Embracing Multi-Agent Orchestration: The Next Frontier
Looking ahead, Talal identifies multi-agent orchestration as one of the most exciting frontiers for AI in consulting. This involves creating teams of AI agents that collaborate and adapt in real-time, effectively transforming how businesses operate.
Real Outcomes of Multi-Agent Systems
When implemented effectively, these systems can:
- Streamline Operations: Reduce decision-making cycles by automating routine tasks across departments.
- Enhance Collaboration: Enable AI agents to share insights and coordinate actions, mimicking human teamwork with greater speed and accuracy.
- Rethink Organizational Structures: Encourage companies to question traditional hierarchies and processes, leading to more efficient models.
However, Talal cautions that building these systems requires robust governance frameworks. Issues like agent accountability, oversight, and data quality must be carefully managed to ensure reliability and compliance.
The Changing Consulting Skill Set: Adapt or Perish
One of the most profound takeaways from Talal’s discussion is how AI is reshaping what it means to be a consultant. The future demands a blend of three critical capabilities:
- Critical Thinking and Human Judgment: The ability to interpret complex contexts and make strategic decisions.
- Hands-On Technical Skills: Experience with building and deploying AI solutions, even at a foundational level.
- Trust and Compliance Expertise: A deep understanding of risk management, governance, and ethical considerations for AI.
Talal observes a significant shift in hiring practices as companies prioritize candidates who can demonstrate both strategic and technical expertise. For example, future consultants may need to build AI prototypes or solve technical problems as part of their job interviews – skills that were previously optional for many roles.
How to Prepare for an AI-Enabled Consulting Career
For those just starting their careers or looking to pivot into AI-enabled roles, Talal offers actionable advice:
- Gain Technical Proficiency: Take online or offline courses to develop hands-on experience with AI tools and systems. Familiarity with data pipelines, model configuration, and basic coding will set you apart.
- Get Out of Your Comfort Zone: Volunteer for innovation projects or AI-focused initiatives within your organization. Embracing the unknown is critical to staying relevant.
- Adopt an Execution Mindset: Focus on delivering tangible results and learning by doing. Experimentation and iteration are key to mastering this fast-evolving field.
- Stay Ahead of the Curve: As technology evolves rapidly, the digital skills gap is widening. Staying informed and continually upskilling is no longer optional – it’s essential.
Key Takeaways
- Execution is the Future: Clients no longer value pure strategy; they want consultants who can implement AI solutions and deliver measurable outcomes.
- AI-Native Skills Are Critical: The most successful consultants will deeply understand AI systems and be able to build, test, and refine them.
- Agility is Non-Negotiable: Adopt an iterative, MVP-first approach to quickly deliver value without over-planning.
- Multi-Agent Orchestration is Transformative: AI systems that collaborate across departments can revolutionize business processes and organizational structures.
- Adapt to Changing Skill Demands: Consultants must blend critical thinking, technical execution, and governance expertise to remain competitive.
- Upskill Continuously: Whether through formal training or hands-on experimentation, staying current with AI trends is crucial for career sustainability.
- Data Governance Is Making a Comeback: High-quality, well-integrated data is the backbone of scalable AI systems.
Conclusion
The consulting industry is at a crossroads. As AI reshapes what clients expect from their advisors, consultants must evolve or risk obsolescence. The key lies in embracing execution, mastering AI technologies, and navigating the complex landscape of governance and compliance.
For consultants, coaches, and educators looking to scale their expertise, the time to act is now. By adopting an AI-native mindset and focusing on tangible results, you can not only stay relevant but also become a driving force in the next chapter of consulting.
Source: "Let’s Talk Evolution #17 – The Future of Consulting in an AI World" – Evolution Recruitment Solutions, YouTube, Jan 7, 2026 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8NIPGUFyNY
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