Of all the occupations within the realm of business, consultants often receive a negative reputation. They enter a situation, assess the circumstances, and provide their recommendations. Regardless of whether their guidance leads to progress, consultants still receive compensation. Some demand high fees per day, while others opt for equity as part of the deal. The quality of consultants varies, with some excelling while others require improvement.
The advent of artificial intelligence tools in the business landscape, both in 2023 and beyond, has sparked discussions about the potential replacement of certain roles. While coaches may remain relatively secure, professions like lawyers might face the risk of being supplanted. Every job function—from administrative assistants to call center personnel—necessitates a reevaluation. In a series of evaluations conducted by entrepreneurs, AI experts, and consultants, the role of consultants themselves is under scrutiny. Here’s an overview of the predictions from various professionals regarding the fate of these consultants who charge by the day.
The Debate on the Possibility of Artificial Intelligence Substituting Consultants
Affirmative: AI Will Supplant Consultants
According to Michael Greenberg from Modern Industrialists, “Most consultants aren’t exceptionally intelligent; they simply outperform the average individual.” However, he argues that machines, on average, possess greater intelligence than humans. Greenberg contends that consultants typically engage in non-creative tasks centered around systematic analysis, an area where machines typically outperform humans. While Greenberg believes that consultants involved in design or user experience may endure, he predicts that those with a conventional accounting background transitioning into business advising may not.
Isabella Bedoya, the founder of MarketingPros.ai, has already replaced all her consultants with ChatGPT and witnessed accelerated growth. She emphasizes that while most individuals are unfamiliar with AI utilization, adept consultants should harness this technology to enhance their effectiveness for clients. Heather Murray, the director at Beesting Digital, attributes the potential replacement of consultants to the issue of quality. Murray highlights the prevalence of subpar consultants who rigidly adhere to predefined frameworks, a task easily executable by AI. She acknowledges that top-tier consultants will persist but stresses the importance of integrating AI to maintain competitiveness.
AI business consultant Damien Sebastian argues that a significant number of consultants may face job displacement in the short to medium term due to the accelerating pace of AI technology in automating routine tasks like report writing and analysis. However, he envisions high-performing consultants leveraging AI tools as co-pilots to enhance their productivity exponentially. Rob Da Costa suggests that AI-powered virtual assistants could manage routine consulting tasks, allowing human consultants to focus on strategic endeavors and personalized client interactions.
Tim Glowa, with experience in HR consulting, foresees AI gradually replacing tasks such as survey generation, data analysis, and communication within consultancy. However, he believes that areas like strategy development and auditing still require human cognition and experience. Glowa also sees AI as a tool that can level the playing field between large and small consultancy firms by enhancing efficiency and quality.
Negative: AI Will Not Replace Consultants
Heather Flanagan of Spherical Cow Consulting emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human experience and context-driven guidance that AI lacks. She views AI as a valuable asset for consultants to scale their engagements and lead generation efforts. Joffrey Berti, a rapid transformational coach and strategy consultant, underscores the indispensable role of human consultants in understanding nuanced business contexts and organizational dynamics, areas where AI currently falls short.
Chantal Swainston, the founder of The Heard, stresses the importance of situational experience, emphasizing that the best consultants draw upon their past experiences to provide invaluable advice. While acknowledging AI’s potential to assist in preliminary stages, Swainston believes that complete replacement of consultants by AI seems improbable. Isaac Mashman, the founder of Mashman Venture, doubts the widespread adoption of AI on a scale that would render human consultants obsolete, citing the unique human connection that consultants offer.
Jim Perry, a senior strategist, highlights the limitations of AI in addressing unpredictable emotional and cultural factors that influence successful strategy development. Fotis Chrysochos, a chief financial officer, believes that until AI can match human levels of compassion and empathy, clients will continue to seek human consultants for their services.
In conclusion, while the debate on the potential replacement of consultants by AI continues, some professionals advocate for a hybrid approach where AI complements human consultants rather than entirely supplanting them. The consensus remains that human consultants bring a level of empathy, creativity, and strategic insight that AI currently cannot replicate, emphasizing the enduring value of human expertise in the consulting landscape.
