Alt-Consulting Conversations

This episode explores AI adoption, AI transformation, and why AI is not delivering results in many organizations. A key insight: AI adoption is not a technology problem, it is a behavior and culture problem.Using lessons from Ritz-Carlton’s service excellence, this conversation breaks down how organizations can drive behavioral change for AI, build a strong execution culture, and move from AI pilots to real results.The conversation dives into what it actually takes to drive organizational change for AI. It explores the role of leadership in shaping behavior, how culture is operationalized through hiring and corrective mechanisms, and why most AI initiatives fail without a shift in how people work.Through the Ritz-Carlton example, the discussion highlights how service culture is designed, implemented, and sustained at scale, and what AI-driven organizations can learn from it. It also examines how companies can start the journey of AI transformation, drive customer-centric change, and sustain innovation over time.If you are working on enterprise AI adoption, scaling AI beyond pilots, or trying to make AI deliver measurable business results, this episode offers a practical lens on what actually works.TakeawaysAI adoption is a behavior change problem, not a technology problemLeadership plays a critical role in driving organizational change for AICulture systems determine whether AI transformation delivers resultsService excellence principles can accelerate AI adoption at scaleChapters00:00 AI Adoption and the Challenge of Behavior Change05:58 Service Culture and AI Transformation: Ritz-Carlton Example10:59 Starting Organizational Change for AI19:52 Sustaining AI Transformation and Innovation24:52 Behavioral Change for AI Adoption30:58 Scaling AI Adoption Across Organizations

The conversation delves into the fundamental shift in consulting due to the impact of AI, leading to the emergence of Alt Consulting and the need to rethink work with AI. It explores the challenges and opportunities presented by this shift, providing insights into the future of consulting and work itself.TakeawaysBehavior change is the key challenge in adopting artificial intelligenceThe shift in consulting is a preview of how work itself is going to change

This episode explores AI adoption, AI transformation, and the rise of the Fractional Chief AI Officer as organizations struggle to turn AI investments into real results. As many companies face the challenge of AI not delivering results, the need for leadership that can bridge strategy, execution, and organizational change has never been greater.The conversation breaks down when and why companies need a Chief AI Officer, and how the role is evolving from a niche leadership position to a critical driver of enterprise AI adoption. It examines the emergence of the Fractional Chief AI Officer model, especially for organizations that need senior AI leadership without committing to a full-time role.The discussion also explores the role of CIOs in AI adoption, how responsibilities are shifting across leadership teams, and what it takes to drive AI transformation at scale. A structured, three-phased approach is outlined, along with a real-world case study, showing how organizations can move from fragmented AI initiatives to a more integrated and outcome-driven model.The episode further examines whether the Chief AI Officer is a transitionary role or a long-term capability, and what CEOs need to consider when building leadership for AI. If you are leading AI strategy, working in AI consulting, or trying to scale AI beyond pilots, this conversation provides a practical view of how leadership drives results.Chapters00:00 AI Adoption and the Rise of the Chief AI Officer07:38 When Do You Need a Chief AI Officer?16:10 AI Transformation Framework: A Three-Phased Approach24:55 Fractional vs Full-Time Chief AI Officer

This episode explores AI adoption, AI transformation, and how they are reshaping the consulting future. As AI continues to evolve, it is not just changing tools and workflows, but fundamentally redefining how consulting delivers value and how organizations drive results.The conversation examines how technological disruption and global economic shifts are accelerating the need for enterprise AI adoption, and why traditional consulting models are struggling to keep up. A key theme is the integration of AI at the source, where AI is embedded directly into how work is done, rather than layered on top of existing processes.It explores how this shift is redefining AI consulting, changing the role of advisors from delivering recommendations to enabling execution and outcomes. The discussion also highlights why many organizations are investing in AI but still facing the challenge of AI not delivering results, and what this means for the future of advisory work.The episode further dives into the challenges faced by traditional consulting firms, the emergence of new consulting models, and the biggest hurdles for up-and-coming firms trying to operate in an AI-driven world. If you are involved in AI transformation, rethinking your consulting strategy, or exploring how AI adoption is changing the role of consulting, this conversation provides a clear, forward-looking perspective.TakeawaysAI adoption is reshaping the consulting future and redefining how value is deliveredEmbedding AI at the source is critical for AI transformation at scaleTraditional consulting models are challenged by the shift toward AI-driven executionThe gap between AI investment and outcomes highlights why AI is not delivering results in many organizations

This episode explores AI adoption, AI transformation, and how organizations can move from strategy to execution in a world where AI is not delivering results for many companies.In conversation with Siddharth Bohra, Founder of Trmeric, the discussion dives into how enterprises are rethinking AI consulting, AI strategy, and the role of technology leadership in driving real outcomes. A central theme is the gap between strategy and execution, and how most organizations struggle to translate ideas from presentations into tangible business impact.Siddharth introduces the concept of an AI-native operating system for enterprise transformation, designed to bridge this gap. The conversation explores how embedding AI directly into workflows, decision-making, and execution processes can accelerate enterprise AI adoption and eliminate inefficiencies that slow down transformation.The episode also examines the rise of “strategy as a product” and how AI is reshaping the consulting future, moving from slide-based recommendations to system-driven execution. It highlights how AI consulting models are evolving, and why the bar for value creation in consulting is rising rapidly.A key focus is on the real blockers to AI adoption. From organizational readiness to ownership challenges, the discussion unpacks why AI adoption challenges persist and what it takes to overcome them. It also explores how leaders can drive organizational change for AI and behavioral change for AI, ensuring that technology investments translate into productivity improvement and revenue growth.The conversation further covers:How AI can reduce wasted time and improve decision-making qualityWhy embedding AI into workflows is more powerful than layering it on topThe evolving role of CIOs and technology leaders in AI transformationHow teams can use AI to operate with greater purpose and business alignmentFor builders, the episode offers practical insights on creating AI-native products, including the importance of solving real customer problems, applying systems thinking, and building integrated solutions rather than standalone AI features.If you are working on AI adoption, leading AI transformation, building AI products, or rethinking the role of consulting in an AI-driven world, this episode provides a clear, practitioner-led perspective on what actually works and how to make AI deliver real results.Chapters00:00 AI Adoption and the Strategy-to-Execution Gap04:15 AI Transformation and the Rise of AI-Native Systems10:30 AI Adoption Challenges and Organizational Readiness18:30 Embedding AI into Workflows and Decision-Making23:20 Building AI Products: Systems Thinking and Real Use Cases30:20 AI Consulting and the Future of Strategy Execution

This episode explores AI adoption, AI consulting, and how AI transformation is reshaping the consulting industry from a people-driven model to a software-driven one.In conversation with Alibek Dostiyarov, Co-founder and CEO of Perceptis AI, the discussion dives into the rise of “strategy as a product” and how AI-first platforms are enabling consulting firms to scale without proportionally increasing headcount. As organizations continue to invest in AI but face the challenge of AI not delivering results, new models are emerging that embed AI directly into consulting workflows.A key theme is how traditional consulting, which historically scaled through people, is now beginning to scale through software. The episode examines how AI consulting is evolving, and why firms need to rethink how proposals, knowledge work, and client delivery are executed in an AI-driven world.The conversation also explores how AI adoption challenges are being addressed through purpose-built tools like Perceptis, which act as an AI-native operating system for consulting firms. Instead of relying on generic tools, these systems embed AI into workflows such as proposal creation, slide building, and knowledge reuse, enabling faster and more consistent delivery.Key topics covered include:How AI adoption is transforming consulting workflows and delivery modelsWhy generic AI tools often fail in consulting due to trust and hallucination risksHow AI can reduce manual work and improve productivity in consulting teamsThe role of proprietary data and firm-specific knowledge in differentiating AI outputsHow boutique consulting firms can compete with larger firms using AIThe episode also highlights broader shifts in the consulting future, including the rise of boutique firms, fractional talent models, and AI-enabled specialists who can deliver more value with smaller teams.For builders, there are practical insights on creating AI-native products, including the importance of solving real customer problems, ensuring data security, and applying systems thinking to build integrated solutions rather than standalone tools.If you are working on AI adoption, leading AI transformation, building AI products, or rethinking the role of consulting in an AI-driven world, this episode provides a clear, practitioner-led perspective on how AI is changing both how consulting works and how organizations drive results.Chapters00:00 AI Adoption and the Shift from People to Software05:43 AI Consulting and the Rise of Strategy as a Product11:00 AI Adoption Challenges: Trust, Data, and Differentiation18:49 AI Operating Systems for Consulting Firms22:27 Scaling AI Adoption in Consulting Workflows25:28 The Future of AI Consulting and Boutique Firms

This episode explores AI adoption, AI transformation, and how consulting is evolving from a people-driven model to a system-driven one powered by autonomous AI.In conversation with Jan Beránek, Founder and CEO of FifthRow, the discussion dives into how AI consulting is being reshaped by the rise of “services as software” and consulting as a product. As organizations continue to invest in AI but face the challenge of AI not delivering results, new models are emerging that embed AI directly into strategy, research, and execution workflows.A central theme is how traditional consulting relied on teams of analysts and manual processes, while AI is now automating large parts of knowledge work. FifthRow’s approach of building an autonomous workforce using AI agents shows how organizations can move from slow, fragmented processes to always-on AI-driven systems that continuously generate insights, run analysis, and support decision-making.The conversation explores how enterprise AI adoption requires not just new tools, but a complete redesign of processes, workflows, and organizational structures. It highlights why many companies struggle with AI adoption challenges, particularly around behavior change, trust, and integrating AI into day-to-day work.Key topics covered include:How AI adoption is transforming consulting workflows and reducing reliance on manual analysisWhy AI is not delivering results without process redesign and organizational changeThe rise of AI consulting platforms and autonomous AI agentsHow AI can move consulting from project-based work to continuous, always-on insightsThe role of data, fact-checking, and trust in scaling AI transformationThe episode also provides a behind-the-scenes view of building an AI-native company, including how FifthRow evolved through multiple iterations, adapted to rapid changes in AI capabilities, and shifted from a product platform to an outcome-driven consulting model.A key insight is that while AI can automate analysis, human judgment, trust, and accountability remain critical, especially in high-stakes decision-making environments. The future of consulting may not eliminate humans, but it will fundamentally redefine their role.For leaders, this episode offers a clear perspective on how to think about AI adoption at scale, how to redesign organizations for AI, and how to move from experimentation to real business impact.If you are working on AI adoption, leading AI transformation, exploring new models of AI consulting, or rethinking how strategy work gets done in an AI-driven world, this episode provides a practical, forward-looking view on what is changing and what comes next.Chapters00:00 AI Adoption and the Shift from Services to Software04:33 AI Consulting and the Rise of Autonomous Systems08:03 AI Transformation and Redesigning Workflows15:00 Building AI Agents and Enterprise AI Adoption20:22 AI Adoption Challenges and Behavior Change29:28 The Future of AI Consulting and Autonomous Organizations

This episode explores AI adoption, AI transformation, and how the very definition of a consultant is changing in an AI-driven world.In conversation with Dr. CJ Meadows, Head of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at SP Jain School of Global Management, the discussion examines how AI consulting is evolving as traditional models of hiring, training, and career progression in consulting begin to shift. As organizations increasingly face the challenge of AI not delivering results, the role of consultants is moving from doing analysis to helping clients think, frame problems, and make better decisions.A key theme is how AI adoption is reshaping consulting skills. With AI tools automating many of the tasks traditionally done by junior consultants, the focus is shifting toward higher-order capabilities such as problem framing, asking better questions, judgment, and storytelling. The episode explores how the next generation of consultants is being trained to work alongside AI, rather than compete with it.The conversation also highlights how enterprise AI adoption is changing the demand for consulting. Companies are building internal consulting capabilities, relying less on large external firms, and expecting consultants to deliver more strategic guidance rather than execution-heavy work. This shift is creating new opportunities for boutique firms, independent consultants, and AI-enabled advisory models.Key topics covered include:How AI adoption is changing the skills required in consultingWhy AI is not delivering results without strong problem framing and judgmentThe future of consulting careers in an AI-driven worldThe rise of internal consulting roles within organizationsHow consultants can create value beyond what AI tools can deliverThe episode also explores broader themes of organizational change for AI and behavioral change for AI, particularly how individuals and teams must adapt to new ways of working. It highlights why many organizations struggle not because of technology, but because they have not redesigned how work gets done.A powerful insight from the discussion is that while AI can automate analysis, it cannot replace human creativity, lateral thinking, and the ability to connect ideas across domains. The future of consulting will not eliminate humans, but will require them to operate at a higher level of thinking and impact.For students, professionals, and aspiring consultants, this episode provides practical guidance on how to stay relevant in the age of AI, what skills to build, and how to navigate the changing consulting landscape.If you are working on AI adoption, leading AI transformation, exploring careers in AI consulting, or rethinking how consulting delivers value in an AI-driven world, this episode offers a clear, practitioner-led perspective on what is changing and what comes next.Chapters00:00 AI Adoption and the Changing Role of Consultants02:00 AI Transformation and New Consulting Skills04:05 The Future of Consulting Careers in the AI Era06:30 AI Consulting vs Traditional Consulting Models09:28 AI Adoption Challenges and Problem Framing15:04 Skills for the Next Generation of Consultants

This episode explores AI adoption, AI transformation, and how the consulting industry is shifting from delivering presentations to delivering real business outcomes.In conversation with Rahul Nair, Expert Associate Partner at Bain, the discussion dives into one of the most important shifts in AI consulting today: clients are no longer paying for insights alone, they are demanding measurable results. As organizations invest in AI but often face the challenge of AI not delivering results, the expectations from consulting firms are fundamentally changing.A central theme is how AI adoption is redefining the consulting business model. While AI can significantly improve productivity, it is also acting as an infrastructure layer that changes how consulting work is done, how teams are structured, and how value is delivered to clients.The episode explores how consulting is moving toward:Outcome-driven engagements instead of slide-based deliverablesSmaller, more senior teams supported by AI instead of large pyramidsFaster execution cycles driven by AI-enabled workflowsGreater emphasis on expertise, judgment, and real-world experienceThe conversation also highlights how AI adoption challenges are reshaping client behavior. With access to AI tools, clients are becoming more sophisticated, faster in evaluating options, and more demanding in terms of speed, quality, and tangible impact.Key topics covered include:Why AI is not delivering results without strong expertise and execution focusHow AI consulting is evolving toward outcome-based modelsThe reversal of the traditional consulting pyramidThe growing importance of senior expertise over large delivery teamsHow boutique firms can compete by focusing on speed, specialization, and resultsThe episode also provides a practical lens on how consultants can stay relevant in the age of AI. It emphasizes the importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and communication, and why the real value lies in the “20% insight” that goes beyond what AI can generate.A key insight from the discussion is that AI will not replace consultants, but consultants who use AI effectively will replace those who do not.For aspiring consultants, this episode offers clear guidance on how to build skills that matter in an AI-driven world. For leaders, it provides a grounded perspective on how to evaluate consulting partners in an era where AI has made basic analysis more accessible.If you are working on AI adoption, leading AI transformation, exploring new models of AI consulting, or trying to make AI deliver real business results, this episode offers a sharp, practitioner-led view on what is changing and what it takes to stay ahead.Chapters00:00 AI Adoption and the Shift to Outcome-Driven Consulting03:12 AI Transformation: Tool vs Infrastructure05:44 AI Consulting and Changing Client Expectations08:46 Speed, Expertise, and the New Consulting Model13:06 Building Consulting Firms in the AI Era18:07 AI Adoption Challenges and Blind Spots19:35 Skills for Consultants in an AI-Driven World

This episode explores how AI disruption, AI adoption, and new consulting models are reshaping what clients actually value from advisory services.Utsav speaks with Ryan Larcom, Managing Director at Alloy Partners, who brings a rare perspective as a consultant, corporate innovator, and client.The core tension discussed in this conversation:Consulting has historically sold knowledge packaged as slides.But in the AI era, knowledge is abundant. So what is left?Ryan’s answer is clear:Clients don’t want knowledge. They want outcomes.This shift has deep implications for how consulting is delivered, priced, and evaluated.Key ideas from the episode1. Knowledge vs Experience is Breaking ApartCorporates have traditionally paid for knowledge artifacts.But the real value comes from:Decision-making under uncertaintyExecution speedTranslating insight into actionAI exposes this gap by making knowledge easier to access, forcing consulting to justify its real value.2. The New Consulting Advantage: Trust + TranslationThe best consultants in the AI era will not win on analysis.They will win on:Building trust with stakeholdersTranslating insight into decisionsDriving change inside organizationsAs Ryan puts it:Innovation moves at the speed of trust.3. AI Is Reshaping the Leverage ModelThe traditional pyramid model is breaking:Fewer junior analysts doing researchMore senior experts driving judgmentAI acting as the operations and research layerThis creates a new model closer to:Venture capital partnershipsExpert-led advisoryHigh-autonomy analyst roles4. Apprenticeship Is Being RewrittenA critical challenge emerging:How do junior consultants learn without traditional work?The answer may be:Higher exposure to senior leadersFaster ownership of workGreater autonomy in using AI tools5. Why Enterprises Struggle with AI AdoptionA major insight from the discussion:Startups iterate every 3–6 monthsEnterprises take 9–12 months to adopt a toolThis creates a structural gap.Winning organizations:Push experimentation to the edgesSet governance at the topScale what works from the bottom6. How to Adopt New Consulting ModelsFor clients exploring AI-native consulting firms:Start with pilot projectsFocus on low-risk, high-impact areasBuild internal championsScale based on resultsThe real shift is behavioral, not technical.What this means for the future of consultingThis conversation reinforces a fundamental shift:From knowledge → outcomesFrom slides → decisionsFrom process → impactAI is not eliminating consulting.It is forcing it to return to its core purpose:Helping clients make better choices.Chapters01:21 Why Clients Still Pay for Knowledge03:08 Outcomes vs Slide Decks04:43 What Makes a Great Consultant Today06:09 AI’s Role in Change Management07:35 The Future of Apprenticeship11:16 Why Enterprises Struggle with AI Speed14:28 Adopting New Consulting Models16:29 The Silver Lining of AI Disruption

This episode explores AI disruption, AI adoption, and the future of consulting with Scott Anthony, one of the leading voices on disruptive innovation.Drawing on decades of research in disruptive innovation and his latest book Epic Disruptions, Scott explains why consulting is not just evolving, but entering a pivotal moment shaped by AI transformation.A central question in this conversation:Is AI just a productivity tool, or is it fundamentally reshaping the consulting business model?The answer is nuanced. AI can improve efficiency, but it can also enable entirely new ways of creating, delivering, and capturing value. This dual nature is at the heart of the disruption unfolding in consulting today.The episode breaks down three clear signals of disruption:Clients demanding different outcomes, not just insightsTechnology enabling new performance and delivery modelsEmergence of new consulting business modelsA key theme is that AI disruption in consulting is not following the classic pattern. Unlike traditional industries where incumbents are slow to react, leading firms like McKinsey & Company, Accenture, and others are actively investing in AI and adapting early.This creates an unusual dynamic where both incumbents and challengers are shaping the future simultaneously.The conversation also explores how AI adoption is changing client behavior. Organizations are becoming more sophisticated, more self-sufficient, and more selective in how they use consulting services. This could lead to:Unbundling of consulting workMore in-house strategy capabilitiesGreater focus on high-impact advisory and decision-makingA critical insight from the discussion is that disruption will not eliminate consulting, but it will redefine where value lies.Key topics covered include:Why AI is both a tool and a business model shiftHow consulting is being disrupted from withinThe role of incumbents vs new entrants in AI-driven changeWhy clients are becoming more capable and harder to serveHow consulting firms must rethink skills, structure, and deliveryThe episode also highlights a major opportunity for new firms: competing against non-consumption, serving clients who previously could not access consulting due to cost or complexity.For consultants, leaders, and founders, this conversation offers a grounded framework to understand:What is actually changing in consultingWhat remains constantWhere the real opportunities lie in the age of AIIf you are thinking about AI disruption, leading AI transformation, or exploring the future of AI consulting, this episode provides a clear, research-backed perspective on what comes next.

In this launch episode of Alt-Consulting Conversations, Utsav Bhatt explores a pivotal question: if we were building a consulting firm from scratch in an AI-enabled world, would we design it the same way?Drawing on nearly two decades in strategy consulting and his experience building StratOff as a strategy co-pilot firm, Utsav reflects on how shifts in technology change the underlying source of advantage in an industry. As AI compresses analysis timelines and challenges traditional leverage models, sharper questions are emerging about value, structure, and economics.This episode introduces the core ideas behind Alt-Consulting and sets the stage for conversations with consulting leaders, founders, and academics on what comes next for advisory work.New episodes drop every Wednesday.