Mastering Consulting in 2025

Leveraging AI for Efficiency and Impact

In 2025, the consulting landscape has evolved significantly due to advancements in AI. Traditional consulting often involved exchanging hours of manual labor for deliverables like presentation decks. However, AI now automates much of the repetitive work, including research, slide creation, initial drafts, data processing, and report outlining. This shift commoditizes basic insights, as AI provides instant access to facts, continuous updates, and multiple perspectives on demand. What was novel in the morning becomes standard knowledge in the afternoon.

To thrive, consultants must shift focus from selling raw findings to delivering informed decisions. The competitive advantage lies in applying context, sound judgment, and strategic sequencing—determining the optimal order of actions, such as what to prioritize first, second, and third. Success hinges on addressing the "so what" (interpreting implications) and the "now what" (recommending next steps). Clients seek accelerated decision-making and measurable results, not mere data entry. While execution has become inexpensive through AI, the skills of framing problems and sequencing solutions remain invaluable.

This article explores how AI is transforming key aspects of consulting, with detailed steps for implementation. By following these, readers can integrate AI tools to enhance productivity and outcomes.

For a broader overview of AI tools essential for consultants, watch this video: POWERFUL AI Tools Consultants Must Know in 2025!

How AI is Revolutionizing Search in Consulting

Before AI, knowledge workers dedicated approximately 20% of their week—about 8 hours in a 40-hour workweek—to locating information, according to studies on interaction work. Another benchmark suggests up to 2.5 hours per day, or 30% of time, spent searching. Accelerating this process can boost daily productivity by 20-30%.