Continuing the AI conversation—with one candid request upfront: let’s talk about it. Feedback from clients, peers, and collaborators will help Ideba refine its approach, upskill effectively, and deliver greater client satisfaction. Please drop a line in the comments, email, or chat with us over coffee. We’d love to discuss this with you!
A recent letter from my local school district about AI use in classrooms hit home. Committees have formed, pros and cons documented, and they’ve adopted Teddy Roosevelt’s wisdom: “In a moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing is nothing.” Their proactive “AI Approach” recognizes that as AI evolves, their plan must evolve too, but there is no time to wait.
It made me think about earlier guardrails that shaped how other technologies entered our lives: dial-up Internet, pay-per-text messaging, and exclusive social media access. AI, by contrast, is moving faster and with fewer limits. In turn, it’s time for consulting firms to plant the flag.
AI Strategy: Consulting Edition
AI is advancing faster than corporate strategy cycles, placing consulting teams at a crucial crossroads. Many companies are still crafting AI roadmaps, yet consultants are already advising clients who demand clarity on expectations, ethics, and impact. Waiting for the “perfect plan” risks confusion, inconsistency, and lost opportunity.
The question isn’t what AI can do, it’s how consultants should help organizations use it responsibly. Consulting teams translate innovation into outcomes and are increasingly asked: How do we align it with our business strategy? How do we use AI tools to increase ROI without compromising time and productivity? What are the risks of bias or misuse? Without a unified position, even the best consultants risk giving fragmented advice.
A defined AI consulting position should be anchored in core principles (transparency, accountability, and human oversight) rather than chasing tools or trends. With this, teams can identify value, assess readiness, and integrate AI safely and ethically. It also signals to clients and employees that the firm is leading with foresight, not simply reacting.
Building such a position doesn’t require a concrete roadmap. In fact, uncertainty makes it essential. Consultants must help clients experiment, implement, and adapt responsibly while maintaining consistency through guiding principles.
Why a Defined Position Matters Now
- Clients expect clarity, not experimentation. They’re asking, “Should we?” and “How?”, not “Can we do this with AI?”
- Consultants need a common language. A shared framework turns individual expertise into collective intelligence. How are AI skills and experiences translating to business potential?
- Principles build credibility. Anchoring in ethics and oversight fosters trust and distinguishes leaders from opportunists.
- Guidance matters amid uncertainty. With technology outpacing policy, consultants must lead responsibly now.
The opportunity isn’t just to implement AI, it’s to define how it’s used in business. Consulting firms that take a stance today will help shape the standards of trust, responsibility, and value in the intelligent enterprise era. What are your thoughts and recommendations?
– Leah McQuillan, Research Manager
