"Adapt or Die": How AI is Transforming Consulting and Why You Can't Afford to Ignore It
In this episode of the Thriving Through podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing David Balbi, an AI consultant who's helping business coaches and consultants leverage artificial intelligence to dramatically improve their efficiency and deliver more value to clients.
His message was clear and compelling: AI is no longer optional for self-employed consultants – it's rapidly becoming essential for survival in today's business landscape.
The AI Revolution in Consulting
David's journey from a 40-year career as a PGA golf professional to becoming an AI consultant for small businesses is fascinating. Always interested in technology, he saw the tremendous potential of AI to transform how consultants work, especially as he noticed many small business owners were intimidated by the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
"If you don't work with AI in 2 years from now, you'll be working for AI," David shared, quoting an industry prediction that perfectly captures the urgency of embracing these new tools.
Time-Saving That Makes a Difference
One of the most compelling points from our conversation was the dramatic time savings AI can deliver.
David shared a story about a manufacturing consultant who spent two full days creating an efficiency report for a client. David and his team created a superior version in just 15 minutes using AI tools.
This isn't about replacing consultants – it's about making them more efficient and effective. As David explained, AI can handle the heavy lifting while consultants focus on the personal interaction and nuanced understanding that only humans can provide.
The "Adapt or Die" Reality
David didn't mince words when discussing the future of consulting: "It's kind of 'adapt or die' really... and so people that say, 'Oh, well, I'll wait a year, or I'll wait two years' – that's a scary proposition." The speed at which AI is evolving means that consultants who delay implementation risk being left behind.
The good news? David has yet to encounter any business where AI couldn't provide significant benefits. From dramatically reducing time spent on administrative tasks to enabling better pattern recognition in data, AI tools can help consultants:
- Generate high-quality content in a fraction of the time
- Analyze client data to spot patterns humans might miss
- Streamline repetitive tasks that consume valuable time
- Create professional reports and presentations quickly
- Provide more responsive service to clients
Starting Your AI Journey
For consultants just beginning to explore AI, David recommends starting with basic AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini to get familiar with what's possible.
However, he also stressed the importance of working with someone who understands the AI landscape to avoid "chasing shiny objects" among the thousands of tools available.
The most important step is to look at your repetitive, time-consuming tasks and consider how AI might help automate or streamline them.
The Human Element Remains Crucial
Perhaps most reassuring was David's insistence that AI will never replace the personal interaction that's at the heart of consulting. "AI is going to turn any good coach into an excellent coach," he noted, emphasizing that technology should enhance rather than replace human expertise.
Your Next Step
If you're a self-employed consultant who's been hesitant about embracing AI, this interview is a wake-up call you can't afford to ignore. The consultants who thrive in the coming years will be those who leverage AI to handle routine tasks while focusing their human skills on the areas where they provide unique value.
Listen to the full interview with David Balbi to discover specific AI tools and strategies that can transform your consulting practice. His practical advice and real-world examples provide a roadmap for navigating this technology shift successfully while staying ahead of competitors who are slower to adapt. The choice is clear: evolve your practice with AI now, or risk becoming obsolete in an increasingly AI-driven business world.