Consulting AI: Start With the Business Problem

The primary task for consulting teams using artificial intelligence is identifying the specific business problem that requires a solution.

This central theme drove the conversation during the October 16 edition of The Power of Leadership: A Signature Speaker Series. The event was hosted by the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business at Clemson University. Panelists from major consulting firms and logistics companies discussed how AI is reshaping their industries.

Shrikant Vaidyanathan, a principal in KPMG Advisory, warned against using AI to justify solving a problem that does not exist. He stated that the work must begin with understanding the root cause and the nature of the task. A predictable, well-defined task may be better suited for traditional automation. In contrast, work involving judgment or unstructured information is a better fit for AI.

Daniel Csoka, a principal at Deloitte and leader in the Center for Process Bionics, noted that client expectations are shifting. Clients are now using AI themselves and expect faster delivery of plans and results. Csoka described a prototype built with Claude over a weekend. He compared this to similar work that had taken 20 weeks four years earlier.

Chris Hornbecker, founder and investor at Stronghorn Venture Capital, urged students to use AI to solve real-world challenges rather than simply retrieving answers. He advised against treating the technology like a search engine. Consulting teams should also help client employees use the technology to solve problems independently.

Karen Bomber, chief commercial officer at GXO Logistics, cautioned that AI intelligence is not the same as human wisdom. She said, "We can't confuse intelligence with wisdom." Bomber explained that wisdom helps prioritize where and how to use AI. While the technology can assist with tasks like responding to requests for proposals, the results depend on the quality of the input data. Humans must still interpret the output and decide on the next steps.

The panel also addressed the value of interpersonal relationships. Csoka described using AI to review client conversations and identify potential solutions. This approach frees up time to build stronger interpersonal connections. Students are encouraged to develop these relationship skills alongside their technical fluency. Dean Wendy York connected the discussion to the college's emphasis on experiential learning. She described consulting as work that requires asking the right questions and helping organizations move from insight to action.