In our latest Black Diamond Podcast episode, we dive deep into the ways AI is transforming consulting, what skills today’s professionals need to future-proof their careers, and how a single decision can shape an entire professional journey.

From Consulting to Product Marketing: The Leap of Faith

For many consultants, the predictability of project lifecycles—scoping, implementation, delivery—can feel like a safety net. But what happens when you trade that structure for something more fluid? Tiffany made that move, stepping out of the services space and into product marketing.

“It was a risk, but also not really,” she explains. “I believed in the leaders, I believed in the product, and I knew I wanted to grow beyond what I was doing.”

The transition from consulting to marketing might seem like shifting from being a chef in a kitchen to a restaurant critic—it’s still about food, but the skill set is entirely different. Tiffany had to reinvent herself, learn new ways to measure success, and embrace an entirely different rhythm of work.

And she’s not alone. More professionals are realizing that career evolution is essential in today’s tech-driven landscape.

AI: Friend, Foe, or Force Multiplier?

One of the hottest topics in our discussion was AI’s impact on consulting. Will AI take over implementation roles? Will consultants become obsolete?

Spoiler alert: Absolutely not.

AI, and particularly Sensible AI and Generative AI, is not replacing consultants—it’s supercharging them. Instead of spending hours digging through documentation, consultants can now ask an AI tool how to build a workflow, write a business rule, or analyze data in real-time.

Think of it like GPS for a road trip. You still need to drive, but AI makes sure you don’t waste time getting lost. Tiffany highlighted how AI will:

• Speed up implementations by providing instant answers to technical questions
• Enhance accuracy by reducing human error in data analysis
• Empower consultants to focus on strategic work instead of repetitive tasks

“The biggest challenge? Learning how to ask the right questions,” Tiffany says. Prompt engineering—knowing how to interact with AI tools effectively—is quickly becoming a must-have skill.

What’s Next? The Future of Consulting in an AI-Driven World

So, where do we go from here? Tiffany predicts that the profile of junior consultants is going to change significantly in the coming years. As AI tools become more advanced, the need for deep technical configuration knowledge may shrink, while strategic thinking, problem-solving, and AI literacy will become the real differentiators.

“We used to talk about having Google-Fu—the ability to search efficiently. Now it’s about GPT-Fu—knowing how to get the most out of AI tools.”

She also shared her insights on what customers need to know as AI becomes embedded in financial planning and CPM:

• AI isn’t a magic button—it requires human oversight and expertise
• Transparency matters—understanding how AI reaches conclusions is key
• Adoption will be the biggest challenge—helping teams trust AI-powered insights is just as important as implementing them

Final Thoughts

Tiffany’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing change. Whether you’re a consultant wondering about the next step in your career or a business leader thinking about how AI will impact your operations, the message is clear: Stay curious. Stay adaptable. Keep learning.

And maybe, just maybe, brush up on your Star Trek references—because if this episode taught us anything, it’s that the future of consulting is boldly going where no one has gone before.