Maximizing Business Value: The Role of Consultants in the Age of AI

Marc Brungger
Jun 24
3 min read

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries at a rapid pace. For SaaS technology executives, private equity investors, and business leaders, the challenge is clear: how to harness AI effectively without losing sight of strategic goals. This is where advisors and consultants in the AI age become invaluable partners. They bring clarity, experience, and a fresh perspective that helps businesses not only adopt AI but also extract real value from it.

In this post, I’ll share how consultants add value in today’s AI-driven environment, with practical examples and insights tailored for decision-makers like you.

1. Translating AI Potential into Business Outcomes

Many companies get excited about AI technology but struggle to connect it to tangible business results. Consultants help bridge this gap by:

Identifying relevant AI use cases aligned with your business model and goals.
Prioritizing AI projects based on impact and feasibility.
Designing roadmaps that integrate AI into existing workflows without disruption.

For example, a SaaS company I worked with wanted to improve customer retention. The consultants analyzed customer data and recommended an AI-driven predictive model to identify churn risks early. This targeted approach increased retention by 15% within six months, showing how advisors in the AI age derive value and results through focused, actionable strategies.

2. Providing Expertise Beyond Technology

AI tools are complex and evolving fast. Many internal teams lack the deep expertise needed to evaluate options or implement solutions effectively. Consultants bring:

Technical knowledge about AI algorithms, platforms, and data requirements.
Industry experience to understand what works in your sector.
Change management skills to help teams adopt AI-driven processes smoothly.

This combination ensures AI initiatives don’t stall due to technical hurdles or resistance. For instance, a private equity firm I advised was considering AI integration across its portfolio companies. The consultants helped assess readiness, select vendors, and train leadership teams, accelerating adoption and reducing risk.

3. Offering an Objective, Outside Perspective

Internal teams can become too close to their challenges, making it hard to see new opportunities or risks. Consultants provide:

Unbiased assessments of AI readiness and strategy.
Fresh ideas based on cross-industry experience.
Critical feedback that challenges assumptions and uncovers blind spots.

This outside view is crucial when AI investments require significant resources and long-term commitment. One SaaS executive shared how consultants helped uncover hidden inefficiencies in their AI data pipeline, saving millions in potential costs and improving model accuracy.

4. Accelerating AI Implementation and Scaling

Speed matters in AI adoption. Consultants help businesses move faster by:

Setting clear milestones and deliverables.
Coordinating cross-functional teams including data scientists, engineers, and business leaders.
Managing vendor relationships and technology integration.

For example, a mid-sized SaaS provider wanted to launch an AI-powered feature within a tight timeline. Consultants led the project management, ensuring the team met deadlines and quality standards. The feature launched on time and contributed 10% of new revenue in its first quarter.

5. Building Long-Term AI Capabilities

AI is not a one-time project but an ongoing journey. Consultants help build internal capabilities by:

Designing training programs tailored to your team’s needs.
Establishing governance frameworks for ethical AI use and data privacy.
Creating feedback loops to continuously improve AI models and processes.

This approach ensures your business remains agile and competitive as AI technologies evolve. One investor I worked with appreciated how consultants helped portfolio companies develop AI centers of excellence, enabling sustained innovation and value creation.