Something big is happening in business, and most companies don’t even see it coming.
For decades, consulting firms were the go-to for strategy, market insights, and decision-making. They charged a fortune for expertise, promised game-changing insights, and convinced companies they couldn’t move forward without them.
But what happens when AI can do the same work - faster, cheaper, and without the hefty retainer?
On the Faces of Innovation podcast, Jan Beránek, CEO of Fifth Row, exposed a shift that’s already underway: AI-driven agents aren’t just assisting consultants - they’re replacing them.
Businesses that once spent months and millions on consulting firms are now using AI-powered automation to make smarter decisions in days. The best part? It’s working.
So what does this mean for companies still relying on outdated processes? Can AI really replace consultants entirely? And if it can, what happens next?
Read on to find out because ignoring this shift won’t just slow you down. It’ll leave you behind.
In the past, hiring consultants was a given. You needed market research? A consulting firm could gather it - if you were willing to wait. Competitive analysis? Pay for a full report. Business model validation? A team of experts could run the numbers and tell you where to place your bets.
Consultants have long justified their costs by offering deep expertise and rigorous analysis. But what happens when AI can:
It’s already happening.
A Fortune 500 automotive company set out to identify two new business opportunities this year. By February, AI had found eight.
A global consumer brand replaced traditional market research with AI-powered automation, running five full-scale concept tests in weeks.
A VC-backed firm that once spent $500,000+ per year on consulting now fully automates its market research and decision-making.
The reality is clear: businesses aren’t just cutting consulting budgets. they’re replacing them with AI-driven execution.
As we examine this shift more closely, it becomes clear these aren't glorified chatbots. AI-powered autonomous agents can independently:
Think of them as your best analyst, strategist, and researcher combined—except they never sleep, never burn out, and never miss a detail. And because they operate on hard data rather than instinct, they outperform even the most seasoned consultants in speed and accuracy.
“Every publicly traded company is looking at where they can save money,” Jan explained. “Innovation and strategy have always been cost centers. AI changes that - it makes research and execution instant, and that’s why companies are moving away from consultants.”
Let’s be clear: AI isn’t here to help businesses work harder. It’s here to help them work better. And companies that fail to adopt this shift will struggle to keep up.
Those who embrace AI-driven automation will:
On the Faces of Innovation podcast, Jan Beránek made it clear: This isn’t a gradual evolution. It’s an overhaul. Businesses must adapt now or risk being left behind.
Here’s the catch: AI is powerful, but it’s not everything.
It can process information, but it doesn’t have judgment. It can generate strategies, but it doesn’t understand company vision, market timing, or execution risks.
This is where human expertise still matters.
Jan himself acknowledged this:
“AI is excellent at handling structured, repeatable work. But the companies winning right now? They’re the ones using AI to free up human talent for the things only people can do—big-picture strategy, creative problem-solving, and execution.”
Companies that get ahead will integrate AI into their workflows—but they’ll invest in the right people to make sure it’s used effectively.
The shift from consultants to AI isn’t just changing how work gets done. It’s changing who companies need to hire.
At Bamboo X, we’re already seeing this shift across engineering, product, data science, and go-to-market teams. Companies that want to move fast aren’t just looking for strategy experts anymore—they’re looking for leaders who know how to use AI to execute.
This means hiring:
The companies adapting now will outpace their competitors. The ones that hesitate? They’ll be playing catch-up.
But speed alone doesn’t win. Execution does. And that still comes down to the right people.
Bamboo X is here to help you find them.
If your company is scaling and needs top-tier talent who know how to operate in an AI-driven world, let’s talk. We connect startups with the leaders they need to move fast, execute, and win.
Let’s build your team.