In an age where advanced AI tools can crunch data, generate insights, and even offer strategic advice at minimal cost, you could be forgiven for thinking traditional consulting is doomed. After all, if simply knowing things is essentially free, why bother with human expertise?
The reason is simple: while AI can uncover possibilities, it’s still up to human judgment to choose which path to follow—and then navigate the tricky human aspects of change. That’s where we aim to come in. We’ve set out to build an agile, AI-amplified practice that focuses on the things machines still don’t do well: understanding complex interpersonal dynamics, facilitating tough conversations, and enabling leadership teams to make context-rich decisions.
Our Approach
We leverage AI to handle the rapid-fire work of gathering and summarizing vast amounts of data, as well as surfacing potential solutions and strategies. That frees us to devote our time and expertise to helping clients sift through these options and figure out what will actually work for them. In other words, we help you see the big picture and guide you in taking the best path forward—something AI alone can’t reliably do.
Stephen’s Strength: Strategic Facilitation
Meet Stephen Shepherd, whose career has been devoted to facilitating strategic clarity for boards and senior leadership teams. He’s often called on to untangle complex or delicate board dynamics. With a background in corporate recovery at KPMG, senior credit and regional management at NAB, and key board roles (including Chair of an international business coaching organization and Chair of HeartKids Australia), Stephen is well-versed in understanding both the financial realities and the human elements that drive business decisions.
His expertise becomes particularly crucial when different stakeholders have competing visions or when the path forward is beset by conflicting priorities. While AI might list ten plausible routes for an organization, Stephen helps leadership teams figure out which one makes the most sense—and how to unite everyone behind it.
Barry’s Strength: Human-Centered Analysis
Barry Thomas has an equally long background which includes leading large-scale technology initiatives like Australia’s Consumer Data Right and the LIXI standards that revolutionised Australian mortgage lending. I focus on how to introduce AI in ways that enhance people’s capabilities rather than simply replacing them. The value Barry brings lies in pairing strategic tech insight with practical know-how about how technology changes organizations from the inside out.
We understand that AI can unlock massive productivity gains, but only if it’s deployed thoughtfully. An AI solution without a clear human strategy often fails to earn the trust or buy-in of the people it’s meant to help. Our goal is to guide teams toward technology decisions that are not only high-impact but also sustainable and user-friendly.
Why We’re Doing This
The phrase “consulting is dead” overlooks a fundamental truth: if everyone can quickly gather and analyze information, the need for expert guidance on how to use that information is more critical than ever. Someone still needs to:
Ask the right questions to shape the AI’s output.
Interpret and prioritize solutions based on strategic goals.
Foster alignment among individuals and teams who might have differing viewpoints.
Ensure real-world feasibility, especially when dealing with delicate interpersonal or cultural issues.
We launched our consulting firm precisely because we see a gap: while AI is taking care of the data-driven aspects of strategy, there’s a growing need for skilled, pragmatic advisors who can help turn insight into action.
The Bottom Line
At a time when technology can do more than ever, humans still own the final responsibility for shaping organizational vision and culture. We’ve created a small, adaptable, AI-enabled consulting practice—one that stays laser-focused on adding value where machines fall short. Our promise is to equip leadership teams with clear, well-founded options and then guide them through the human complexities of making the best choice.
If you’re looking for that blend of AI-driven insight and seasoned human judgment, we’re here to help. If you'd just like to browse our content for ideas you can take back to your own organisation you're more than welcome to do so.
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