Consulting Success Podcast

Welcome back to the Consulting Success podcast. I'm Michael Zipursky, and today, we are continuing our exploration into a force that's not just changing how businesses operate, but really how we as consultants need to think and adapt. And yes, that is AI - artificial intelligence. I'm pleased to say that we have Michel Fortin joining us again. Our last conversation on AI, I know, was valuable and helpful, insightful maybe. So we're going to pick up where we left off. We're going to explore some new ground. We're going to look at, you know, how all this applies to you as a consultant or in the world of consulting. And just to reiterate a point that I think is really important, we're not suggesting that you as a consultant need to become an AI specialist. That's not the goal, but what we do believe is that every single consultant needs to get a handle on what AI is, what AI can do, how it's going to affect your work, how it's going to impact your clients and the marketplace and the landscape that they work in. So from content creation to streamlining your operations and beyond in terms of your client and the industries that you serve, today we're going to get into some really interesting areas.  We're going to start by looking back at an idea from John Naisbitt when he talked about this concept of "high tech, high touch" and then see how it mirrors what's actually happening today in AI. And then as technology, right, becomes more advanced, what does it actually mean for our need for genuine human connection? And then we're going to talk about how AI is shifting the goalposts for things like trust and authority, especially when it comes to the content that we create. And Michel has some thoughts on how Google's E-A-T - so that's E-A-T - that framework of expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness, is evolving into what he calls E-A-T 2.0, which stands for empathy, authenticity, and transparency. So we're going to unpack that and what it means for consultants.  And as always, we want to make this very practical. So how can you use AI to be more efficient? And how can you actually use this to be more effective in your consulting work? How do these blend together, right? These powerful tools, how can you use that in your own unique way, and how can you bring the human experience? How can you bring in and leverage AI within your area of expertise, regardless of where that is and where in the world that you are and the work that you do?  So if you're looking to get a clear picture on how to navigate the AI landscape and position your consulting practice for the future, then you're in the right place.  Mentioned in this episode: Join an Elite Group of Consulting Founders in Montreal for Serious Growth Imagine being in a room where every other 6 or 7-figure consulting founder is as serious about growth as you are. That’s the Consulting Success Mastermind in Montreal (Sept 18-20, 2025). This is your opportunity to build real relationships with top-performing consultants, share wins and challenges, and grow strategically together. As one past attendee said, it's "exactly what I’ve been needing." Ready for powerful connections & expert strategy? Explore the Montreal Mastermind: https://consultingsuccess.com/montreal Get Expert Insights into Your Consulting Business: Claim Your FREE Growth Session Now! Want to get personalized feedback and actionable insights on your consulting business from seasoned experts who've been in your shoes? The Consulting Success Clarity Coaching Program offers just that, and you can experience a taste of it with a FREE, no-obligation Growth Session. On this call, you'll explore how to optimize your business model, refine your messaging, and build a predictable stream of high-value clients. https://www.consultingsuccess.com/grow

Want to learn how we can help you grow your consulting business? Schedule your free Growth Session Call today!  www.consultingsuccess.com/grow [http://www.consultingsuccess.com/grow] Mentioned in this episode: Get Expert Insights into Your Consulting Business: Claim Your FREE Growth Session Now! Want to get personalized feedback and actionable insights on your consulting business from seasoned experts who've been in your shoes? The Consulting Success Clarity Coaching Program offers just that, and you can experience a taste of it with a FREE, no-obligation Growth Session. On this call, you'll explore how to optimize your business model, refine your messaging, and build a predictable stream of high-value clients. https://www.consultingsuccess.com/coaching-for-consultants Join an Elite Group of Consulting Founders in Montreal for Serious Growth Imagine being in a room where every other 6 or 7-figure consulting founder is as serious about growth as you are. That’s the Consulting Success Mastermind in Montreal (Sept 18-20, 2025). This is your opportunity to build real relationships with top-performing consultants, share wins and challenges, and grow strategically together. As one past attendee said, it's "exactly what I’ve been needing." Ready for powerful connections & expert strategy? Explore the Montreal Mastermind: https://consultingsuccess.com/montreal

Ever made a costly mistake in a startup? David Hirschfeld, founder of the 17-year-strong custom software firm Tekyz, turned his "startup scars" into SaaS stardom. He shares the brutal honesty of a past venture hitting a wall and how that forged his unshakeable belief in rigorous client qualification. Discover his 5-minute method to identify serious prospects, why not charging from day one can be fatal, and how Tekyz is riding the AI wave to deliver massive client value. If you're building a tech business or consulting with startups/scale-ups, David's hard-won lessons are pure gold! 📢 In This Episode, You’ll Discover: ✅ The critical misstep of not charging clients from day one in a past startup and why delaying charges can doom a new venture. ✅ David's 5-minute technique to qualify serious clients, uncover their actual budget, and avoid costly, misaligned projects. ✅ How Tekyz leverages AI for incredible efficiency, cutting project estimate times by 30% and enhancing client value. Mentioned in this episode: Get Expert Insights into Your Consulting Business: Claim Your FREE Growth Session Now! Want to get personalized feedback and actionable insights on your consulting business from seasoned experts who've been in your shoes? The Consulting Success Clarity Coaching Program offers just that, and you can experience a taste of it with a FREE, no-obligation Growth Session. On this call, you'll explore how to optimize your business model, refine your messaging, and build a predictable stream of high-value clients. https://www.consultingsuccess.com/coaching-for-consultants Join an Elite Group of Consulting Founders in Montreal for Serious Growth Imagine being in a room where every other 6 or 7-figure consulting founder is as serious about growth as you are. That’s the Consulting Success Mastermind in Montreal (Sept 18-20, 2025). This is your opportunity to build real relationships with top-performing consultants, share wins and challenges, and grow strategically together. As one past attendee said, it's "exactly what I’ve been needing." Ready for powerful connections & expert strategy? Explore the Montreal Mastermind: https://consultingsuccess.com/montreal

Want to learn how we can help you grow your consulting business? Schedule your free Growth Session Call today!  www.consultingsuccess.com/grow [http://www.consultingsuccess.com/grow] Mentioned in this episode: Get Expert Insights into Your Consulting Business: Claim Your FREE Growth Session Now! Want to get personalized feedback and actionable insights on your consulting business from seasoned experts who've been in your shoes? The Consulting Success Clarity Coaching Program offers just that, and you can experience a taste of it with a FREE, no-obligation Growth Session. On this call, you'll explore how to optimize your business model, refine your messaging, and build a predictable stream of high-value clients. https://www.consultingsuccess.com/coaching-for-consultants Join an Elite Group of Consulting Founders in Montreal for Serious Growth Imagine being in a room where every other 6 or 7-figure consulting founder is as serious about growth as you are. That’s the Consulting Success Mastermind in Montreal (Sept 18-20, 2025). This is your opportunity to build real relationships with top-performing consultants, share wins and challenges, and grow strategically together. As one past attendee said, it's "exactly what I’ve been needing." Ready for powerful connections & expert strategy? Explore the Montreal Mastermind: https://consultingsuccess.com/montreal

Is AI coming for your consulting gig or is it the sharp new tool that could actually give you an edge? Today, Michael chats with Michel Fortin, Head of Growth at Consulting Success, and they get real about all this AI buzz. Michel has seen plenty, working with big-league companies on their tech, seven-, eight-figure outfits. He believes the whole "AI will replace consultants" thing is probably overblown, but - and it's a big but - consultants just sticking their heads in the sand about AI might be in for a rude awakening sooner than they think. Michel and Michael really break down this idea. It's not about AI wiping out consulting altogether, it's more about AI sidelining the consultants who don't get with the program. They talk about that human touch - the creative leaps, understanding people’s messy problems. AI isn't there yet, not even close, but here’s the kicker: thinking AI is just some passing trend is a really bad idea - you could get left in the dust. Michel puts it plainly: "AI will not replace consultants; consultants who know AI will replace consultants." Simple as that. In this episode you will learn about: * Why your human smarts and intuition are still gold, and how AI is here to reshape consulting, not scrap it. * The real pitfall: not AI itself, but consultants sleeping on how quick AI is changing the game. * Using AI smartly across your business – from finding clients to getting work done. * The big shift: treating AI like a new team member for faster turnarounds and sharper results. * Working through AI's blips and quirks with steady, clear feedback. * The RACES method for getting AI to give you what you actually want, plus using AI to fine tune your requests. * Figuring out AI’s ripple effects – for your clients and for your own consulting shop. * Keeping your practice ahead of the curve with guidance like that offered in Clarity Coaching. Mentioned in this episode: Join an Elite Group of Consulting Founders in Montreal for Serious Growth Imagine being in a room where every other 6 or 7-figure consulting founder is as serious about growth as you are. That’s the Consulting Success Mastermind in Montreal (Sept 18-20, 2025). This is your opportunity to build real relationships with top-performing consultants, share wins and challenges, and grow strategically together. As one past attendee said, it's "exactly what I’ve been needing." Ready for powerful connections & expert strategy? Explore the Montreal Mastermind: https://consultingsuccess.com/montreal Get Expert Insights into Your Consulting Business: Claim Your FREE Growth Session Now! Want to get personalized feedback and actionable insights on your consulting business from seasoned experts who've been in your shoes? The Consulting Success Clarity Coaching Program offers just that, and you can experience a taste of it with a FREE, no-obligation Growth Session. On this call, you'll explore how to optimize your business model, refine your messaging, and build a predictable stream of high-value clients. https://www.consultingsuccess.com/coaching-for-consultants