Consulting Skills in the Age of Agentic AI

Recently, Satya Nadella remarked that the days of the BPR consultants are back. I couldn’t agree more. However, today’s environment demands even more. In addition to the traditional process optimization skills, three additional consulting capabilities are emerging as critical in this era of Agentic AI: Strategic Vision, Human-centric design, Enterprise Architecture and Change Management.

In the early days of Business Process Reengineering (BPR), we dedicated countless hours to mapping processes into clear categories—manual, semi-automated, and fully automated. We engineered workflows to digitize tasks, built RPA bots to handle routine actions, and celebrated every instance where human labor could be streamlined. Yet even then, it was evident that not every task could be completely automated. Many processes required a human touch to navigate the nuances of judgment, context, and empathy.

Agentic AI enables the automation of manual and semi-automated tasks that remained unaddressed during the Digitisation and Robotics Process Automation (RPA) era. It also overcomes the limitations of RPA technology by automating non-rule-based, complex tasks, expanding the scope of intelligent automation.

Intelligent agents now have the capacity not only to execute tasks but to understand context and collaborate with humans in real time—ushering in a transformative renaissance for consulting.

This newsletter talks about management consulting skills required in contexts where the foundations of AI are in place, i.e. Cloud, Data and AI operating model.

1. Process Excellence & Human-Centric Design

The era of rigid, rule-based automation is giving way to a more flexible, adaptive approach. Modern AI agents can handle routine tasks and interpret complex, changing environments. However, many tasks still demand human oversight because they involve:

• Contextual Judgment: Situations where the right decision depends on subtle, situational factors that an AI might misread.
• Nuanced Decision-Making: Processes that require empathy, ethics, or a deep understanding of human behavior.
• Dynamic Adaptability: Tasks where inputs, user interactions, or even the interface change rapidly, rendering fixed scripts ineffective.

While many advocate for an "AI everywhere" scenario, the reality is that we will continue to have humans in the loop for a considerable time. This makes human-centric AI design of paramount importance.

Consultants specializing in process excellence and human-centric design are reemerging as vital partners for businesses. Their expertise in mapping workflows and embedding a human touch ensures that automation technologies enhance, rather than replace, human ingenuity.

2. Tech Strategy & Enterprise Architecture

The roles of tech strategists and enterprise architects are undergoing a significant transformation. Once focused solely on integrating disparate systems or managing IT infrastructures, they now merge with process consultants to create a seamless, human+AI ecosystem. Their new responsibilities include:

• Architectural Integration: Designing systems that incorporate cutting-edge AI agents while ensuring seamless compatibility with legacy systems.
• Scalability & Governance: Building architectures that scale with the organization and maintain robust oversight and data governance—especially critical in regulated sectors.
• Unified Strategy: Combining technical know-how with insights from process design, these professionals ensure that automation projects are resilient, secure, and truly user-centric.

This convergence signals a new paradigm in enterprise transformation—one that harnesses the full potential of AI by ensuring that technology supports, rather than supersedes, human insight.

3. Strategy & AI Use Case Prioritization

As AI capabilities grow exponentially, so does the pressure on organizations to adopt them in a way that aligns with their strategic objectives and risk profiles. Strategy consultants and AI use case experts now play a critical role by:

• Identifying Opportunities: Scanning across business functions to pinpoint where AI can deliver real value.
• Prioritizing Initiatives: Weighing potential benefits against risk, compliance, and resource constraints to map out a phased implementation roadmap.
• Facilitating Change: Ensuring that the human element remains central, even as technology drives efficiency. This includes training teams, redesigning workflows, and managing shifts in corporate culture.

These experts bridge the gap between vision and execution, guiding organizations from concept to sustainable AI-enhanced operations.

4. Change Management

Beyond technical integration and strategic alignment, the human element remains the linchpin of digital transformation. Many organizations underestimate corporate inertia and the natural human resistance to change. Effective change management is essential to overcome skepticism, foster trust, and drive cultural evolution. Consultants must design robust AI solutions while leading smooth transitions, engaging stakeholders, and promoting a future-ready mindset.

A Unified Method for Digital Transformation

Navigating this dynamic landscape requires a unified methodology. No single approach can address the complex challenges of integrating AI into business processes. Instead, organizations must blend best practices from diverse fields—enterprise architecture, human-centric design thinking, process design, agile methodologies, and more—into one cohesive framework.

This unified approach aligns every facet of digital transformation: from technical integration and process optimization to user experience and change management. By harmonizing these disciplines, businesses foster innovation while preserving the essential human touch that drives meaningful outcomes.

Conclusion

In summary, while many routine tasks can be automated with off-the-shelf AI solutions, the true opportunity lies in creating systems where AI and humans work together. The future of consulting in the age of Agentic AI will be defined by experts who blend process excellence, strategic vision, and technical integration. They are the ones who will drive change by ensuring that AI not only automates but also augments human capabilities.

As organizations embrace this hybrid future, they must remember: technology should serve people, not replace them. It’s the delicate balance between efficiency and empathy—underpinned by a unified, multidisciplinary approach—that will ultimately determine success.

Our Offering at Yagnum

At Yagnum, we coach corporates, GCCs, and consulting firms on how to blend methods to achieve AI First Digital Transformation and Operational Excellence. We help organizations integrate enterprise architecture, human-centric design, process excellence, agile methodologies, and more into a unified strategy that drives sustainable growth. If you're looking to harness the full potential of Agentic AI while preserving the indispensable human element, let’s connect and explore how we can support your transformation journey.