Former McKinsey associate Anirban Kundu says AI can't replace consultants, who serve as confidants and allies to CEOs, offering emotional support beyond data and strategy.
As AI continues to transform industries and raise worries of job replacements, a former McKensey associate took it to his LinkedIn account to share an experience. After working for over two years in the company, he observed that consultants bring much ore to the table than just analytics.
According to Anirban Kundu, who holds an MBA from the Indian School of Business, the real strength of a consultant lies in their ability to connect on a human level, something machines can’t replicate.
He introduced the 'TAG' framework to describe what true consulting should look like: being a Therapist, Ally, and Guide to CEOs. “True consulting is being the TAG team partner (Therapist, Ally, Guide) for the CEO,” he wrote.
Kundu also shared a personal experience. He recalls how a senior McKensey partner flew every month just to attend the 'pooja' held by the CEO client. In another instance, the partner became the 'relationship advisor' to a CEO going through a divorce case.
He asserts that consultants bring emotional trust which cannot be brought by a machine or code. “Trust wasn’t built through slides or recommendations, but through the strength of companionship. No code can code this. That CEO is always going to come to you,” he noted.
Kundu also touched upon the often-overlooked loneliness that top leaders face. “A CEO’s journey is deeply lonely, particularly when undertaking bold change. You can’t share everything with everyone,” he said, adding that consultants often serve as essential sounding boards.
Beyond emotional support, consultants provide vital advocacy in high-stakes environments like boardrooms. “Even the sharpest CEO can struggle to convince a skeptical board. That’s why CEOs need allies in the boardroom, people who can help push their agenda forward with credibility and conviction,” he explained.
