As AI reshapes industries at an unprecedented pace, Louis-David Benyayer, associate professor at ESCP Business School and a leading researcher and strategist at the intersection of AI, digital transformation, and knowledge work, joins us on this podcast to discuss what it means for the consulting, education, and knowledge work industries.
In this episode, Louis helps us explore how Generative AI has the potential to go much beyond automating tasks and fundamentally shifting business models in two very key industries: Consulting and Professional Education.
He emphasizes that "AI will likely not replace human expertise but amplify the best experts. " He also states that hybridizing humans and technology allows for deeper insights and more significant impact.

During the episode, Louis-David shares tangible examples from his experience of how these industries are evolving: consulting firms moving away from traditional billable hours toward subscription-based and modular services and universities looking to redefine their role in a world where knowledge is highly accessible, among others.
He also highlights how AI amplifies expert consultants while commoditizing baseline knowledge and explores why the most skilled professionals benefit from AI’s evolution.
So, if you’re a consultant, educator, or customer looking to interpret and navigate the complex landscape shifts due to AI, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Highlights
👉 AI is transforming consulting and education, not just by automating tasks but by reshaping business models.
👉 Expertise is more valuable than ever, as AI commoditizes basic knowledge. The best consultants and educators will leverage AI as a tool to enhance their impact.
👉 Having a framework isn’t enough - expertise matters. The Blue Ocean Strategy, for example, has been around for decades, but applying it effectively in real business scenarios requires deep expertise. Similarly, AI can generate insights, but knowing how to act on them is what creates value.
👉 Human decision-making remains critical in strategy, as AI can optimize known processes but cannot redefine markets, make trade-offs, or drive transformative change.
👉 Universities must rethink their core value, as knowledge becomes freely available. The future of education lies in curated learning, human interaction, and critical thinking.
👉 Soft skills will be the true differentiator in a world where AI can handle hard skills. Emotional intelligence, facilitation, relationship-building, and navigating human dynamics will become even more essential in consulting and education.
👉 The future of knowledge work is hybrid, blending AI-powered efficiency with human creativity, expertise, and leadership. The challenge is not whether to use AI, but when and how to integrate it effectively.

Topics /chapters
(00:00) GenAI and The End of Consulting as We Know it - intro
(00:57) Louis-David Benyayer Introduction
(06:20) Is it the end of consulting?
(11:36) How do you Operationalize the future of Consulting with GenAI
(16:57) Human Expertise in AI
(21:33) Is GenAI meant for lazy companies?
(38:42) Should Universities re-think it’s fundamental purpose?
(44:41) Hybridization between Humans and Tools

Remember that you can always find transcripts and key highlights of the episode on our website: https://www.boundaryless.io/podcast/Benyayer-Louis-David/

Episode recorded on Feb 06, 2025

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Music
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#116 - GenAI and The End of Consulting as We Know it - with Louis-David Benyayer

Clark Reiner's illustrious career spanning nearly three decades in international business development and consulting is marked by a series of strategic roles that have leveraged his deep understanding of global markets. His professional journey is highlighted by his tenure from 2016 to 2017 in Malta and Spain, where he founded and successfully ran a family office, showcasing his ability to establish robust operations in new markets.

Before his European ventures, Clark was a key figure in London from 2011 to 2015 at a privately held oil and gas company. He was critical in advancing midstream operations and facilitating joint ventures across diverse regions, including Trinidad, Tobago, Iraq, Louisiana, and Eastern Texas. His strategic initiatives drove significant expansion and strengthened the company's international footprint.

One of Clark's most impactful projects was his leadership in the planning and execution of the Basra Sports City Complex in Iraq. This endeavor, undertaken through Newport Global—a consulting firm he co-founded—resulted in a $550 million development that became a landmark project in post-Saddam Iraq, with the central stadium opening in 2013.

Clark's influence was profound in New York as Vice President at Mahler & Emerson Inc., a Broker Dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm, from 2002 to 2009. His leadership in client relations, rations, and compliance was pivotal. Additionally, he served as a consultant for Allied Investment House in Abu Dhabi, orchestrating $80 million in debt financing for the Dubai Lifestyle City project—a sprawling real estate development of over 4.15 million square feet. His consulting prowess also extended to critical financial and technological advisory roles across the Middle East.

Clark's initial forays into the professional world were in the shipping industry with New World Charter, focusing on business development for dry bulk commodities. His career began earnestly as Vice President at The Bull & Bear Group Inc., with subsequent advanced roles in the Global Wealth Management division at Goldman Sachs in New York.

Clark's educational path was as international as his professional life. He completed an MBA at UCLA's Anderson School of Business in 2002, working simultaneously as an analyst at Fox Media and 20th Century Fox Films. His undergraduate studies spanned prestigious institutions, including the University of Cape Town, the University of Chang Mai in Thailand, L'institute Catholique in Paris, and Caius and Gonville College at Cambridge University. They culminated in a Middlebury College BA specializing in African Economic Development and Asian Cultural Studies.

Complementing his professional and academic achievements, Clark has a significant record of philanthropic engagement. He has been involved in teaching projects in Kenya and has supported a Catholic charity in France, assisting health-afflicted pilgrims for over a decade. His philanthropic reach extends to supporting the Naval War College Foundation and The Island School in the Bahamas.

Clark B Reiner's lifelong passion for sailing manifests in his participation in numerous prestigious global ocean races, reflecting his commitment to excellence and adventure in his professional and personal endeavors.

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