In this episode, Barry Eustance speaks with Mark Blackwell about the growing role of AI in consulting, and why human leadership remains central to successful organisational change.
While artificial intelligence offers powerful tools for data management and strategic modelling, both Barry and Mark Blackwell emphasise that real transformation depends on people.
They explore how consultants can use AI to enhance their work - but not replace human judgement, empathy, or cultural understanding.
They discuss the importance of human elements in implementing strategies, the need for agility in a rapidly changing environment, and the role of consultants in guiding organisations through transformation.
The conversation emphasises that while AI can enhance processes, the core of successful change lies in engaging people and fostering a culture of collaboration and understanding.
Key insights from this conversation:
• Why AI is an adjunct to consulting, not a replacement
• The true bottleneck in strategy: embedding and implementation
• Why strategy must be treated as an ongoing, adaptive process
• How cultural context and human responses shape outcomes
• Why autonomy, mastery, and purpose matter more than ever
• The importance of involving people at all levels in designing strategy
• What a symbiotic future for AI and human consultants looks like
For SME leaders, consultants, and transformation professionals who want to:
• Integrate AI into strategic and change management work
• Build agile, people-centred change strategies
• Avoid common pitfalls in strategy execution
• Strengthen organisational culture while embracing new technologies
Further learning and development:
People, Change Management & Leadership Framework Course
https://sixsess.org/training/people-change-management-leadership-framework-course/
Sound Bites
"Strategy is an everyday thing."
"The computer says no response."
"AI can help us manage complexity."
Useful Links:
The Sixsess Consultancy: https://sixsess.org/about-us/
Arkaro Consulting (Mark Blackwell): https://arkaro.com
Hilary Scarlett's: Neuroscience for Organisational Change:
https://www.koganpage.com/hr-learning-development/neuroscience-for-organizational-change-9781398621282
Julie Hodges:
People-Centric Organizational Change:
https://www.koganpage.com/hr-learning-development/people-centric-organizational-change-9781398612556
Managing and Leading People Through Organisational Change:
https://www.koganpage.com/hr-learning-development/managing-and-leading-people-through-organizational-change-9781398621480
Barry, Hilary & Julie's Podcast How Great Organisations Master Change:
https://youtu.be/aDKgp2mk164
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI and Consulting
03:27 The Role of AI in Strategy Development
06:14 The Human Element in Strategy Execution
09:19 Balancing AI and Human Intelligence
11:56 Understanding Change Management
15:07 The SCARF and SPACES Models
18:32 The Importance of Team Involvement in Strategy
22:24 The Future of AI in Consulting
25:47 Conclusion: Agility, Implementation, and People
Keywords
AI, consulting, strategy, change management, human elements, neuroscience, organisational change, implementation, agility, transformation, the future of consulting, will AI kill consulting, AI and consulting

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Barry