McKinsey uses AI for junior consultant tasks like proposals and slides

New York — McKinsey & Company is increasingly utilizing generative artificial intelligence (AI) to automate tasks traditionally performed by junior consultants, such as drafting proposals and creating PowerPoint slides. The firm's proprietary AI platform, Lilli, is at the center of this transformation, enabling employees to streamline workflows while maintaining data security.

Key Points:

• AI Adoption: McKinsey consultants are using generative AI to handle routine tasks, reducing the workload for junior employees.
• Proprietary Platform: Employees can only input confidential client data into Lilli, McKinsey's internal AI platform, which aggregates the firm's knowledge base. This ensures data security and compliance.
• External Tools Restricted: While employees have access to public AI tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT, they are prohibited from using them for client-related work due to confidentiality concerns.
• Expert Insight: Kate Smaje, McKinsey's global leader of technology and AI, emphasized the platform's role in reshaping how consultancies operate.

Implications for the Consulting Industry:

• Efficiency Gains: AI adoption allows firms to allocate human resources to higher-value tasks, improving productivity.
• Workforce Impact: Junior roles may evolve as AI takes over repetitive tasks, requiring upskilling in AI management and strategic thinking.
• Competitive Edge: Firms leveraging AI effectively could gain an advantage in delivering faster, data-driven insights to clients.

Source: Bloomberg