In today’s AI-driven world, even traditional consulting firms like Boston Consulting Group (BCG) are transforming themselves into tech innovators. Scott Wilder, a partner at BCG based in Dallas, explains how the company is going “all in” on artificial intelligence.
Just over a year ago, BCG set up a dedicated research and development (R&D) lab to build powerful AI tools that support their client work and internal operations. With the rise of tools like ChatGPT, consulting firms are shifting from simply giving advice to actually developing and managing cutting-edge AI solutions.
How BCG is Building AI From the Ground Up
Wilder explains that BCG’s AI development happens across three layers:
1. Data Layer: Focus on Internal Intelligence
The first level is all about data. BCG is now using its own internal, private data—like presentations, documents, and reports—to power AI systems. They’re building AI agents and servers that can access the right information at the right time. This approach focuses on “data intelligence”—where knowing which data to use, and when, is as important as the model itself.
2. Middle Layer: Consultants Turned AI Creators
In the second level, consultants create AI tools while working on client projects. When a tool works well, it’s handed over to the R&D team to be polished and shared with the rest of the firm. This ensures innovations from real-life project work don’t go to waste.
3. Top Layer: Executive-Level Tools for Everyone
At the top layer, firm-wide tools are developed. These include:
- Deckster: A tool trained on hundreds of slide templates to help consultants make presentations quickly.
- Ava: An AI assistant that handles IT, HR, and admin questions internally.
- GENE: A chatbot used for internal communication and public-facing content like podcasts.
So far, BCG has developed around 7–8 high-level tools that serve the entire company.
The Role of Forward-Deployed Consultants
BCG has also created a special team called “forward-deployed consultants.” Inspired by tech companies like Palantir, these experts build custom AI tools directly on client projects. Once built, the best tools are brought back into the R&D lab and added to BCG’s internal marketplace, allowing others to reuse and improve them.
BCG claims to be the top creator of custom GPTs (Generative Pretrained Transformers) in the world, with over 36,000 GPTs built using platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
How BCG Scales Innovation Internally
Once a tool is created, it goes through a strict quality and security process:
- Reviewed by a “red team” to test for vulnerabilities
- Checked by the data protection and legal teams
- Evaluated for information security
Once approved, the tool is added to BCG’s central repository and made available to everyone in the firm. A special AI agent helps employees discover the best tools and data for their needs.
BCG’s AI Culture: Built From the Bottom-Up
Wilder says most of BCG’s innovations come from people working on real-world client cases. Around 80% of their custom GPTs were created by consultants on the front line.
BCG also has an “enablement network” of 1,000 employees from various departments like HR and legal. These employees act as internal trainers and AI champions, sharing updates and gathering feedback from different teams. They meet monthly to exchange ideas, keeping BCG’s AI growth aligned and people-focused.
A Shift Toward Product Thinking
With dedicated product teams, a UX (User Experience) Center of Excellence, and ongoing user feedback, BCG now runs much like a tech product company. Feedback from clients and internal users flows into a crowdsourcing system, ensuring the most useful tools get built and improved.
Wilder puts it simply: “We’re doing all the things you’d expect a product organization to do.”
BCG’s journey shows how even traditional consulting giants are embracing the future by blending strategy with technology.
Through a strong R&D setup, active consultant involvement, and a well-structured feedback loop, BCG is building an AI ecosystem that not only supports its own work but helps clients lead in the digital age. It’s clear that in today’s world, being a tech-driven company isn’t just an option—it’s the way forward.
FAQs
1. What is BCG doing with AI?
BCG is using AI to build custom tools for clients and internal use. They’ve created a dedicated R&D lab and developed over 36,000 GPTs to support their work.
2. What are forward-deployed consultants at BCG?
They are consultants who build AI tools directly during client projects. Their tools are later shared across the firm for reuse and improvement.
3. How does BCG ensure the quality of its AI tools?
Every tool goes through legal, security, and data protection checks. It’s also reviewed by red teams that simulate attacks to find weaknesses.
4. What is Deckster?
Deckster is an AI-powered presentation tool trained on hundreds of BCG slide templates, helping consultants create slides faster and more effectively.
5. Why is BCG focused on a bottom-up approach for AI?
BCG believes most valuable ideas come from consultants working directly with clients. This bottom-up model encourages real-time innovation and practical tool development.
