Atisha is a Principal Consultant in Evalueserve’s Data & Analytics division. She joined Evalueserve Canada in July 2021 and applies her domain knowledge across multiple industries, QSR, Retail, construction & manufacturing are some examples. She is a caffeine craver and loves to spend her time exploring places for the same. Atisha lives by the motto – ‘Make every interaction count, even the small ones – That’s Engagement’
Q: Digitization has been a massive buzzword in consulting for several decades now. How has it impacted your work?
Atisha: Oh, absolutely! You can't talk about consulting without digitization anymore. The new Gen Z class, which entered the workforce at the height of remote work, has only ever known a world where most consulting jobs could operate virtually.
Throughout my career, I've delivered data-driven digital solutions to help clients streamline operations, boost efficiency, and drive innovation. I've used advanced data analytics to harness big data and predictive analytics to forecast trends, identify risks, and develop proactive strategies. These tools help us draw valuable insights previously hidden from structured and unstructured data, enabling better business outcomes for clients.
Clients often turn to consultants to drive digitization because we have a broader view of best practices throughout the industry. It's a powerful way to drive evidence-based decision-making and actual results.
Q: Can you share what digitization means specifically in consulting practices?
Atisha: Consulting has revolutionized the insights we deliver to clients and our internal processes. Clients expect tech-savvy approaches to problem-solving and engagement. With modern AI, analytics, and automation tools, we can access more data in near real-time than ever, enabling us to provide more personalized solutions for clients. We can add value, moving beyond reactive solutions to predictive and prescriptive recommendations. We can also run more innovative digital marketing and client retention campaigns to build a digital brand that sets us apart from competitors and broadens our reach. It's transformative for both us and our clients.
For example, we've seen a rise in digital platforms and virtual collaboration tools, which allow us to connect with clients remotely, conduct virtual workshops, and gather data in real-time to offer data-driven recommendations. Clients can check on project statuses and give input on their own time, allowing my team to be more responsive, pivot quickly when needed, and cut down on lengthy meetings. Collaborative platforms allow for a more agile approach, leading to more tailored, unique solutions for each client situation.
I'm always thinking about ways to remove friction as my team collaborates with clients virtually, whether by changing how we use video conferencing, testing new project management software, or scaling up cloud-based delivery platforms. Even as many have returned to the office, we consultants don't have the luxury of sitting next to each client daily, making smooth collaboration in a digital environment essential.
At Evalueserve, we've also seen the marketing of user-friendly, collaborative platforms like Insightsfirst and Usecasehub attract more attention than traditional services messaging. Our hunch is that when clients see these digital solutions at the core of our service engagements, they are reassured that we are aligned with their digitization efforts and will bring an innovative approach to delivery.
Q: Looking ahead, how do you see the future of consulting evolving with digitization?
Atisha: The future holds immense promise. Over the next two to four years, we will see a deeper integration of emerging technologies—like AI, blockchain, IoT, and augmented reality—into consulting. It's important to note that the advancement of AI doesn't make older tools like robotic process automation (RPA) obsolete. Instead, we're seeing a more comprehensive range of use cases for automation among clients. We now have a more extensive toolbox for data extraction and processing, including intelligent document processing automation (IDPA) and generative AI, to drive efficiencies deeper in the value chain.
Q: What kind of impact will that have on consultants?
Atisha: As we automate routine tasks, consultants have more time for strategic activities. When done well, tech advancements enable more client-centric delivery. It allows us to dive into the business scenario and provide transformational recommendations, not just incremental improvements. And it's not enough to advise. The client will only see results when projects are implemented with proper change management and scaled-up user adoption.
Many say we are entering a period of AI transformation comparable to—or even more impactful than the internet and cloud. Ultimately, we as consultants need to continually adapt and upskill ourselves in technology and business cases to stay relevant.
Q: Given how critical upskilling is in this environment, how should consultants approach it?
Atisha: One of the most essential things consultants can do is embrace continuous learning. Whether it's mastering data analytics, AI-powered tools, or understanding the emerging use cases for blockchain technology, we need to stay ahead of the curve. As business models evolve and technology disrupts traditional practices, upskilling will give consultants a competitive edge and enable them to offer innovative solutions to clients.
Q: How have you personally stayed relevant in this digitized consulting world?
Atisha: I've focused on acquiring digital skills. I stay current on technology trends, understand how digital tools can enhance our services, and have built expertise in data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital strategy. I can better guide my clients through digital transformation by expanding my digital capabilities.
But like I said before, it's not just the technical skills that matter. Communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and creativity are all essential to thrive in a digital world. Developing these soft skills allows consultants to navigate the complexities of digitization and collaborate effectively with clients and colleagues. These skills are crucial to driving successful outcomes.
Q: To wrap up, what's your take on the future of digitization in consulting with the rise of emerging technologies like generative AI?
Atisha: With each new wave of technology, digitization will continue to redefine the consulting industry. We will find new ways to drive efficiency, increase client engagement, and unlock avenues for growth. Consultants must embrace it not as a threat to traditional ways of working but as a chance to innovate. Staying agile and open-minded will allow us to position ourselves as trusted advisors who deliver sustainable business results. In today's rapidly changing environment, adapting to digitization, whether using generative AI or what comes next, is not optional—it's essential.
