The Consulting Industry is Changing—Here’s Why That Matters

A Shift in the Consulting Landscape

Many companies are rethinking their approach to consulting. For years, organizations invested heavily in large firms expecting transformational outcomes—only to end up with slide decks, high costs, and slow progress. Now, a broader shift is underway.

Some of the world’s largest consultancies are reporting slowed growth, restructuring, and reduced demand for traditional advisory services:

• Accenture is reducing its workforce by 19,000 amid a need for operational streamlining. (Business Insider)

• EY has announced cuts to 150 senior consulting roles. (The Times)

• Deloitte posted a 2.4% revenue drop for the 2023–24 fiscal year. (AFR)

• PwC reported a 25.9% income decline during the same period. (AFR)

These are not isolated events—they signal a broader industry transformation. Organizations are moving away from high-cost, low-impact consultancies and turning toward specialized, execution-focused partners.

Why Big Consulting Firms Are Losing Ground

A Desire for Outcomes, Not Just Advice

While strategy remains important, organizations increasingly expect tangible results. In a 2024 survey, 84% of senior executives said top-tier firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain provided minimal hands-on support during transformation projects. (The Times) Strategy without execution is no longer enough.

Leaner Teams, Smarter Spending

Large firms often staff engagements with layered teams and inflated billable hours. A Harvard Business Review report found that big consulting firms can charge 3–5x the salary equivalent of their employees. Clients are taking notice—and looking for alternatives that deliver similar or better results with smaller, more focused teams.

Technical Depth Matters

Digital transformation efforts frequently falter because technical complexity is underestimated. Engineering.com reports that over two-thirds of transformation initiatives fall short of their goals, often due to lack of execution support. Strategy without the capability to implement doesn’t move the needle.

Cookie-Cutter Approaches Are Losing Relevance

One-size-fits-all playbooks have been the default for years. But today, companies are asking harder questions about whether a templated approach can address their unique challenges. Forbes highlights a growing demand for tailored consulting solutions, especially in technology and product development.

The Rise of Specialized, Execution-Focused Firms

In response, a different consulting model is gaining traction. Boutique firms—often started by former consultants and engineers—are intentionally lean, multidisciplinary, and execution-oriented.

These firms emphasize:

• Senior-level engagement throughout the project lifecycle

• Integrated teams that blend strategy, design, and development

• Faster feedback loops and lower overhead

• Direct accountability from planning through implementation

Firms like Callibrity represent this evolving model. With deep experience in software delivery and product strategy, they reflect what many clients now prioritize: a focus on doing, not just advising.

A New Era of Consulting

As the consulting industry continues to evolve, companies are becoming more selective about where—and how—they engage external support. The emphasis is shifting from prestige to performance, from scale to specialization, and from theory to practice.

This doesn’t mean large consultancies are going away. But it does mean the expectations for what makes a valuable partner are changing. Firms that can combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution—and do so efficiently—are becoming the preferred choice for organizations navigating complex digital challenges.