About this episode

Chad Oakley discusses the current state of the consulting market, focusing on the impact of private equity and AI.

Show Notes: The conversation opens with an overview of the consulting market, mentioning the impact of interest rates, private equity, and AI on the industry. Chad shares his background, including his career at Deloitte Consulting, Bain, and Charles Aris, and the focus of his strategy recruiting practice. Chad explains the shift in Charles Aris's business from Fortune 500 strategy placements to private equity and portfolio companies. He details the types of roles his team places, including general strategy, chief of staff, transformation, and integration roles. Four Phases in the Consulting Industry Chad highlights the growth of private equity and its impact on the consulting market, including the increase in demand for consulting services. Chad outlines the four phases the consulting market has gone through over the past 24 months: downturn, rebound, downturn, and growth. Chad explains the impact of higher interest rates and tariffs on the consulting market, leading to reduced investments and consulting services. AI Growth Phase Chad discusses the rebound in 2025 due to lower interest rates and private equity adapting to the new normal. He highlights the current growth phase…

People in this episode

Host: Will Bachman

Guest: Chad Oakley

Topics covered

• consulting market
• private equity
• AI growth
• strategy recruiting
• candidate-driven market

Keywords

• consulting market
• private equity
• AI
• strategy recruiting
• candidate-driven market

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Deloitte Consulting, Bain, Charles Aris, private equity, AI

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