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McKinsey Chief Says AI and Geopolitics Demand Could Usher In a 'Golden Age' for Consulting

July 15, 2026 at 03:36 EDT

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Sales & Business

McKinsey & Co. Global Managing Partner Bob Sternfels said the consultancy stands on the edge of a possible "golden age," arguing that surging corporate demand for help with artificial intelligence, geopolitical instability and the energy transition could drive a new wave of growth for the firm.

McKinsey & Co. · The AI Pivot

A Bet on a Consulting "Golden Age"

Managing Partner Bob Sternfels argues that surging AI demand, geopolitical instability and the energy transition could power a new wave of growth — even as generative AI reshapes the profession itself.

75%+

of staff now use the Lilli AI platform

1.5M

research hours saved in six months

2.5M

data charts generated over the period

~25%

of revenue now tied to outcome-based billing

Humans vs. AI Agents at McKinsey

Early 2026 headcount — agents (~25,000) could match human employees (~40,000) by year-end.

40,000

Human employees

~25,000

AI agents

The "25 Squared" Reshuffle

A deliberate shift in where the workforce sits.

+25%

Expand client-facing roles

−25%

Trim back-office & research teams

Why Lilli Sets the Firm Apart

40+ years of case studies & research

→

Retrieval-augmented AI (Lilli)

→

Faster drafts, decks & synthesis — data kept confidential

The Opportunity

Agent-driven productivity feeds bigger transformation deals
Dedicated geopolitics practice for unstable clients
AI adoption soars, but firms struggle to act on it

The Risk

AI reports with hallucinations & fabricated citations
Reported security incident exposing Lilli logs
Human judgment still essential for final calls

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