The consulting profession is in a state of disruption. Artificial intelligence, digital transformation, shifting client expectations, and the ongoing turbulence of global events are reshaping the way consultants must work to deliver value. Every client I speak with is asking harder questions: What exactly will this engagement deliver? How will we measure success? What are the ethical guardrails? These aren’t peripheral concerns anymore—they are at the very center of our work.
At the same time, the profession itself faces an identity challenge. The low barrier to entry means that anyone can call themselves a consultant. For clients, that makes it difficult to distinguish between individuals offering opinions and professionals who bring tested methods, proven experience, and a clear commitment to ethical practice. If we, as consultants, want to remain relevant and trusted, we have to be intentional about how we differentiate ourselves.
This is why professional standards matter. They aren’t just about compliance—they are about reinforcing credibility and strengthening the trust between client and consultant. The ISO 20700 standard for management consulting services is a powerful example. It doesn’t prescribe the content of the advice; rather, it clarifies how a consulting project should be managed from beginning to end. It provides a transparent framework so that both consultant and client have a shared understanding of purpose, roles, and outcomes. That kind of clarity prevents misunderstandings, reduces friction, and ultimately makes it easier to deliver real results.
The Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation complements this by focusing on the consultant as a professional. It signals that you have been assessed by your peers against rigorous global standards, that you adhere to a code of ethics, and that you are committed to ongoing development. In other words, ISO 20700 helps ensure the project is managed well, and CMC demonstrates that the professional leading it is competent and accountable. Together, they set consultants apart at a time when differentiation is more critical than ever.
As I reflect on these forces of disruption—whether it’s AI changing how we gather and synthesize information, or clients demanding more transparency and measurable outcomes—I find myself asking: how do we continue to create value when so much of the landscape is shifting? For me, the answer lies in anchoring our work in professional standards. They don’t eliminate uncertainty, but they provide a compass we can use to navigate it.
This is exactly the discussion we’ll be having in our upcoming CMC-Canada webinar. I’ll be exploring how the dynamics of the profession are changing, what consultants can do to remain trusted and impactful, and how ISO 20700 and the CMC designation can serve as essential tools in this environment. Every registrant will also receive a complimentary copy of my book, Consulting through Uncertainty – A Global Perspective, which dives deeper into these issues and explores how we can strengthen our profession for the future.
The consulting profession has always adapted to change—but the pace and scope of disruption today means we need to be even more deliberate about how we respond. I invite you to join me for this conversation and to think about what role you want to play in shaping the future of consulting.
