I’m thrilled to sit down with Laurent Giraid, a renowned technologist whose expertise in artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of enterprise software implementation. With a deep focus on machine learning, natural language processing, and the ethical implications of AI, Laurent brings a unique perspective to how AI can revolutionize traditional IT consulting models. Today, we’ll explore how his innovative work is challenging long-standing practices, automating complex business processes, and setting a new standard for efficiency and agility in the industry. Our conversation will dive into the inspiration behind his ventures, the transformative potential of AI agents, and the future of professional services in an AI-driven world.
What inspired you to dive into the world of enterprise software implementations and tackle the challenges head-on with AI?
I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can solve real-world problems, especially in the enterprise space where inefficiencies can cost millions. My journey started when I saw firsthand how much time and resources companies were pouring into software deployments—projects that often dragged on for months due to miscommunication and complexity. I realized that AI, with its ability to process vast amounts of data and learn from patterns, could bridge those gaps. It wasn’t just about automation; it was about enabling businesses to move faster and innovate without being bogged down by technical hurdles. That’s what drove me to focus on this area and build solutions that could fundamentally change the game.
How do AI agents differ from the traditional consulting approaches we’ve seen dominate the industry for decades?
The core difference lies in speed and scalability. Traditional consulting often relies on large teams of human experts, which can be incredibly resource-intensive and slow due to coordination challenges. AI agents, on the other hand, can analyze business requirements, generate configurations, and even troubleshoot issues in real-time, without the back-and-forth that typically delays projects. They handle tasks like creating workflows, setting up forms, and ensuring integrations—all things that usually require multiple consultants. This not only cuts down on time but also significantly reduces costs, making digital transformation accessible to more organizations.
Can you walk us through how AI agents interact with clients by asking clarifying questions during a project?
Absolutely. One of the most powerful features of these AI agents is their ability to engage directly with business stakeholders. For instance, if a process owner uploads a set of requirements that seems incomplete, the AI might ask something like, ‘I notice this workflow has multiple outcomes but only one trigger defined—should there be additional triggers?’ These questions mimic what a seasoned consultant would ask, but they happen instantly. This real-time interaction cuts through delays and ensures that the final output aligns perfectly with the client’s needs, often before they even realize there was a gap in their initial request.
What kind of impact have you seen with early adopters of this AI-driven approach to software implementation?
The results have been pretty staggering. We had a financial services company that was expecting a major service catalog migration to take six months, based on their past experiences with traditional methods. Using AI agents, they completed it in just six weeks. The key was the AI’s ability to handle complex configurations and anticipate issues before they arose, saving countless hours of manual rework. Beyond that, we’ve seen other clients reduce costs by nearly half on similar projects, simply because the AI can manage multiple tasks simultaneously without the overhead of a large consulting team. It’s been a game-changer for them.
What sets your AI technology apart from more general-purpose tools that are already out there in the market?
The distinction comes down to specialization. General-purpose AI tools are great for broad tasks like code suggestions, but they lack the deep, domain-specific knowledge needed for something as intricate as enterprise software platforms. Our AI agents are trained not just on technical documentation but on the nuanced expertise of senior consultants who’ve spent years navigating these systems. They understand the architecture, the best practices, and even the common pitfalls—like knowing which customizations might break during an upgrade. That level of insight makes them far more effective for targeted, complex implementations.
With the consulting market being such a massive industry, how do you envision AI reshaping this space over the long haul?
I believe we’re at the beginning of a seismic shift. The consulting market, valued at over a trillion dollars, has relied on human labor for so long that it’s ripe for disruption. AI agents can handle repetitive, time-consuming tasks at scale, freeing up human consultants to focus on strategic, high-value work. While I don’t think AI will fully replace humans—there will always be a need for oversight and creative problem-solving—I do see it transforming the economics of the industry. Over time, we’ll likely see hybrid models emerge, where AI accelerates delivery and humans provide the final touch. Our goal is to lead that change, whether by competing with or partnering with established firms.
As you look to expand into other enterprise platforms beyond your initial focus, what hurdles do you anticipate, and how are you preparing for them?
Expanding to other platforms is a natural next step, but it comes with challenges. Each system has its own architecture, best practices, and compliance requirements, which means we need to build and train AI agents with platform-specific expertise from the ground up. Reliability is also critical—enterprises can’t afford downtime, so we’re investing heavily in testing to ensure our solutions meet the highest standards. We’re tackling this by collaborating with domain experts for each new platform and leveraging our early successes to build trust. It’s a complex process, but one we’re committed to getting right.
What is your forecast for the future of AI in professional services as a whole?
I think we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible. AI has the potential to redefine not just IT consulting but all professional services—think legal research, financial analysis, or even strategic planning. As we get better at capturing and codifying human expertise into AI systems, we’ll see these tools take on more complex, knowledge-based work. My forecast is that within the next decade, AI will become the backbone of service delivery, acting as a tireless, always-learning partner to human professionals. The organizations that embrace this shift early will gain a massive competitive edge, while those that resist will struggle to keep up. It’s an exciting time to be in this space.
