AI is transforming the way people work, but how can organizations help employees integrate it into their daily workflows? Boston Consulting Group (BCG) believes the key is exploration, enabling employees across all functions to experiment with AI, upskill through dedicated programs like the GenAI Academy, and discover smarter, more efficient ways of working.
AI won’t replace humans, but those who leverage it will help to set the pace for the future. At BCG, equipping teams with the skills and tools to harness AI’s full potential and to drive innovation is a high priority.
To showcase AI’s real-world impact, we spoke with Alex and Mallory, participants in BCG’s GenAI Champion program, about how they are applying AI in consulting and HR compliance.
Here are five key takeaways from their journey.
1. Embracing GenAI is a journey of innovation
Alex: Over the past year and a half, I’ve been deeply involved in GenAI projects. When ChatGPT was first introduced, we approached it cautiously, ensuring it could be used securely. I was part of an early trial group testing how to implement this technology responsibly.
Fast forward to today, and GenAI is seamlessly integrated into BCG’s workflows. Personally, I use it daily for everything from drafting emails and creating slides to conducting research and automating routine tasks. Tools like our custom GPT models and other LLMs leveraged have transformed how we work, reducing the toil, and enabling us to focus on strategic activities.
Mallory: I specialize in HR Compliance, ensuring we hire with integrity and prioritize the well-being of employees and client relationships. For eight years, I built autonomous systems to streamline operations but was constrained by time-consuming formal training. GenAI shattered those limits. In 2024, I rapidly adopted LLMs, mastering new skills on the spot, from advanced Excel functions and Python coding to refined communications. Now, as part of the GenAI squad at our Atlanta office, I empower teams to embrace AI, driving efficiency and unlocking creative potential. This journey has redefined what’s possible!
2. GenAI is already reshaping day-to-day work in meaningful ways
Alex: Internally I have created and deployed multiple GPTs, each designed to streamline different aspects of our internal workflows. One example is the email drafting GPT, which generates polished, BCG-style emails ready for quick review and sending. It has rapidly become one of the firm’s most popular custom GPT, helping to quickly manage emails with routine correspondence and leaving us with more time to connect with our clients and analyze data.
Mallory: An unexpected way I use AI is to help me stay focused in a world full of distractions. I start my day with a cup of coffee and a chat with my custom LLM. It’s my go-to for offloading tasks that have been weighing on me, especially those I’ve unintentionally put off until the last minute. Together, we break these tasks into manageable steps and set mini deadlines, keeping me on track and accountable.
This daily practice helps me manage emails, Slack messages, and meetings without losing sight of my bigger goals. My LLM acts like a business partner or assistant, helping me prioritize effectively and transition seamlessly between projects, so I can work more intentionally and stay focused.
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3. AI-centered programs like GenAI Champions foster essential growth and community
Alex: Being a GenAI Champion has been a highlight of my time at BCG. It’s a network of over 1,200 BCGers who champion GenAI enablement across the firm. As a member, I’ve led training sessions, organized events, and worked with colleagues globally to share best practices.
One of the most exciting parts has been witnessing how the program has grown: from an idea on a slide to a thriving network that supports GenAI adoption across BCG. It’s inspiring to connect with like-minded colleagues and help others discover how GenAI can transform their work.
Mallory: Being a GenAI Champion has profoundly shaped my career by pushing me to grow in three key areas:
First, public speaking. Through leading presentations, facilitating global GenAI sessions, and speaking at all-staff meetings, I’ve significantly enhanced my confidence and verbal communication skills. These experiences have helped me clearly articulate ideas and engage audiences effectively.
Second, professional branding. The visibility I’ve gained through this program has strengthened my presence within the organization and allowed me to establish a personal brand built on leadership, innovation, and a forward-thinking mindset.
Finally, building lasting connections. The relationships I’ve formed through this journey have been invaluable. Working alongside a global network of professionals has exposed me to diverse perspectives that I am grateful to have.
4. Together, we can overcome challenges and ensure responsible AI use
Alex: Accountability is essential. GenAI, like any tool, is only as good as the person using it. At BCG, we have robust guardrails and training programs to ensure responsible use. For example, our Responsible AI team oversees internal implementations, ensuring they adhere to strict ethical standards.
We also emphasize human oversight. Every output from a GenAI tool is reviewed and validated to ensure accuracy and alignment with our values. By fostering a culture of accountability, we ensure that GenAI enhances, not replaces, human judgment.
Mallory: Implementing GenAI at BCG has required both creativity and a mindset shift. A key challenge has been identifying high impact use cases within a role. By refining my prompts and embracing experimentation, I’ve uncovered innovative ways to integrate GenAI into my workflows while reinforcing the importance of responsible AI adoption. One proud moment was handling a last-minute, non-routine request: using a LLM to guide me through learning a new platform on the fly. Not only did I complete the task quickly and securely, but I also expanded my own capabilities in real time. This journey has proven that with intentional practice and problem solving skills, we can push boundaries while maintaining integrity.
5. GenAI is the future
Alex: I see GenAI reshaping consulting in three key ways.
First, it allows us to spend more time collaborating with clients. With routine tasks automated, we can focus on tailoring our recommendations and iterating with clients to ensure our solutions truly meet their needs.
Second, it’s making consulting more sustainable. Time savings mean we can balance high-quality work with personal well-being, making consulting a more enjoyable career in the long term.
Finally, GenAI expands what we’re capable of achieving. It not only helps us work more efficiently but also enables us to tackle tasks we couldn’t before, like using advanced tools with greater ease.
Mallory: GenAI is the future, with people at the forefront of its growth and potential. I’ve enjoyed connecting with others who share enthusiasm for AI, knowing that its evolution depends on those who actively learn, experiment, and drive innovation. Being a Gen AI Champion, I’ve seen how collaboration and shared knowledge accelerate AI adoption, turning it into a powerful tool for unlocking new possibilities. The future of GenAI is not just about technology; it thrives with people who embrace it, ensuring AI remains a force for progress, creativity, and human potential.
As Alex and Mallory’s experiences show, GenAI is about being curious and developing new skills. BCG is enabling all employees to embrace AI and all BCGers have access to GenAI tools and the GenAI Academy.
“Stay curious and stay critical,” Alex says. “GenAI is evolving quickly, so experiment with tools and stay informed about their capabilities and limitations. GenAI is a powerful partner, but it’s up to each of us to ensure it’s used responsibly and creatively. Whether you’re drafting emails, building client solutions, or exploring new applications, the potential to innovate is endless.”
And with GenAI Champions leading the charge, the future of AI-driven work is brighter than ever.
