How is the consulting industry changing as technology, AI, and new buyer expectations reshape the market?
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton speaks with Amber Salley, Founder and Managing Director of the Amber Salley Advisory Group, about the changing consulting landscape and what supply chain leaders should consider when hiring outside expertise.
With experience as a practitioner at IBM, consultant at Booz & Company and Accenture, Gartner analyst, and vendor executive, Amber shares her perspective on why traditional consulting models are under pressure, how AI is accelerating existing changes, and why specialization matters more than ever.
Listeners will learn why companies are moving toward smaller technology investments, faster results, and decision-focused advisory support. Amber also discusses how consulting firms must adapt, the future of outcomes-based pricing, and why organizations should evaluate partners based on their ability to deliver measurable value quickly.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:19) Meet Amber Salley
(03:14) How Amber Salley’s career shaped her consulting perspective
(08:47) Why specialized supply chain expertise matters
(16:16) What is changing in the consulting model?
(23:16) Why buyers are moving toward faster technology wins
(28:39) How consulting firms must rethink software partnerships
(33:08) Can outcomes-based pricing become the future of consulting?
(36:36) What should SMB operators ask before hiring consultants?
(43:12) Why companies should avoid layering AI onto outdated foundations
(49:53) Where to connect with Amber Salley
Additional Links & Resources:
This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/how-choose-right-supply-chain-consultant-1623
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