The Hourglass Model: How MBB Are Preserving Judgment While Automating the Middle

The middle of the consulting pyramid is most automatable. Partners still need judgment. Juniors still need learning. But engagement managers? AI bites hardest there.

The Structure

• Preserved partner layer (judgment, relationships)
• Hollowed middle layer (dramatic EM reduction)
• Preserved junior layer (learning via AI)
• AI handles coordination, synthesis, QA

Whos Betting on This

McKinsey, BCG, Bain — premium-driven firms where partner relationships are the core asset.

The Fatal Vulnerability

The missing rung problem. How do juniors become seniors if theres no middle? Career ladder with gaps too wide to jump. Great partners for 5 years, then what?

Best Suited For

Complex strategy, M&A strategy, CEO advisory, novel problems with no playbook.

Read the full analysis on The Business Engineer.