This consulting firm is making bespoke AI apps to replace the PowerPoint pitch

Consulting firm West Monroe has shifted away from traditional PowerPoint presentations, introducing AI-powered apps in client meetings instead. The company's chief AI officer, Bret Greenstein, shared that his firm has replaced slide decks with custom applications designed to illustrate AI-driven solutions and how they could benefit clients.

West Monroe, founded in Chicago in 2002 and employing around 2,000 people, has implemented this strategy since January 2023, using the approach for roughly a third of initial client conversations. The app-first approach aims to streamline the process by combining presentations with pilot projects into a single, tangible demonstration.

For instance, when working with a telecommunications firm on supply chain efficiency, West Monroe employed AI to gather public data on the client's suppliers, priorities, and technology stack. Using supply chain expertise, the team then developed a tailored prototype incorporating the client's branding and synthetic data. Although the demo isn't a final product, it is designed to give clients a clear understanding of how AI could transform their operations.

The team relies on various AI tools, such as ChatGPT Work and Codex, Claude Code, Google AI Studio, and Antigravity, to expedite the development process. Before adopting the app-first strategy, building a similar prototype would have taken about eight weeks. Now, the team can create the initial demo in around an hour. West Monroe maintains an internal app store with over 700 apps and templates used in multiple client engagements.

This allows the firm to adapt and reuse examples, saving time and effort. By moving the conversation towards practical outcomes like data readiness and worker integration, West Monroe's approach aims to focus on the real value of AI for businesses. Greenstein emphasized that clients care more about tangible results than AI advancements for their own sake.