Artificial intelligence is increasingly taking over work traditionally handled by consultants, according to “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary, who says the shift is changing how companies approach outside advice. O’Leary said businesses he invests in are increasingly turning to AI before hiring consultants for specialized work. Companies that once paid consulting firms to analyze issues such as retail distribution strategies, organizational structures and other business decisions can now ask AI systems to perform similar evaluations at a much lower cost. “Even the companies that I invest in that used to use a lot of consultants for very specific vertical situations … are first going to AI, which they can do for a lot cheaper,” O’Leary said. He added that management teams are also testing AI-generated recommendations internally before deciding whether outside advisers are necessary. That shift could put pressure on traditional consulting firms as companies become more comfortable using AI for research, analysis and strategic recommendations. O’Leary said the trend has accelerated significantly as AI tools have become more capable, giving businesses another way to cut costs while accessing specialized analysis. The broader takeaway is that AI is not only automating repetitive work. It is increasingly moving into higher-value knowledge work that has historically supported large consulting businesses.