Certinia And Spaulding Ridge On AI, ROI, And Services Teams

How is AI really changing professional services work today, beyond the demos, predictions, and LinkedIn hype?

In today's episode, I'm joined by DJ Paoni, CEO of Certinia, and Jay Laabs, CEO of Spaulding Ridge, to discuss how AI is already being used inside services organizations to improve project delivery, resource planning, workforce optimization, and client outcomes.

DJ shares what a hybrid workforce of people and AI agents looks like in practice. Rather than thinking of AI as a search bar, he explains why services firms should think of agents as specialized colleagues that can handle repeatable tasks, draft project blueprints, support configuration work, and help teams deliver faster without losing the human judgment clients still rely on.

Jay brings the adoption reality from the consulting front line. He explains why the biggest barrier is rarely the technology itself, but the processes, incentives, data models, and cultural habits wrapped around it. The most successful firms are moving away from broad experimentation and focusing on specific business problems where AI can deliver clear ROI.

We also discuss the risks of rushing in without a plan. From disconnected AI agents creating a "spaghetti web" across the enterprise to teams automating broken workflows, DJ and Jay share practical warnings for leaders who want AI to create value without adding another layer of complexity.

This episode offers a clear look at what is working, what is failing, and what needs to change as professional services firms rethink billable hours, project economics, and the role of human expertise in an AI-enabled workplace.

Are services firms ready to measure success by outcomes rather than hours, and what will that mean for the future of consulting?