AI Develops PowerPoint Presentations at McKinsey, Taking Over Tasks from Entry-Level Employees

Published: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 6:57 am

McKinsey's AI Platform, Lilli, Automates Tasks, Reshaping Consulting Roles

McKinsey & Company is leveraging its proprietary AI platform, Lilli, to automate tasks traditionally handled by junior employees, according to a recent Bloomberg interview with Kate Smaje, McKinsey's global head of technology and AI. The platform, named after the firm's first female employee, allows consultants to generate PowerPoint presentations, prepare project proposals, and research industry trends with simple prompts.

Lilli, used by over 75% of McKinsey's 43,000 employees monthly, is trained on the firm's vast intellectual property, including over 100,000 documents and interviews. This allows consultants to access and synthesize information more efficiently, saving them an estimated 30% of the time previously spent on these tasks. McKinsey employees use Lilli an average of 17 times per week.

While Lilli is taking over tasks typically assigned to junior analysts, Smaje clarified that McKinsey doesn't necessarily plan to reduce hiring. Instead, the focus is shifting towards enabling junior employees to focus on more valuable client-facing activities. This mirrors a broader trend in the consulting industry, with competitors like Bain and Boston Consulting Group also utilizing AI tools like Sage and Deckster.

This shift is not unique to consulting. IBM, for example, has replaced hundreds of human resources staff with AI, reallocating resources to programmers and salespeople. A report from SignalFire highlights a decline in new graduate hires at big tech companies, suggesting AI is impacting entry-level roles across various sectors.

BNN's Perspective: This trend highlights the evolving nature of work in the age of AI. While the technology offers significant efficiency gains, it also raises questions about the future of entry-level positions and the skills required for success. It's crucial for individuals and organizations to adapt by focusing on developing skills that complement AI, such as critical thinking, strategic analysis, and client relationship management.

Keywords: McKinsey, AI, Lilli, PowerPoint, automation, consulting, junior employees, Kate Smaje, technology, business, presentation, AI platform, McKinsey & Company, artificial intelligence, job market, entry-level jobs, consulting firms, business analysis, IBM, SignalFire

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