Brian C Jensen

You elevate management consulting with AI tools that automate analysis, accelerate project execution, and enhance client value. These platforms deliver sharper insights, faster delivery, and competitive differentiation. In this article, you’ll discover best AI-powered tools that are changing how consultants work . By numbering the platforms, you’ll see how each one addresses a specific need in analysis, project oversight, research, and strategy development. IBM Watson, Alteryx, and Databricks – Analytics at Scale AI-driven analytics platforms like IBM Watson, Alteryx, Tableau, and Databricks help you process complex data sets quickly and translate them into actionable insights. You no longer depend on manual data preparation. Natural language query features let you ask questions conversationally, while predictive models generate scenario simulations and forecasts. In practice, these tools allow you to provide faster client diagnostics, competitor benchmarking, and market modeling. They...

Top management consultants lead through precision, discipline, and results-oriented behavior. You can learn critical leadership lessons by studying how they analyze, decide, and drive change.  This article gives you five proven lessons rooted in consulting practice—practices you can implement today to elevate your leadership effectiveness. Each lesson draws from the behavior of consultants who solve high-stakes problems across industries with clarity and consistency. 1. Lead with Structured Thinking Consultants approach leadership with frameworks. You should too. When faced with complexity, consultants break problems down using MECE structures—mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive. They don't start with solutions. They start by clarifying the problem, categorizing variables, and isolating root causes. Whether it’s a supply chain bottleneck or a margin squeeze, they always segment and structure. Adopt this mindset. Before making a decision, ask: What are the drivers? What are...

When you're managing a business in today’s high-volatility supply chain environment, planning for disruption isn’t optional—it’s expected. From blocked canals to cyberattacks to political conflicts, supply chains are exposed in ways that test your company’s financial flexibility. If you want to remain competitive, your financial strategies must do more than respond—they need to anticipate. This article outlines the financial tools, risk mitigation tactics, and operational decisions you can use to stay agile, protect cash flow, and maintain momentum when supply lines break down.  Rethinking Cash Reserves for Disruption Readiness You need to start by reassessing how much liquidity your business holds. Traditional rules of thumb around cash reserves may no longer be enough. In times of uncertainty, keeping 30 to 60 days’ worth of operating expenses available in liquid form gives you room to maneuver—whether that’s buying from alternate suppliers, absorbing price surges, or accelerati...

If you run a business, you already know taxes don’t wait until the end of the year. They’re a constant part of your financial decisions—whether you’re buying equipment, hiring help, or setting aside funds for retirement. A solid tax strategy helps you keep more of what you earn while staying compliant with federal and state rules. And with the right planning, you won’t be stuck scrambling during tax season. This article covers five key strategies you can use year-round to reduce your tax liability, avoid penalties, and strengthen your financial footing as a small business owner. 1. Choosing the Right Business Structure Can Lower Your Tax Bill Your entity type directly affects how you’re taxed—and choosing the right structure can lead to significant savings. Many small businesses start as sole proprietorships or LLCs by default, but that setup might cost you more in self-employment taxes over time. If your business is consistently profitable, electing to be taxed as an S corporation ca...

You already know that giving to charity has value beyond tax deductions—but if you’re thoughtful with your strategy, your generosity can work harder for you. With the right structure, timing, and tools, charitable contributions can significantly reduce your taxable income while supporting causes that matter to you. Whether you're preparing for a high-income year, selling a business, or just looking to align philanthropy with smart financial planning, this guide walks you through practical ways to optimize your tax strategy through charitable giving—so your impact extends beyond the donation. Donate Appreciated Assets, Not Just Cash If you’ve held investments like stocks or mutual funds for more than a year, donating them directly to a qualified charity can give you a double benefit. First, you avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciated value. Second, you can deduct the full fair market value of the asset if you itemize your return. Let’s say you bought $5,000 in stock that’...

Tax law isn’t static—it’s constantly being rewritten, reshaped, and challenged, and the ripple effects hit businesses first. I’ve seen many companies trip over changes that seemed minor but had significant impact on everything from compliance to cash flow. Understanding how tax laws have changed over the last several years—and how they’re expected to change again—is essential for business owners, CFOs, and accounting teams that want to stay ahead. This article walks through the most impactful tax law developments in recent memory, and what businesses should be thinking about as they plan for what’s next. How the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Reshaped Business Taxation The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 changed the corporate tax structure in a way that hadn’t been seen for decades. The corporate tax rate was permanently cut from 35% to 21%, creating immediate financial breathing room for many C-corporations. For businesses organized as pass-through entities—like LLCs, partnerships, and S...