In the mythology of power, the consigliere has always been a figure of intrigue. Not the leader themselves, but the trusted counselor—the one who whispers in the don’s ear, sees angles others miss, and steers the organization through peril and opportunity alike.
In business today, a new version of this archetype has emerged: the Tech & AI Consiglieri. Their rise says much about the age we live in. Technology is no longer just a utility. Artificial intelligence is no longer just a science project. Together they represent both the greatest opportunity and the greatest risk to every enterprise.
But just as in the old stories, the exact role of the consigliere depends on who the don is.
When the Don Is the IT Leader
In organizations with a strong CIO or CTO, the Consiglieri does not replace them. Instead, they serve as a force multiplier—an auxiliary brain, a sparring partner, and, at times, a chief of staff.
Technology leaders often find themselves pulled in two directions: the relentless demands of operations on one side, and the high expectations of strategy and innovation on the other. The Consiglieri helps balance the load. They act as sounding board for big bets on cloud, data, or AI initiatives. They help translate executive strategy into technical roadmaps, and technical realities back up to the board.
Crucially, they give the CIO or CTO space to think. In a world of nonstop meetings, vendor pitches, and firefighting, that space is often the rarest commodity of all.
The result is a healthier, sharper IT leader—one who is better equipped to execute on vision without being ground down by the weight of day-to-day complexity.
When the Don Is the CEO
But what about the far more common scenario—especially in midsize companies—where no CIO or CTO exists? Here, the consigliere role is even more vital.
In these organizations, the CEO is the don. And while they may be brilliant at finance, operations, or growth strategy, they are often flying blind when it comes to technology. They know it’s critical. They sense the competitive threats. But they lack the depth to challenge vendors, separate hype from reality, or chart a coherent course.
The Consiglieri becomes their tech extension: a trusted proxy who brings clarity, foresight, and independent judgment.
In board meetings, they can explain why a flashy AI demo may not align with the company’s data maturity. In budgeting sessions, they can lay out the trade-offs between building in-house and buying off-the-shelf. In strategic discussions, they can highlight how competitors are weaponizing digital tools in ways that could erode market share.
It is, in effect, like giving the CEO night-vision goggles in a dark forest. What once felt like guesswork becomes a guided path.
Independence as a Superpower
Whether the don is the CIO or the CEO, independence is what makes a Consiglieri invaluable.
MSPs, vendors, and integrators all have agendas. Their advice may be competent, but it is never disinterested—they make money from keeping workloads in their lane, selling their software, or staffing their own projects.
The Consiglieri, by contrast, has no dog in those fights. Their sole loyalty is to the enterprise outcome. They can say: “Don’t buy that system, it’s too big for you.” Or: “Invest now, because the payback window is closing.” That freedom to speak uncomfortable truths, without financial conflict, is precisely what earns them trust.
AI Raises the Stakes
Artificial intelligence has only made the role more critical.
Every executive today is bombarded with AI headlines: it will double productivity, it will destroy jobs, it will create billion-dollar fortunes. The noise is deafening. The risk of chasing hype—or worse, stumbling into regulatory, ethical, or reputational pitfalls—is high.
A Consiglieri provides a calm, seasoned perspective. They assess whether the company even has the data infrastructure to support AI projects. They spot where automation could free employees for higher-value work. They push back when vendors overpromise.
And perhaps most importantly, they ensure AI is pursued in a way that aligns with strategy rather than derails it.
ROI in the Real World
The impact is measurable.
For CIOs, having a Consiglieri often means initiatives land more successfully. Digital transformations that once got mired in resistance move faster. New technologies are adopted in ways that resonate with the culture. The IT leader’s credibility rises as a result.
For CEOs, the ROI is even clearer. A single wise decision on ERP, CRM, or AI deployment can save millions—or unlock growth avenues that more than justify the investment. Choosing not to pursue a misguided project can itself be a form of value creation.
Again, the Consiglieri is not there to run servers or code models. They are there to prevent blind spots, sharpen judgment, and ultimately protect and grow enterprise value.
The Human Side of Transformation
Beyond the balance sheets, there is also the human factor.
People resist change, fear automation, and cling to the systems they know. The Consiglieri serves as cultural interpreter, helping leaders explain the why behind transformations. They provide reassurance about retraining, new opportunities, and the role of humans in an AI-infused future.
They don’t just whisper strategy—they help create belief.
From Luxury to Necessity
Once, only Fortune 500 firms could afford elite IT advisors. Now, thanks to virtual models, midsize companies can access them too—without the overhead of a full-time executive.
That democratization means the Consiglieri is no longer a luxury. In industries where the competitive edge is razor-thin, they are becoming a necessity.
The Value Curve Ahead
The curve is still rising. As quantum computing, autonomous AI agents, and stricter regulation arrive, the need for judgment—not just technical chops—will only intensify. Boards are already asking: “Who is advising us on AI?” That question will become as standard as “Who audits our finances?”
And the answer will often be: our Tech & AI Consiglieri.
The Bottom Line
The value of a Consiglieri is inseparable from the leader they serve. For CIOs, they are a trusted ally who makes them stronger. For CEOs without IT lieutenants, they are the missing tech brain at the table.
In both cases, the parallel to history holds: leaders who embrace wise counsel avoid costly mistakes, seize timely opportunities, and navigate storms others cannot.
In the age of AI and relentless digital disruption, having a Consiglieri at your side may prove not just valuable, but truly essential.
