McKinsey is leaning on AI to:

• Accelerate problem diagnosis

• Generate strategic plans

• Build operating models

• Simulate change scenarios

• Improve delivery confidence

• Reduce execution risk

But SMEs can do exactly the same — often faster — with AI agents that sit inside the business, not outside.

And that’s where the market is shifting.

But There’s a Problem: Starting Is Hard

Every CEO and CFO is feeling the same tension:

• “We know we need to use AI strategically.”

• “We don’t know where to begin.”

• “We can’t afford to hire consultants to figure it out.”

• “We can’t risk embarrassing false starts.”

Meanwhile, the pressure keeps rising:

• Boards want answers

• Teams want direction

• Customers want innovation

• Competitors are accelerating

• Markets are moving faster than budgets

This is why the McKinsey shift matters for SMEs: it signals that AI-augmented transformation is the new operating model — but SMEs need a safe, private, low-risk way to begin building that capability.

This Is Where Athena Comes In — Your Private AI Transformation Co-Pilot

Athena is the easy, confidential, expert-guided entry point into AI-powered capability building.

Where McKinsey uses AI to amplify consultants, SMEs use Athena to amplify their existing teams.

Athena helps leaders:

🔹 Identify the real problem behind the initiative

🔹 Assess readiness and capability gaps

🔹 Build transformation alignment in minutes

🔹 Predict adoption and execution risks

🔹 Strengthen decision quality

🔹 Protect career credibility through clarity

🔹 Reduce initiative failure risk

🔹 Build internal change capability that compounds

And she does it without:

• Consultants showing up with clipboards

• Teams feeling judged

• Costly engagements

• Public visibility

• Organisational disruption

In other words:

Athena gives SMEs the same strategic advantage McKinsey gets from AI — but privately, affordably, and immediately.