The AI Consultant Who Actually Knows What Works (Because I Use It Daily)
Most AI consulting services come from people who’ve never run a business. They can explain machine learning architectures but can’t tell you how to get your team to actually adopt AI. Or they’re pure consultants who give you a strategy document and wish you luck with implementation.
I’m different.
By day, I’m an AI professor at McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business teaching “AI Essentials for Marketing Professionals.” By night (and weekends, and early mornings), I’m an AI Consultant for McNish Steel Ltd—a steel fabrication company where AI systems I developed help build process contracts, generate safety procedures, and automate estimating workflows that save us $84,000 annually.
This AI strategy consulting practice combines academic rigor with real-world battle scars. You get research-backed methodologies tested in an actual manufacturing environment, delivered by someone who can both teach a university course and implement production systems.
Why the Professor + Practitioner Combination Matters
Academic Credentials Provide Rigor:
Systematic evaluation of AI capabilities and limitations Research-backed implementation methodologies Access to latest AI research and developments Teaching experience that transfers knowledge effectively
Business Owner Experience Provides Realism:
Know what actually works vs. what sounds good in theory Understand budget constraints and ROI requirements Navigate organizational resistance and change management Build systems that survive contact with real users
This combination is rare. Most AI consultant for small business engagements come from people with one or the other—rarely both.
Our Services: Consulting + Training Together
We offer two complementary services: strategic AI consulting services and hands-on AI training for business. Most clients benefit from both—strategy without training leads to knowledge gaps; training without strategy leads to unfocused AI adoption.
AI Consulting Services
1. AI Readiness Assessment
What It Is: A comprehensive evaluation of your organization’s capacity to successfully implement AI. Most companies jump into AI tool selection before understanding whether they’re actually ready—leading to failed projects and wasted investment.
2. AI Strategy & Roadmap Development
What It Is: A comprehensive AI transformation roadmap that identifies where AI delivers maximum impact and creates a phased implementation plan aligned with business objectives.
Our Approach:
Phase 1: Opportunity Discovery (2 weeks)
Stakeholder interviews (executives, managers, end users) Process mapping workshops Pain point and bottleneck identification Competitive landscape analysis Technology trend assessment
Phase 2: Use Case Prioritization (1 week)
Business value estimation for each opportunity Technical feasibility assessment Resource requirement analysis Risk evaluation ROI modeling for top candidates
Phase 3: Strategic Roadmap (2 weeks)
Phased implementation plan (12-36 months) Quick wins identification (3-6 months) Foundation-building initiatives (data, skills, culture) Long-term transformation projects Budget allocation recommendations Success metrics framework
Deliverables:
Strategic roadmap document (30-40 pages) Prioritized AI use cases (15-25 opportunities identified) Detailed implementation plan for Phase 1 ROI projections for each initiative Technology recommendations Skills development plan Governance framework outline Executive presentation materials Timeline: 4-6 weeks Investment: $12,000-$18,000
Who This Is For:
Organizations committed to AI but lacking clear direction Companies wanting to avoid costly false starts Leadership needing alignment on AI priorities Businesses facing competitive pressure requiring AI response
Real Client Example:
A construction firm identified 23 potential AI use cases but didn't know which to prioritize. Our strategy work revealed that contract analysis automation and bid estimation assistance delivered 5x higher ROI than their initial focus on chatbots. They implemented our recommended Phase 1 and achieved payback in 9 months.
3. Use Case Identification & Business Case Development
What It Is: Detailed analysis of specific AI opportunity identification with comprehensive business case development for executive approval.
What We Deliver:
Use Case Documentation:
- Detailed problem statement
- Current state process mapping
- Proposed AI solution architecture
- Success criteria definition
- Implementation requirements
Deliverables:
- Use case specification document (15-20 pages)
- Executive business case presentation
- Financial model with ROI calculations
- Risk register and mitigation strategies
- Implementation project plan
Business Case Analysis:
- Cost-benefit analysis (development, operations, maintenance)
- ROI calculation with multiple scenarios
- Payback period estimation
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Alternative solution comparison
Timeline:
- Timeline: 2-3 weeks per use case
- Investment: $4,500-$7,500 per use case
Implementation Planning:
- Project timeline with milestones
- Resource requirements (people, tools, budget)
- Vendor selection criteria (if applicable)
- Change management considerations
- Success metrics and KPIs
Who This Is For:
- Teams needing executive approval for AI projects
- Organizations building internal business cases
- Companies evaluating build vs. buy decisions
- Businesses requiring detailed ROI justification
4. Implementation Planning & Oversight
What It Is: AI implementation consulting services that guide your team or vendors through successful project delivery. We act as your AI expert without the full-time cost—providing oversight, guidance, and course correction.
What We Provide:
Technical Oversight:
- Architecture review and recommendations
- Vendor proposal evaluation
- Code quality assessment
- Testing strategy design
- Security and compliance review
Deliverables:
- Biweekly progress reports
- Risk and issue logs
- Technical review summaries
- Executive status updates
- Lessons learned documentation
Project Management Support:
- Implementation milestone tracking
- Risk identification and mitigation
- Scope management and change control
- Quality gate reviews
- Stakeholder communication
Timeline:
Timeline: Ongoing through project lifecycle (typically 3-6 months)
Investment: $5,000-$8,000/month
Strategic Guidance:
- Technical decision-making support
- Trade-off analysis (cost, time, quality)
- Course correction recommendations
- Escalation issue resolution
- Success criteria validation
Who This Is For:
- Organizations implementing AI without internal expertise
- Companies working with external vendors needing oversight
- Teams wanting expert guidance without full-time hire
- Businesses managing multiple concurrent AI projects
5. Fractional AI Advisor
What It Is: Ongoing AI advisory services for executives providing strategic counsel, technical guidance, and implementation support on retainer. Think of it as having an AI expert on your leadership team without the full-time salary.
What’s Included:
Strategic Advisory (5-8 hours/month):
- Monthly strategy sessions with leadership
- Technology landscape monitoring
- Competitive intelligence briefings
- Investment prioritization guidance
- Performance metrics review
Ad-Hoc Requests (5-10 hours/month):
- RFP review and response
- Executive presentation development
- Business case validation
- Escalation issue resolution
Technical Guidance (5-8 hours/month):
- Architecture and design reviews
- Vendor evaluation and negotiation
- Build vs. buy recommendations
- Tool selection guidance
- Quality assurance oversight
Deliverables:
- Monthly strategy session (90 minutes)
- Written monthly report
- On-call availability for urgent issues
- Quarterly roadmap reviews
- Annual performance assessment
Timeline: Ongoing (3, 6, or 12-month commitments)
Investment: $5,000/month
Team Support (2-4 hours/month):
- Office hours for your AI team
- Technical problem-solving
- Best practices coaching
- Resource recommendations
Who This Is For:
- Organizations with active AI initiatives needing expert guidance
- Companies between consultants (too much) and nothing (too little)
- Executives wanting expert second opinions
- Businesses scaling AI across multiple functions
AI Training & Workshop Services
1. Executive AI Awareness Workshop
What It Is: Half-day executive AI training designed for CEOs, VPs, and senior leadership who need to understand AI’s strategic implications without technical deep-dives.
What We Cover:
Understanding AI Capabilities (90 minutes)
- What AI actually is (vs. the hype)
- Real capabilities vs. science fiction
- When AI works vs. when it doesn’t
- Current technology landscape (LLMs, agents, automation)
- 2026 trends affecting your industry
Strategic Implications (60 minutes)
- Competitive dynamics and threats
- Customer expectation evolution
- Workforce transformation
- Regulatory landscape
- Investment requirements
Decision-Making Framework (90 minutes)
- Identifying high-value opportunities
- Build vs. buy considerations
- Risk assessment and management
- Resource allocation strategies
- Success measurement approaches
Format:
- Half-day session (4 hours)
- Maximum 15 participants
- Interactive discussions and case studies
- Industry-specific examples
- Q&A throughout
Deliverables:
- Executive AI strategy guide
- Decision-making framework tool
- Recommended reading list
- Follow-up consultation (1 hour)
Timeline: Half-day session
Investment: $3,500
Who This Is For:
- Executive teams evaluating AI investment
- Board members needing AI literacy
- Senior leadership planning AI strategy
- Executives facing competitive AI pressure
2. AI Essentials for Teams
What It Is: Full-day corporate AI training programs teaching practical AI skills for knowledge workers across departments. Based on the curriculum I teach at McMaster University, adapted for corporate audiences.
What We Cover:
Morning Session: Foundations (3 hours)
- AI basics everyone needs to know
- Major AI technologies explained simply
- Understanding AI capabilities and limitations
- Ethics, bias, and responsible AI use
- Data privacy and security considerations
Afternoon Session: Hands-On Practice (3 hours)
- AI prompt engineering training for ChatGPT and Claude
- Document analysis and summarization
- Content creation and editing
- Research and competitive intelligence
- Data analysis and insights
- Workflow automation basics
Format:
- Full-day workshop (6 hours)
- Maximum 20 participants per session
- Hands-on exercises with real work scenarios
- Department-specific examples
- Take-home practice assignments
Deliverables:
- Participant workbooks
- Prompt library for common tasks
- Use case toolkit
- 30 days of email support
- Recorded session for review
Timeline: Full-day workshop
Investment: $6,000 per session
Who This Is For:
- Organizations rolling out AI tools company-wide
- Teams needing practical skills, not theory
- Companies wanting consistent AI literacy
- Businesses seeking to maximize AI tool ROI
3. Department-Specific AI Workshops
What It Is: Customized AI training for managers and teams focused on specific functional applications: marketing, sales, operations, finance, HR, customer service.
What We Cover:
Marketing AI Workshop (4 hours)
- Content creation and optimization
- SEO and keyword research with AI
- Campaign ideation and planning
- Customer persona development
- Social media management
- Performance analysis and reporting
Sales AI Workshop (4 hours)
- ead research and qualification
- Personalized outreach at scale
- Proposal and presentation development
- Objection handling preparation
- CRM data enrichment
- Sales forecasting and pipeline analysis
Operations AI Workshop (4 hours)
- Process documentation and optimization
- Workflow automation identification
- Quality control and compliance checking
- Resource allocation and scheduling
- Vendor management and procurement
- Performance reporting
Finance AI Workshop (4 hours)
- Financial analysis and modeling
- Report generation and automation
- Budget variance analysis
- Audit preparation
- Fraud detection
- Forecasting and scenario planning
Format:
- Half-day session (4 hours)
- Maximum 15 participants
- Role-specific scenarios
- Hands-on practice
- Real tools your team uses
Deliverables:
- Function-specific prompt libraries
- Use case playbooks
- Implementation checklists
- 60 days of email support
Timeline: Half-day per department
Investment: $4,000 per workshop
Who This Is For:
- Teams wanting role-relevant training
- Organizations with diverse AI needs
- Companies maximizing specific tool investments
- Businesses seeking department-level adoption
4. AI Adoption Program (Multi-Week)
What It Is: Comprehensive AI upskilling programs running 6-12 weeks combining education, hands-on practice, and real project implementation. This is the corporate version of my McMaster University course.
Program Structure:
Week 1: Foundations & Strategy
- AI capabilities overview
- Organization-specific opportunity identification
- Team project selection
- Success metrics definition
Weeks 2-5: Skills Development
- Weekly 2-hour training sessions
- Practical exercises between sessions
- Expert office hours support
- Team project progress reviews
Weeks 6-8: Project Implementation
- Guided real-world project work
- Weekly coaching sessions
- Troubleshooting support
- Documentation development
Weeks 9-10: Presentation & Scaling
- Team project presentations
- Results documentation
- Scaling recommendations
- Next phase planning
Format:
- 6-10 weeks total
- 2-hour weekly sessions
- 3-5 hours homework weekly
- Office hours available
- Cohorts of 15-25 participants
Deliverables:
- Complete training curriculum
- Team project implementations
- Organization AI playbook
- Individual certificates
- Scaling roadmap for successful projects
Timeline: 6-10 weeks
Investment: $15,000-$25,000
Who This Is For:
- Organizations serious about AI transformation
- Companies building internal AI capabilities
- Businesses wanting measurable project outcomes
- Teams needing comprehensive upskilling
5. AI Keynote Speaking
What It Is: Engaging AI keynote speaker presentations for conferences, industry events, association meetings, and company gatherings. I translate complex AI topics into actionable insights for business audiences.
Popular Topics:
“AI Demystified: What Business Leaders Actually Need to Know”
- Cutting through AI hype to practical reality
- Real capabilities vs. overblown promises
- Strategic implications for your industry
- Implementation lessons from McNish Steel
“The Professor-Practitioner Approach to AI”
- Why most AI consulting fails
- Bridging academic research and business reality
- Lessons from teaching and implementing AI
- Framework for evaluating AI opportunities
“AI in Traditional Industries: Blue-Collar Automation”
- Why construction and manufacturing benefit most
- Overcoming adoption barriers
- Case studies from steel fabrication
- ROI expectations and reality
“AI Implementation: From Strategy to Production”
- The gap between planning and doing
- Common failure modes and how to avoid them
- Change management for AI adoption
- Measuring success that matters
Format:
- 30-60 minute presentations
- Customizable to audience and event
- Q&A session included
- Interactive elements available
Deliverables:
- Customized presentation
- Attendee handouts
- Post-event follow-up materials
- Recording rights (if desired)
Timeline: Single event
Investment: $5,000-$10,000
Who This Is For:
- Conference and event organizers
- Industry associations
- Corporate all-hands meetings
- Professional development events
The Professor-Practitioner Advantage
Academic Expertise: McMaster University
Teaching Experience:
- “AI Essentials for Marketing Professionals” course
- 7-week microcredential program at DeGroote School of Business
- Developed curriculum from scratch based on industry needs
- Regular guest lectures and speaking engagements
Research-Backed Approach:
- Access to latest AI research and developments
- Systematic evaluation methodologies
- Evidence-based recommendations
- Academic rigor without ivory tower disconnect
Teaching Ability:
- Practiced at explaining complex topics simply
- Curriculum development expertise
- Experience with diverse learning styles
- Skilled at knowledge transfer
Real Implementation:
- AI Consultant for McNish Steel Ltd (steel fabrication, Alberta)
- Built three production AI systems delivering $84K annual savings
- Systems processing 500+ documents monthly
- 85% time savings on contract analysis
Industry Expertise:
- Deep construction and manufacturing knowledge
- Understanding of traditional business challenges
- Experience with limited IT resources
- Proven ROI in non-tech environment
Practical Focus:
- Solutions that work in the real world
- Budget-conscious recommendations
- Change management experience
- Realistic timeline expectations
Most AI consultant Toronto or AI consultant Canada offerings come from:
- Pure consultants: Great strategy decks, no implementation track record
- Pure technologists: Can build anything, don’t understand business
- Pure academics: Cutting-edge research, impractical recommendations
- Pure practitioners: Know what works for them, lack transferable frameworks
You get all four: strategy, technology, research, and real-world experience.
Our Consulting & Training Process
For Consulting Engagements:
Step 1: Discovery Call (30 minutes, free)
- Understand your situation and challenges
- Discuss potential engagement approaches
- Determine if we’re a good fit
- Outline next steps
Step 2: Scoping & Proposal (1 week)
- Detailed needs assessment
- Customized engagement proposal
- Clear deliverables and timeline
- Transparent pricing
- References available
Step 3: Kick-Off & Planning (Week 1)
- Stakeholder alignment meeting
- Work plan finalization
- Access and logistics setup
- Communication protocols
- Success criteria agreement
Step 4: Execution (Varies by engagement)
- Regular progress updates
- Stakeholder check-ins
- Deliverable reviews
- Course corrections as needed
- Quality assurance
Step 5: Wrap-Up & Transition (Final week)
- Deliverable finalization
- Findings presentation
- Recommendations review
- Next steps planning
- Ongoing support options
For Training Programs:
Step 1: Needs Assessment (30 minutes, free)
- Understand learning objectives
- Identify audience background
- Discuss format preferences
- Determine success criteria
Step 2: Curriculum Customization (1-2 weeks)
- Adapt materials to your context
- Include industry-specific examples
- Incorporate your AI tools
- Develop custom exercises
Step 3: Logistics Planning (1 week)
- Schedule session dates/times
- Set up technology and access
- Prepare participant materials
- Communication planning
Step 4: Training Delivery (Varies by program)
- Engaging, interactive sessions
- Hands-on practice
- Real-time Q&A
- Homework assignments (if multi-week)
- Individual support
Step 5: Follow-Up & Support (30-60 days)
- Email support for questions
- Office hours (if included)
- Additional resources
- Success tracking
- Refresher sessions (if needed)
Client Success Stories
Pricing & Packages
Consulting Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose you over large consulting firms?
Large firms provide junior consultants with playbook approaches. You get me personally—a professor with real implementation experience. Plus, you’ll spend $50K-$100K less for better results.
What makes you different from other AI consultants?
I’m the only AI consultant professor who also runs businesses using AI daily. You get academic rigor, teaching ability, and battle-tested experience—a rare combination.
Do you only work with technology companies?
No. My specialty is AI consultant for traditional businesses—construction, manufacturing, professional services. These industries benefit most from AI but are underserved by consultants.
Can you implement AI systems, or just advise?
Both. I provide strategic consulting AND can build custom AI systems through my Geek Certified company. You get end-to-end AI consulting services.
Do your training programs lead to certification?
Multi-week programs include completion certificates. I’m developing formal certification with McMaster University (launching 2026).
Can you train our team virtually?
Yes. All training programs available virtually, in-person, or hybrid. Virtual sessions use interactive tools for hands-on practice.
What if our team has varying technical expertise?
I adapt training to audience. Non-technical teams get practical tools training. Technical teams get deeper implementation guidance. All levels benefit.
Do you only work in Toronto?
Primary service area is Southern Ontario, but I work with clients across Canada virtually. In-person workshops available Canada-wide for travel + accommodation costs.
How quickly can you start?
Discovery calls scheduled within 1 week. Consulting engagements typically start within 2-3 weeks. Training can be scheduled 3-4 weeks out.
Do you provide ongoing support after projects end?
Yes. All engagements include defined support periods. Extended support available through fractional AI advisor retainers.
Ready to Build AI Capabilities That Actually Work?
Stop paying for AI strategy documents that gather dust. Stop attending training that doesn’t transfer to real work. Start building AI consulting services and AI training for business capabilities with someone who’s done it successfully.
Three Ways to Get Started:
- Free Discovery Call
30-minute conversation to understand your needs and discuss how we can help.
Schedule Call →
- AI Readiness Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of your organization’s AI readiness with actionable recommendations.
Investment: $3,500
Request Assessment →
- Custom Consulting or Training Proposal
Tailored engagement designed for your specific situation and objectives.
Request Proposal →
- Custom Consulting or Training Proposal
About Scott William Wilson
I’m an AI professor consultant and practitioner combining academic expertise with real-world business experience. Unlike consultants who only advise or academics who only teach, I build and deploy production AI systems daily while teaching at a top business school.
Professional Background:
- AI Professor: McMaster University DeGroote School of Business
- Course: “AI Essentials for Marketing Professionals”
- AI Consultant: McNish Steel Ltd (steel fabrication, Alberta)
- CEO: Geek Certified (AI consulting firm)
Real AI Systems Deployed:
- Contract analysis automation (85% time savings)
- Safety procedure generation (87% time savings)
- Estimating process automation (67% time savings)
- Processing 500+ documents monthly
- $84,000+ annual cost savings delivered
Why I’m Different:
- Only AI consultant who’s both professor and business owner
- Deep construction/manufacturing industry expertise
- Teaching experience transferring complex knowledge simply
- Research-backed methods tested in production
- ROI-focused, not hype-focused
Geographic Service:
- Primary: Toronto, Hamilton, Southern Ontario
- Also Serving: All of Canada (virtual delivery)
- Industries: Construction, manufacturing, professional services, healthcare, finance
Speaking & Teaching:
- McMaster University regular instructor
- Industry conference keynote speaker
- Corporate training facilitator
- Webinar and workshop presenter
Contact Information:
Social & Professional Links:
📧 Email: info@theaiprofessor.ca
📱 Phone: 289-259-8059
💼 LinkedIn: Scott William Wilson
🐦 Twitter/X: @ScottWilsonAI