If you're not a machine learning researcher, AI architect, or computational linguist, chances are you're feeling a bit lost in the ever-expanding universe of AI news, tools, and self-proclaimed experts. 

We get it. We’re not AI experts either — and we’re suspicious of anyone who suddenly is. Especially the freshly minted “AI gurus” who’ve never touched a line of Python or studied anything remotely close to data science, machine learning, or computational theory. That said, we’ve had our fair share of hands-on experience. We once tried to build a custom LLM with a group of real-deal data scientists. Once. But where we’ve really doubled down is using AI to work smarter — not harder. It helped us grow Quasar in a lean, high-impact way: replacing the traditional consulting pyramid of five to six people with a nimble crew of two or three, supercharged by smart AI tools. We've also customized open-source AI tools (yes, the kind freely available to everyone) for real client use cases. Because here’s the thing: AI is powerful — but it’s just noise if you don’t know how to use it correctly.

So, we’re kicking off a series of blogs where we unpack our first-hand experience with AI. Think: practical insights, battle scars, and some honest takes. And naturally, we’re starting with the biggest crowd favorite — Large Language Models, aka LLMs. Especially ChatGPT. So how do you actually use it right — and which facepalm-worthy mistakes should you avoid?

It seems that companies with a scalable business model have a never-sleeping growth engine, as if they've cracked the code to grow without the usual struggles and hiccups of stagnation. No wonder they fascinate everyone, from budding entrepreneurs to seasoned investors. In this blog post, we'll unravel what a scalable business model is, why it's a perfect match for venture capital, and share some scalable practices for any business.

Data analysis has never been more powerful. With advancements in AI, data analysis can now be automated, effortlessly visualized, performed in real-time on large and complex datasets, and used to make future predictions. Through natural language processing, AI can now even interpret human language data, extracting valuable insights from textual data sources. However, even the most sophisticated machine learning algorithms require their users, humans, to have a basic understanding of data analysis to identify relevant data sources, prepare data, define and frame the right problem for AI to solve, evaluate the outputs of AI models, and, most importantly, make informed decisions based on AI insights.

Below, we explore three common pitfalls in data analysis that we have observed in our work with clients across various stages of business maturity, industries, and geographies. With so much potential at your fingertips, don’t let these pitfalls become your Achilles' heel.

In a galaxy not so far away, where Jedi-preneurs battle for funding, a common question arises: What should be included in a pitch deck? It's both a relevant question and a craft to learn. Let's start by debunking two main myths about pitch decks.

Firstly, you don’t need to be a Jedi Master of PowerPoint or design. The content is more important than the design. Granted, design matters, but your knowledge of the content and ability to answer potential investor questions is crucial. Secondly, every entrepreneur needs a pitch deck, no matter who funds their growth. The deck is primarily for you, the entrepreneur, and your team, to help you clearly and concisely formulate your venture ambitions, identify the necessary steps for realizing these ambitions, and communicate your plans to customers, teams, partners, and possibly investors.

Strategic thinking is not limited to boardrooms or planning sessions. Instead, it should be applied by everyone at every level of the organization. And yet, what is it exactly, and how to find, exercise, and leverage this “muscle” within you?

Strategic thinking is an informed choice between various paths and options, based on an analysis of your context and resources. It is about being deliberate and thoughtful in your actions.

Here are five tips to help you get more strategic in your work.

Have you ever wondered what management consultants, also known as strategy consultants, actually do? An image search might leave you chuckling at the parade of memes, buzzwords, and comical, yet “glamorous” clichés involving suits, airport lounges, and boardrooms. While these images are somewhat entertaining, they are actually misleading and don't help with understanding a consultant's trade. It's quite challenging to capture the versatility of the role and articulate it in a way that avoids confusion or raised eyebrows. In this blog post, two industry professionals will attempt to do so with the help of some metaphors.