Why “Frontline Deployed Strategist” Is the Most Underrated AI Consulting Play in 2026

How showing up in person can 2x your fees, your impact, and your authority

February 9, 2026
Read Time: 4 minutes

Let’s be honest: most people think of AI consulting as a remote, Zoom-call, slide-deck kind of business. And for a lot of us, that’s the dream, work from anywhere, serve clients globally, never leave your home office.

But there’s a play almost nobody is talking about, and it’s one of the biggest value-adds in the market right now: becoming a Frontline Deployed Strategist (FDS).

This isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a term that came out of Palantir, and it’s a total reframe for anyone who wants to be the “AI consultant for extroverts”, the person who actually shows up, walks the floor, and gets their hands dirty with the client’s real-world problems.

What Is a Frontline Deployed Strategist?

An FDS isn’t just a consultant. You’re the person who’s on site, embedded with the client, seeing the bottlenecks and inefficiencies up close. You’re not just reading reports or running interviews over Zoom. You’re in the trenches, talking to the people who actually do the work, mapping workflows in real time, and building trust face-to-face.

This is the difference between being a “remote expert” and being the person who’s actually there, seeing the problems and opportunities that never make it into the slide deck.

Why FDS Is a Game-Changer for AI Consulting

Here’s the truth: the perceived value of in-person consulting is always higher. When you show up, walk the plant floor, sit in on meetings, and talk to the team, you’re not just another vendor. You’re a partner. You’re someone who cares enough to be there.

And clients pay for that. I’ve seen consultants charge 2x, even 3x, for in-person audits and strategy sessions. The trust is higher, the buy-in is higher, and the results are better, because you’re seeing the real problems, not just the sanitized version.

If you’re an extrovert, or just someone who likes being in the mix, this is your unfair advantage. You can build relationships, spot opportunities, and close deals that remote consultants will never even hear about.

How to Position Yourself as an FDS

This is all about reframing your offer. Instead of “I’m an AI consultant who does audits,” you’re now “a frontline deployed strategist who comes on site, works with your team, and delivers hands-on transformation.”

Your messaging should highlight:

• In-person audits and workflow mapping

• Real-time problem solving with the team

• Custom training and workshops delivered on site

• Ongoing support and implementation, not just a report

You’re not just selling expertise. You’re selling presence, partnership, and accountability.

What Does the FDS Process Look Like?

1. Pre-Engagement:

   • Set expectations: “I’ll be on site for X days, working directly with your team.”

   • Gather initial data and pain points remotely.

2. On-Site Audit:

   • Walk the floor, observe workflows, and talk to everyone from the C-suite to the front line.

   • Map processes in real time, spot inefficiencies, and build trust.

   • Run live workshops, training, and Q&A sessions.

3. Implementation & Follow-Up:

   • Deliver your findings and recommendations in person.

   • Stay on for implementation, troubleshooting, and ongoing support.

   • Become the go-to advisor for future projects.

Why This Works (and Why It’s So Underrated)

Most companies are drowning in remote “experts” who never set foot in their business. When you show up, you’re different. You see things they can’t explain over email. You build relationships that last. And you get paid more, because you’re delivering more.

This is especially powerful in industries where trust, relationships, and hands-on problem solving matter: manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, construction, and any business with real-world operations.

How to Get Started as a Frontline Deployed Strategist

• Start with your local area. Offer in-person audits to businesses you can actually visit.

• Use your industry background as your wedge. “I spent 10 years in manufacturing, now I help companies implement AI on site.”

• Charge a premium for in-person work. Your time, travel, and expertise are worth it.

• Document your process. Take photos (with permission), share stories, and use these as case studies for future clients.

Final Thought: The AI Consultant for Extroverts

If you love being in the mix, talking to people, and solving problems on the ground, this is your play. The market is wide open for consultants who are willing to show up, get their hands dirty, and deliver real transformation.

Remote is great. But in-person? That’s where the real money, the real relationships, and the real impact are.

If you want to talk about how to position yourself as a frontline deployed strategist, or how to add in-person audits to your offer, book a call with me. Let’s make 2026 the year you go from “consultant” to “partner.”

See you next week,

– Andrew

P.S. Ready to build your own Vibe Consulting business? Book a 1:1 strategy call here to see if you're a good fit for my personal coaching program.

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