How AI is changing Consultancy | Founder vs Manager mode | Driving Cultural Change | Rik Van der Woerdt, CEO of ADC

Rik van der Woerdt, Founder & CEO of Amsterdam Data Collective, joins Giorgio Ponticelli on Frames of Tech to discuss the future of AI consulting, building a purpose-driven company culture, and why adopting AI is about more than hype.

You’ll learn:

- How Rik built Amsterdam Data Collective into a leading AI consultancy

- What founders must learn when moving from founder to manager mode

- The impact of private equity on culture and growth

- Why collective culture outperforms traditional partner models in consulting

- Where AI is hype vs. where it’s already driving real results

- How to recruit and develop AI talent

- Why transitions fail and how leaders can get them right

- The real role of consultants in the AI era

- What advice students need for the AI-driven economy

- Why languages and culture still matter in a world of instant translation

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⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Intro & welcome

01:10 Rik’s background & founding Amsterdam Data Collective

01:54 Why start in data & AI back in 2017

04:50 Private equity acquisition, impact on culture & leadership

07:51 Founder mode vs. Manager mode

11:43 The Collective model vs. Partner model in consulting

14:25 Adapting culture & ownership for the new generation

17:19 Trends in AI adoption across industries

22:37 AI Hype vs Real Benefit

27:27 Will AI replace consultants?

29:45 Recruiting & developing AI talent

33:19 AI Implementation and Change vs Transition

38:09 Advice for students preparing for an AI future

40:34 The value of languages & culture in global business

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Watch the full video on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@Frames-Of-Tech