Soham Parekh was caught working for multiple YC startups at once. The internet had a field day.
But what if he did it transparently?
Imagine a top-tier engineer, who has aced interviews at multiple companies, openly working for all of them at the same time. Using AI, automations, and a carefully selected network of contractors, this engineer could deliver 10x productivity while maintaining quality and velocity.
Companies get what they truly need: rapid execution, clean architecture, and a builder’s mindset. The engineer keeps the upside, rather than it being swallowed by layers of management at large consulting firms.
What about conflicts of interest?
This model only works if it is transparent:
✅ Each client knows the engineer is working with other companies.
✅ Clear agreements define confidentiality and prevent conflicts of interest.
✅ The engineer avoids competing projects or uses compartmentalization to protect IP.
✅ Boundaries are explicitly defined around tool usage, frameworks, and ownership.
It’s not for every company or engineer, but in high-trust, high-output environments, it can replace bloated consulting arrangements with direct, expert-led delivery.
AI makes this possible.
AI is the force multiplier that changes everything. Code generation, testing, documentation, stakeholder updates, even some architecture work can now be partially automated.
One top engineer can do the work of what used to require an entire project team.
Decentralization of consulting
What if the future of consulting isn’t dominated by giants like Accenture, Infosys, or Wipro?
What if, instead, it’s thousands of one-person or small two-to-three person consulting firms, each powered by AI, deeply embedded within companies, and capturing value directly?
✅ Companies get expert attention, not layers of middle management.
✅ Engineers and small consulting teams capture the upside of their work.
✅ AI + networks of trusted contractors replace bloated project staffing models.
It’s a vision of decentralization—where the best talent, powered by AI, distributes across companies, without friction or unnecessary overhead.
Is this the future of work?
Or will most companies continue to prefer the predictability and scale of large consulting firms?
Either way, the shift has started. The combination of elite talent, AI leverage, and transparent multi-client engagements could redefine what “consulting” looks like in the next decade.
I’m curious what you think.