Inside McKinsey's Lilli: How a Top Consulting Firm Transformed Work with Custom AI
A Blueprint for Organizations Looking to Leverage AI for Real Productivity Gains
The AI Revolution in Professional Services
When one of the world's most prestigious consulting firms decides to build a custom AI platform, it's worth paying attention. McKinsey & Company—a global powerhouse serving 4,100 clients across 68 countries and generating $16 billion in annual revenue—didn't just adopt off-the-shelf AI tools. Instead, they created Lilli, a purpose-built generative AI platform that's reshaping how consultants work.
Why Build Their Own AI Platform?
Instead of relying on off-the-shelf tools, McKinsey created Lilli, a generative AI platform designed to fit seamlessly into their workflows. Lilli isn’t just a tool—it’s part of the operating system McKinsey uses to deliver faster, smarter, and better results for its clients.
What makes Lilli stand out is its ability to become part of daily work. By embedding AI into every step of the consulting process, McKinsey transformed routine tasks into opportunities for sharper insights, faster decisions, and improved outcomes. The lesson? AI succeeds when it fits the way people work—not the other way around.
The Mission Behind Lilli
McKinsey had a simple but powerful goal for Lilli:
"Build a generative AI platform powered by our firm’s knowledge to shorten the time to insights for our teams and the time to impact for our clients, while rewiring the way we work."
Lilli helps employees work smarter, not harder. It accelerates time-consuming tasks, like research and document drafting, while giving consultants quick access to McKinsey’s vast knowledge base. More importantly, it clears mental space for creativity and innovation—allowing teams to focus on strategy, problem-solving, and delivering results.
What Can Lilli Actually Do?
To address day-to-day challenges, McKinsey designed Lilli to take on tasks that steal time and slow down progress. Here’s what it does:
Helps consultants get up to speed on new topics in minutes.
Provides instant access to McKinsey’s frameworks and methodologies.
Cleans and analyzes data efficiently.
Streamlines research on industry trends.
Locates internal subject-matter experts fast.
Generates drafts of agendas, plans, and presentations in McKinsey’s format.
Sparks creativity by pushing teams toward more innovative solutions.
Each prompt is designed to solve real problems that consultants face every day, keeping their focus on high-value work.
The Results Speak for Themselves
So, did it work? Here’s what McKinsey has seen so far:
72% of employees actively use Lilli, proving how seamlessly it fits into workflows.
A 20% improvement in content quality and accuracy, ensuring better deliverables.
30% time saved on gathering and analyzing information, freeing up time for strategic work.
Over 500,000 prompts answered monthly, showing Lilli’s value as a go-to resource.
These numbers prove that AI doesn’t just improve efficiency—it transforms how teams deliver results when it’s purpose-built for their needs.
Want to Build Your Own AI Like McKinsey?
McKinsey’s success offers a playbook for creating your own AI platform. Here’s how to get started:
Define Your North Star: What problems are you solving? Focus on specific tasks where AI can make the biggest difference.
Start Small: Begin with a few high-impact use cases to deliver immediate results.
Craft Strong Prompts: Clear, actionable prompts ensure your AI delivers relevant outputs.
Ensure Data Accuracy: Build systems to validate AI results so users trust the tool.
Engage Your Users: Collaborate with employees to design, test, and improve the platform.
Test and Iterate: Launch in phases, gather feedback, and refine continuously.
Focus on Culture, Not Just Tech: Train employees to understand the platform and integrate it into their workflows.
These steps aren’t just about building AI—they’re about transforming how your organization works.
Final Takeaway: AI That Works for You
McKinsey’s journey with Lilli shows that AI can drive measurable improvements when it’s designed with purpose and embedded thoughtfully into workflows. It’s not about having the most advanced tools—it’s about creating AI that solves real problems and empowers teams to work better. Whether you’re starting small or aiming big, the lesson is clear: when AI works for your teams, your teams work smarter.