Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “build analysis and slides for client deliverables”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today.

180 min
typically, once a week
45%
of the time can be automated
Some setup
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

Software featureBest fix

Use AI in your slide tool to build the first version of the deck

Copilot in PowerPoint, Gemini in Slides, Gamma and Beautiful.ai turn an outline or document into draft slides in your template; think-cell and similar tools speed up charts.

Typically saves about 30% of the time15 min to set up
  1. 1Write the storyline as headline sentences, one per slide.
  2. 2Use Copilot in PowerPoint or Gemini in Slides with your firm template to build the draft.
  3. 3Use think-cell or your chart tool for data slides.
  4. 4Spend your time on the analysis and the key message.

Tools: Copilot in PowerPoint · Gemini in Google Slides · Gamma · Beautiful.ai · think-cell

Fix 2 of 2

Process fix

Keep a library of your best slides to reuse

Teams rebuild the same method, team and case study slides for every client. A shared library cuts that to copy and adjust.

Typically saves about 25% of the time2 h to set up
  1. 1Collect the slides you rebuild most (methodology, team, case studies, standard charts).
  2. 2Put them in one shared library file or tool (SharePoint, Google Drive, or a tool like Templafy or UpSlide).
  3. 3Name them clearly and keep one owner.
  4. 4Start each deck by pulling from the library.

Tools: SharePoint or Google Drive · Templafy · UpSlide

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

Consultant

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

How many hours does this cost you?

The free 8-minute check works out where your week goes and gives you your top fixes. The team scan does the same for everyone and adds it up, so you know which leaks to fix first.

Take the free check Scan my team, $49

Answers are anonymous. Leaders only see team totals.

Other common tasks for Consultants