The fastest-growing companies today are scaling through systems and AI, not headcount. Growth now depends on leveraging tools and workflows to increase output per person before adding more people.

The AI economy is already reshaping company org charts, compressing admin and coordination-heavy roles while expanding high-leverage, judgment-driven positions. Roles like executive assistants, junior analysts, and Tier 1 support are shrinking, while strategic operators, systems thinkers, and AI enablement leaders are gaining value. Companies that proactively redesign roles and workflows around AI will scale faster and more effectively than those trying to preserve outdated structures.

To fully capitalize on AI, companies need a dedicated operator responsible for internal transformation, not scattered task forces or theoretical committees. This person should treat AI like a product roadmap, driving real implementation across teams with clear metrics and business impact. Without centralized ownership and execution, organizations risk chaos while competitors move faster with leaner teams.

Many companies are focusing on AI ethics debates before they’ve even implemented meaningful AI workflows in core areas like sales, support, or finance. Unless you’re operating in highly sensitive or regulated industries, you likely don’t need an ethics committee—you need clear ownership, guardrails, and a plan to move fast with accountability. The real risk isn’t ethical misstep, it’s falling behind while others build AI leverage responsibly.

Most private equity firms are falling behind on AI, not in theory but in how they actually implement it across their portfolios. While newer companies are using AI to grow faster with leaner teams and better margins, many PE-backed companies are stuck in outdated playbooks. The firms that win will treat AI as an operational lever and hold their teams accountable to clear, measurable adoption that drives both efficiency and growth.

As AI handles more of our workflows, content, and communication, real human conversation is becoming the most valuable differentiator. AI can create efficiency, but it can't build trust, read emotion, or influence in high-stakes situations. The most effective teams are using AI to save time and then investing that time back into authentic, human connection.