The CEO who vowed to ‘fire anyone who doesn’t use AI’ admits that the technology can’t replace her executive assistant as the role evolves

July 6, 2026 - 00:15

Just months after declaring she would fire any employee who failed to embrace artificial intelligence, the CEO of a major firm now concedes that AI cannot do the job of her own executive assistant. The leader, who previously positioned herself as a hardline advocate for full automation, acknowledged that the role has evolved in ways that make human judgment and adaptability essential.

In a recent interview, she explained that while AI tools have streamlined many routine tasks, her assistant handles complex coordination, sensitive communication, and unpredictable problem-solving that algorithms simply cannot manage. "The people who truly want to succeed in this role have a massive opportunity," she said, emphasizing that the position now requires a blend of tech fluency and irreplaceable human skills.

The reversal highlights a growing tension in the corporate world between the push for efficiency and the reality of workplace dynamics. Critics of her earlier stance note that the threat to fire non-AI users created unnecessary anxiety and ignored the nuanced ways technology integrates with human labor. The CEO now frames the assistant's role as a model for how jobs can evolve rather than disappear, urging other leaders to focus on augmentation instead of replacement.

Her admission serves as a cautionary tale for executives who treat AI as a silver bullet. The assistant, she said, has become more valuable by leveraging AI to handle data and scheduling, freeing up time for strategic thinking and relationship management. For now, the human touch remains non-negotiable.