My company replicated my exact role with an AI agent. I'm confident it won't replace me — here's why.

In an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into the workplace, the role of a chief of staff is evolving dramatically. Kristi Edleson, a 34-year-old chief of staff at the San Francisco-based startup Yutori, shares her unique experience of working alongside AI agents. Having transitioned from a decade in recruitment to operational roles, Edleson found herself in a position that ironically aims to create an AI chief of staff. Despite the potential for AI to take over tasks, Edleson believes that it enhances her capabilities rather than replaces her. "The AI product we built is designed to augment my skills, not fully replace my role," she explains. With the launch of this AI tool, Edleson has discovered that the challenge lies in balancing the tasks she can delegate to AI versus those that require her personal touch. Her responsibilities include everything from daily operations and finance to vendor negotiations, making her role varied and impactful. Integrating the AI chief of staff into her work tools—such as email and Slack—has allowed Edleson to streamline her tasks. She can now assess her workload and decide which responsibilities can be entrusted to AI, enabling her to focus on more meaningful challenges. One of her morning routines involves vocalizing her thoughts to the AI agent, allowing it to assist her in drafting emails or messages. This capability gives Edleson the flexibility to work in a more intuitive way, even if it means making imperfect inquiries. While she harnesses AI for numerous tasks, Edleson remains cautious when it comes to financial responsibilities, preferring to maintain a hands-on approach for anything involving significant monetary decisions. She finds value in writing and strategizing herself, using AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement. Despite the prevalent narrative of AI leading to job losses, Edleson finds empowerment in her role, stating that the access to AI feels like having a patient tutor at her side. As she navigates this new landscape, she encourages others in similar positions to embrace the collaboration between human skills and artificial intelligence. Edleson's story reflects a broader trend in the corporate world where AI is seen as a partner in enhancing human roles rather than an adversary poised to take them away.