Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt broke down how he sees AI agents changing C-suite jobs
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt says AI assistants could flatten companies, cut coordination-based roles, and give executives new ways to monitor work.
TL;DR
- AI assistants could make companies flatter by taking over planning and coordination tasks.
- This could lead to fewer people being needed for tasks like relaying information and increasing profits.
- The pace of AI development is extremely fast, with new models quickly becoming obsolete.
- AI is not a bubble, as evidenced by the rapid revenue growth of companies like Anthropic.
- Examples include founders using AI to flag value conflicts and executives using AI to monitor employee progress.
- AI can eliminate the 'coordination tax' that consumes CEOs' time.
- Schmidt estimates AI could eliminate thousands of roles in a large company.
- Companies will still need people for product development, sales, regulatory work, and leadership.
- Workers whose roles are disappearing should be transitioned legally and humanely.