The AI Assistant, Not the Replacement
I came across this Microsoft blog post — How real-world businesses are transforming with AI: 261 new stories — and noticed a clear pattern. Across every example, from banks to hospitals to city governments, companies aren’t using AI to replace their teams. They’re using it to support them. AI is showing up in meeting summaries, document prep, faster decision-making. It’s not replacing your best people. It’s helping them get home on time.
I’ve always believed technology should serve people, not the other way around. And that’s exactly what we’re seeing with AI agents right now. They’re being woven into daily workflows to eliminate the boring stuff (automating reports, transcribing conversations, even flagging contract clauses). This isn’t a sci-fi —it’s tech doing what it should: making human work better, clearer, and more enjoyable.
The smartest companies are using AI to extend human capability, not eliminate it. Rather than a goal of full automation, it’s better collaboration between humans and machines. If you’re thinking about AI for your business, don’t start by asking, "What can we cut?" Ask, "What can we amplify?" That’s where the real value is.
Written by Peter Mercado | YOR.AI CTO