AI accelerates the repeatable layer: drafts, conflict flags, research pulls, and first-pass summaries. Used well, it buys hours back every week.
An executive assistant applies context, prioritization, and judgment. Tone with a key investor, risk in a sensitive thread, and the political map of your team still need a human partner who knows you.
The partnership works when tools and people are designed as one system—not two competing workflows. Your EA should own the prompts, the quality bar, and the exceptions that never go to a model.
Start with low-risk automation: meeting notes, travel options, expense categorization. Raise the ceiling only after the quality standard is clear and trusted.