As artificial intelligence continues to transform the modern workplace, Kim Bartman (KB), Kutual Miyeki (KM) and Saffiya Ismail (SI), executive assistants to three of South Africa’s top CFOs are finding themselves at the centre of a profound shift,from task-driven support to strategic partnership.
Professor Steven Sidley, a leading AI expert and professor of practice at the University of Johannesburg, suggested that the best way for executive assistants to embrace AI is simply to experiment with it, and have some fun in the process.
Kim Bartman EA to Bothwell Mazarura,CFO of Kumba Iron Ore, Kutula Miyeki, EA to Vincent Motholo, CFO at UCT, and Saffiya Ismail, the EA to Rupesh Govan, financial director of Investec; spoke about how they see their role as EA to top CFOs evolving with the advent of AI.
How do you see your role as EA to your CFO evolving with the advent of AI over the next few years?
KB: With AI transforming workplace dynamics, my role as an EA supporting three executive heads, including the CFO, is set to become more strategic and integrated.
AI will play a pivotal role in the EA space, these are just some of the benefits that I see from incorporating AI:
- AI changes: AI is making workplaces more efficient by automating tasks and analysing data.
- Strategic role: My role as an EA will become more strategic focusing on important tasks and planning.
- Cross-functional management: AI will help manage tasks across different departments, ensuring everything aligns with company goals.
- Seamless communication: AI tools will ensure smooth communication and collaboration within the organisation.
- Operational efficiency: AI will automate administrative tasks, improving efficiency and time management.
- Data-driven decisions: AI will provide accurate insights, helping executives make informed decisions.
AI will elevate my role to that of a strategic facilitator, ensuring my CFO, Technical & Strategy, and HR executives operate efficiently and collaboratively. Innovation, stakeholder management and other soft skills remain crucial. Our ability as EAs to assimilate new information, think quickly on our feet and make informed decisions under pressure is what sets us apart. While AI excels in handling predictive and repetitive tasks, it’s the human touch that’s indispensable for navigating complex, dynamic situations.
KM: I think AI will automate many of the routine and administrative tasks currently performed by EAs, allowing them to focus on more strategic and value-added activities.
AI is poised to automate many of the routine and administrative tasks currently handled by EAs. These include automated scheduling and calendar management, travel management, meeting preparation, task management and prioritisation (AI can help organise lists and generate reminders), information retrieval and research (AI can rapidly search through massive amounts of information to provide needed data).
As AI takes over routine tasks, the EA role will likely evolve towards more strategic and high-value activities. AI will not replace EAs, but it will transform their role. The focus will shift from administrative tasks to strategic partnership, data analysis, relationship management, and technology integration.
SI: Here’s how I see it playing out:
- Supercharged efficiency: AI is going to make me a productivity ninja! Automating routine tasks means I can focus on the big picture, anticipate needs, and make smarter decisions, faster.
- Deep thinking, human connections: With AI handling the admin, I can focus on what really matters – critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and building strong relationships. That human touch? That’s still my superpower.
- Continuous evolution: I’m not just waiting for AI to happen. I’m actively learning, and applying new technologies to improve my delivery and output.
Engaging with other PAs recently at an AI Essentials course I attended, it was interesting to see how our roles will change! I’m ready to collaborate, think ahead and embrace the future. I’m not just supporting my CFO; I’m helping to drive their success in an AI-powered world. It’s about leveraging the tech but never losing sight of the human element. And honestly, I can’t wait to see what we achieve
