Making the business case with AI

Executives may hesitate because they see hype but not evidence. Your role is reframing AI as strategic advantage:

• Lead with value: “This could save me four hours weekly.”
• Acknowledge risk: “We’ll pilot with privacy safeguards.”
• Show leadership: “I’ll log where AI was used and how it was checked.”

“I was nervous about using AI at first but once I created clear rules about what could and couldn’t be shared, it became much easier. My executive trusts me to manage the boundaries.” Stephanie, an EA from Brisbane

Think of yourself as an AI coach for your business. Just as leadership coaches guide teams, you can guide your executive team through safe, ethical adoption. Position yourself as the champion who brings the organisation along the journey.

You can even use AI to help draft your business case: “You are an executive assistant preparing a case for AI investment in the financial services sector. Draft a note for the CEO outlining efficiency gains, ethical safeguards and alignment to strategy.”

This approach makes clear you’re not requesting a gadget – you’re presenting business resilience and risk reduction.

AI and EAs “I use AI to prepare first drafts of board packs. The time saving is enormous – but only when I give it very specific instructions. A vague prompt gets you vague output. A detailed one gets you something you can actually use.” Jenn, an EA from Sydney

Futureproofing and leading the charge

Technology will change. But the skills you build now will outlast today’s tools. Prompting – framing tasks and tone. Evaluation – fact-checking and bias spotting. Governance – protecting privacy and style. By mastering these core skills, you establish authority as AI becomes embedded in daily workflows.

AI adoption isn’t about replacing tasks. It’s about reshaping the EA role. By leading in this space, you signal to executives that you’re more than an organiser. You’re a strategist, a guide and an essential part of how the business adapts to change.

The assistants who step up now won’t just protect their relevance. They’ll grow their influence. The choice is straightforward – let AI happen around you or lead the charge and show your organisation what’s possible.

Your executive doesn’t want a robot in your chair. They want you sharper, faster and trusted to bring the best of technology into the room. By understanding AI today, you secure your place at the table tomorrow.

“I see AI as an amplifier. It clears repetitive work so I can focus on the big picture. It’s not replacing me. It’s extending what I can do,” Geoff, an EA from Melbourne