AI Agent & Copilot Podcast: AI as a Manager
In this episode of the AI Agent & Copilot Podcast, Shawn Dorward challenges AI’s ability to be a manager as its capabilities continue to expand and it brings accountability to roles in the workplace.
This episode is sponsored by the AI Agent & Copilot Summit NA, taking place March 17-19, 2026 in San Diego, California.
Key Takeaways
- AI in the workplace: Copilot is really helping make sure we don’t just drop the glass balls but the plastic ones as well. The benefits of this tool in the workplace include managing task lists and meetings, determining next steps and agendas, and nudging people with reminders and updates. Copilot is also incredibly consistent; everyone gets the same version of the truth without any bias, which creates a lot of fairness.
- Scalability and transparency: Can Copilot be a middle manager? It can handle dozens of projects simultaneously with accuracy, which would enable an organization to scale. It can ensure transparency because it creates a clear trail of who committed to what, holding individuals accountable to their responsibilities.
- The human element: Because AI can’t manage personalities or coach with empathy, the human element still needs to be considered. Copilot and other AI tools are just managing tasks — making people task and accountability machines — which could detract them from working toward a mission or a vision. It’s a tool in the process and could alleviate some of the burden that a middle manager has, but it doesn’t replace the human element. Managers need to build trust, mentor people, and navigate through conversations.
- Empowering managers with AI: Managers need to build trust, mentor people, and navigate through conversations. We definitely don’t want AI running the show and truly need the human touch. AI should be applied to increase margin strength and top-line revenue, as well as create efficiencies. While managers should spend less time on admin tasks, they should be empowered by AI rather than over-leveraging it for coaching, strategizing, and defining the culture, vision, and mission.
