A Moment That Changed Everything
It was 4 a.m. and the house was silent—save for the noise of a racing mind. As a solopreneur, a caregiver, and a woman navigating profound loss, I learned that real resilience isn’t about doing it all solo. It’s about building the right team—sometimes, that team includes something artificial. In 2025, my most reliable “colleagues” are digital, but not in the way you might expect.
What Is Agentic AI—and Why Does It Matter?
Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence not as a mindless helper, but as an active partner. These systems learn from your behavior, respond to feedback, and anticipate your needs. According to Gartner, agentic AI is set to drive 40% of all new digital business initiatives by next year.
But the headlines got it wrong—real transformation isn’t in replacement. It’s in collaboration.
Agentic AI in Everyday Business
When I rebuilt my business after loss and illness, I couldn’t do everything myself. Today, I employ over 700 agentic AI tools—not to remove myself, but to free energy for meaningful work: fostering client relationships, making art, and guiding others through transition.
My AI “teammates” manage logistics, send reminders, suggest content, and even highlight client anniversaries—giving me time (and emotional bandwidth) for the human touch.
Augmentation vs. Automation
Traditional automation says, “What can we take off your plate?”
But agentic AI asks, “What lets you serve better?”
Don’t just automate—augment.
McKinsey’s research finds that businesses focused on human–AI partnerships see double the gains in creative output and resilience compared to those chasing full automation.
Lessons from the Solopreneur’s Playbook
My journey isn’t unique. Every leader today—especially solo founders and small teams—faces impossible to-do lists and rising expectations. My AI system drafts first emails, manages events, and monitors feedback, but everything public-facing gets my final review. AI holds the fort; I build the legacy.
This partnership means I can show up for clients and family, even when grief or illness hits hard.
Framework for Smart Implementation
- Map your workflow: What tasks steal your light?
- Build in checks: Review AI outputs as regularly as you would a new employee’s.
- Hold yourself accountable: AI is a powerful tool, but only values-driven leaders keep empathy at the core.
Pitfalls and the Internet Analogy
Much like the internet in the 1990s, agentic AI offers limitless good—or harm. Its potential depends on human choices. Leaders must ask: Are we building with care and resilience or rushing toward scale at all costs?
Too much automation distances companies from clients and erodes trust. Agentic AI, when integrated thoughtfully, keeps empathy and adaptability at the center.
Takeaways for Decision-Makers
If you’re leading a team (or just yourself), don’t fear AI—shape it.
- Use digital agents for support, not as stand-ins for leadership.
- Reserve big decisions and relationship-building for humans.
- See AI as the team member who multiplies your mission.
Legacy, Not Just Efficiency
In the end, my work isn’t just about surviving adversity or outsmarting the latest disruption—it’s about leaving a legacy. Every AI system I deploy is another step towards serving clients’ needs, telling better stories, and using technology for healing, not just for growth.
After every goodbye, the real story begins—when we choose partnership, not replacement.
References:
- Gartner, “Top Strategic Technology Trends 2024”
- McKinsey, “The State of AI in 2023: Ten Charts Revealing Industry Progress”
- MIT Sloan Management Review, “Augmentation is the Answer, Not Automation”
