Stephanie James, Principal Consultant in Troocoo’s Business Services team, has been exploring what the shift from AI just being a buzzword to a central part of how we work and what this means for the people at the core of business operations.
In this piece, she reflects on the opportunities AI presents for admin professionals – and why the future isn’t about replacement, but reinvention.
Just a few years ago AI felt like a clever trick we’d use to double-check spelling, reword a sentence, or help write a caption. It lived on the fringes of our workflow, something we’d dip into occasionally when we were stuck for ideas or needed a time-saving shortcut.
But since then, the game has changed.
Today, AI is becoming deeply embedded in the way we work, shifting from occasional assistant to daily partner. No longer a novelty, it’s now a serious tool for professionals looking to maximise their output, sharpen their impact, and minimise the time spent on repetitive tasks.
And we’re only just getting started. AI has moved well beyond spell checks and writing prompts.
Business support and admin roles have always required incredible multitasking ability, attention to detail, adaptability, and sharp problem-solving – often without much recognition.
AI doesn’t diminish the need for these skills. It amplifies them.
When used well, AI can take care of the repetitive or time-consuming tasks, freeing up professionals to focus on higher-value work.
There’s still anxiety in some circles around AI, that it will replace jobs or eliminate roles.
But the truth is: AI can only replace tasks, not people. What makes admin professionals truly valuable is their judgment, discretion, empathy, and ability to connect dots in complex environments. This can’t be replicated.
It’s not about replacing you. It’s about making you even better at what you already do.
Those who thrive in this AI-powered environment are the ones who lean in, test, play, explore, and adapt. They aren’t necessarily tech experts but they’re professionals who recognise that embracing change is part of staying relevant.
And they understand that you don’t need to use every tool. You just need to find the right tools that solve your unique challenges.
The rise of AI doesn’t signal the end of admin roles; it signals a new beginning.
A new partnership.
A new way of working.
A new era of value creation, where support professionals can drive even greater impact with less time, less friction, and more confidence.
The question isn’t if AI will be part of your working life – it already is.
The real question is: how will you use it to your advantage?
Our Business Services team are taking this conversation further at our upcoming event, AI + Admin: The New Partnership, in Brisbane on Thursday 28 August 2025.
If this topic resonates with you, or if you’d like to join us for AI + Admin: The New Partnership, feel free to reach out to Stephanie directly.
