FYAI How agents will transform business and daily work with Business and Industry Copilot Corporate Vice President Charles Lamanna

By Charles Lamanna, Corporate Vice President of Business and Industry Copilot at Microsoft

AI agents are emerging as a pivotal innovation, reshaping how organizations and individuals work. From automating complex business processes to enabling custom AI assistants, these agents are becoming indispensable tools in the modern workplace.

The AI Moment: A Historical Perspective

Charles Lamanna compares the current AI revolution to past technological breakthroughs like tractors and mechanized looms. "If computers are the bicycle, AI is the jetpack of the mind," he says. This technology is breaking down barriers to knowledge and transforming fields such as law, medicine, and software development.

The AI-First Mindset for Businesses

Adopting an AI-first approach is no longer optional for businesses. AI agents, described as "the new apps," can execute tasks ranging from customer service to data analysis. Companies like Estée Lauder and Dow are already leveraging AI agents to gain insights and detect anomalies, saving time and money.

The Future of AI Agents

Lamanna outlines three stages of AI adoption:

1. Augmentation: AI assists employees in daily tasks.
2. Autonomy: AI agents manage complex workflows independently.
3. Integration: AI becomes the core driver of business operations.

AI Agents Beyond the Workplace

In the near future, AI agents will extend into personal lives, handling tasks like sorting emails, paying bills, and managing healthcare. "Imagine a future where agents effortlessly handle life’s complexities," Lamanna envisions.

Learn More

• Register for the Business Applications Launch Event
• Refactor your skills at Microsoft Build 2025
• Read more about AI agents
• Begin your AI learning journey

AI agents are not just a novelty—they are a necessity for staying relevant in today’s fast-paced world.