In 2023, I attended an executive conference, one of the coolest things I learned at the conference was:
People are creating "digital twins" with artificial intelligence (AI).
Peter Klein and Ursula van Graan of Educated Change provided us presentations that challenged my thinking about AI. They explained that a digital twin is an AI version of you and a bot that can pinch hit for you when you are busy.
Imagine this:
- Frequent Questions
Your Digital Twin goes with you everywhere and learns the answers to the frequent questions you get plus stays current on with your work.
- Proxy for You
While you are sleeping, in meetings or on vacation, your Digital Twin promptly answers your text messages, emails and voicemails for you.
Benefits
This results is your people get answers they need more quickly. Plus due to the unloading of this administrative work, you are able spend more time on higher-level tasks.
Still Personally Connect
Your Digital Twin would provide you a nice summary of what transpired while you were away. This way you would stay informed AND be able follow-up personally with the people who reached out. Plus you would be a step ahead because of your Digital Twin's assistance providing them what they could on your behalf.
Doesn't that sound amazing?
Having Fun with the AI Agents
I think your Digital Twin's summaries would be just as nice as the summaries I am getting from the AI Agents I have tried.
Microsoft Copilot now offers free, unlimited access to its conversational AI. You can ask as many questions as they like each day, including using advanced features like Think Deeper and Voice.
Asking questions everyday has helped me better understand what's possible now because of AI and imagine what could be possible. Plus, it's a blast. I want you to give Copilot a whirl if you have not already.
Challenge yourself to use it every day in new ways. It will help you create a vision of what's possible in your organization due to AI.
Do this:
1. Head over to www.bing.com and type (or voice dictate) your question like you’re texting a super-smart friend—full sentences, side notes, even a couple of related questions at once. Want your answer in a table? Just say so.
2. Hit Enter, and Copilot will pop back with a fast, detailed answer that’s shockingly good. (I was hooked instantly. ❤️)
There's also ChatGPT, my current go-to when I want to keep the conversation going—ask follow-ups, test ideas, or just see how far the rabbit hole goes.
Honestly? Search has officially become a chat. And I love it.
To me AI Agents and my Digital Twin are two new junior members of my team. Their support frees me up to do more complex and interesting work.
However, like I would for any junior member of my team, when they produce work for me, I make sure to check it over.
Key Points
Your Digital Twin isn’t science fiction — it’s your AI partner that can answer questions, handle routine tasks, and help you stay connected even when you’re away.
AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT are the new junior team members — they expand what’s possible, but still need a thoughtful leader (you!) to guide, review, and shape their output.