The $100 MBA Show — Episode MBA2702

Q&A Wednesday: With All the AI Tools Now, Do I Still Need a Virtual Assistant?

Host: Omar Zenhom
Release Date: November 12, 2025

Episode Overview

In this Q&A Wednesday episode, Omar Zenhom answers a listener’s timely question: With the explosion of AI tools, is it still necessary to hire a virtual assistant (VA)? Drawing on 20+ years of entrepreneurial experience, Omar gives a nuanced, actionable perspective on how AI is transforming daily operations — yet still doesn't replace the need for skilled human support. The episode blends hard-earned insights with practical frameworks to help business owners find the right balance between cutting-edge technology and real human judgment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. AI: Powerful, but Not a Replacement

• Omar enthusiastically acknowledges AI’s “magic” abilities, such as drafting emails, generating content, summarizing reports, and integrating with tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, Descript, Canva, and more.
• AI levels the playing field for small businesses: “Solo entrepreneurs can really produce a high level of work, almost to the equivalent of big teams.” (05:14)
• Core argument: AI is an incredible tool, but cannot fully replace humans. Tools are powerful, but “someone still needs to use them.”

2. Human Judgment & Context Remain Essential

• AI lacks knowledge of your business priorities, tone, and brand nuances.
• Quote: “AI is great at generating, but it’s not great at knowing your priorities, your brand, your nuances.” (09:15)
• VAs can understand your goals and ensure that AI-generated output aligns with your standards.

3. Execution & Accountability

• AI can create, but humans execute and take responsibility for results.
• “AI will never be responsible for anything... When you hire somebody, they can be responsible of the output. They could check everything and make sure that, hey, this is up to standard...” (11:42)
• VAs follow through — publishing, checking, and uploading — ensuring tasks are completed and correct.

4. Managing Complexity & Relationships

• Humans excel at managing “chaos” — triaging inboxes, chasing invoices, reminding about meetings, and making phone calls. (16:32)
• Quote: “Relationship management in your business is a big deal. Business runs on relationships. AI can’t manage client introductions, sensitive situations, or build rapport with another human.” (17:00)
• The “human touch” is irreplaceable — especially in customer service and sensitive tasks.

5. Quality Control & Error Checking

• AI is fast but error-prone. Humans possess better attention to detail for most tasks today.
• VAs spot and correct mistakes, interact with clients, and help uphold company standards. (18:31)

6. AI + VA = Maximum Leverage

• Omar advocates for a “both/and” approach:
  • Use AI for mundane or repetitive parts of admin work.
  • Allow VAs to apply context, judgment, and execute at a higher standard.
• Workflow example:
  • Copywriter drafts newsletter → VA uses AI to suggest subject lines → VA loads options in ConvertKit and sets up A/B tests. (21:50)
• AI empowers a skilled VA to be like a “superhero” — effectively becoming two or three employees in one. (29:41)

7. The Task Value Ladder (Lessons from Dan Martel)

• $10 tasks: Repetitive admin (scheduling, email responses)
• $100 tasks: Customer support, responding to sales inquiries
• $1,000 tasks: Medium-level business decisions (e.g., marketing strategy)
• $10,000 tasks: Vision, product creation, closing big deals, content creation
• AI reduces time on $10–$100 tasks, but without a VA, you’re still doing too much yourself.
  • Goal: Spend your time only on work that only you can do—the $1,000 and $10,000 tasks. (25:47)

8. Hiring Advice: Invest in Great VAs Who Use AI

• Pay above-market rates to attract loyal, high-caliber assistants.
• Quote: “I’d rather pay one amazing VA than juggle three mediocre ones that are giving me headaches.” (31:14)
• Train your team to use AI effectively — upskilling makes them even more valuable.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “AI is a power tool. Your VA is the builder and you, the founder, are the architect.” — Omar (32:00)
• “AI creates leverage. But a human hire ensures leverage actually turns into results.” (19:06)
• “I don’t want to be a bottleneck anymore... I get leverage on top of leverage.” (23:47)
• “A VA with AI skills is like a superhero in your business.” (29:41)

Practical Takeaways

• Don’t replace your VAs with AI; empower them with it.
• Focus your time on high-value ($1,000–$10,000) tasks unique to your role.
• Invest in skilled VAs who adapt and leverage AI—they’ll amplify your output and efficiency.
• Upskill your VAs in AI tools to enhance their productivity and value to your business.

Conclusion

Omar’s answer is clear: Yes, you still need a virtual assistant—even more so today. The winning combination is a sharp VA who knows how to wield AI, freeing you to work on what matters most and scale your company efficiently. The future is collaborative: you as the architect, your VA as the builder, and AI as the ultimate toolkit.

Key Timestamps

• AI’s Strengths & Weaknesses: 04:20–09:40
• Why Human VAs Are Irreplaceable: 09:40–19:30
• AI + VA Workflow in Action: 21:50–24:30
• Task Value Ladder Explained: 25:47–28:03
• Hiring & Training VAs for the AI Era: 29:41–32:45