How AI is Rewriting the Rules of Organizational Structure

As artificial intelligence continues to surge ahead, it’s not just creating new efficiencies—it’s quietly (and sometimes not-so-quietly) reshaping our organizational blueprints. This week, let’s explore what’s happening behind the scenes with insights from Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and emerging perspectives on how large language models (LLMs) are accelerating their journey from groundbreaking novelties to standard-issue business tools.

From Scaling Productivity to Redefining Roles

Marc Benioff’s recent comments on Salesforce’s internal use of their AI-driven “Agent force” highlight a key shift: a 30% increase in engineering productivity. But instead of simply piling on more engineers, Salesforce is reallocating its focus—fewer support engineers, more sales talent, and a greater reliance on what Benioff calls “digital labor.” This isn’t just about doing more with less; it’s about reimagining the human-machine relationship.

Organizations that master this balancing act can grow strategically without always adding headcount. By blending AI-enabled productivity with creative human judgment, they can scale smarter, not just bigger.

The Rise—and Commoditization—of LLMs

We’re witnessing a rapid evolution. Large language models are barreling toward commoditization, which means the future of AI lies not in having access to these tools, but in how we differentiate through specialization. Soon, leveraging industry-specific, fine-tuned models will matter more than simply tapping into generic AI platforms.

The next competitive advantage won’t be owning the tech—it will be customizing it. Think of AI less as a one-size-fits-all wonder and more as a tailor-made solution that solves your unique business challenges.

AI-Augmented Organizations Still Need Humans

For all the talk of automation and digital decision-making, humans remain an integral part of the equation. AI can streamline analysis and surface insights at breakneck speed, but it can’t yet replicate human intuition, ethical reasoning, or strategic vision. We’re not replacing org charts; we’re adding a “decision engine” that humans must still steer.

The future workforce is not exclusively AI or human—it’s both. The true advantage emerges when human leaders set the course, and AI helps navigate the path more effectively.

The Multifamily Apartment Industry: A Case in Point

In multifamily real estate—my own area of focus—AI is poised to transform operations. Imagine predictive maintenance that flags issues before residents even notice, or AI-driven investment decisions that proactively respond to market signals. This industry, like many others, will depend on leaders who understand how to harness AI insights while maintaining a customer-focused, human touch.

Every industry has its “AI sweet spot.” For multifamily, it’s about optimizing resident experiences, streamlining management, and making smarter investment calls—all while preserving personal relationships and trust.

Your Playbook for an AI-Driven Future

1. Audit Your Talent Strategy: Identify where AI can boost productivity and then consider shifting team roles and investments.

2. Find Your Niche: Focus on specialized AI solutions tailored to your industry rather than relying on one-size-fits-all models.

3. Lead with Vision and Ethics: Embrace AI’s capabilities while preserving the heart of your organization’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.

4. Continuously Adapt: Keep learning as the technology evolves. Today’s best practices could be tomorrow’s baseline.

We’re at an inflection point. AI isn’t just a shiny new tool—it’s a catalyst for reimagining how we structure our teams, define roles, and chart growth strategies. The organizations that thrive will be those that grasp this shift, integrate AI thoughtfully, and preserve the irreplaceable value of human insight.

Seize the AI-powered opportunities ahead—while keeping our values, creativity, and strategic thinking firmly at the center.

Stay unstoppable,

Patrick Antrim
Founder & CEO
nectarflow.com

About the Author:
Patrick Antrim is the Chairman of the Multifamily Innovation® Council and the Founder and CEO of nectarflow.com, a productivity platform to bring together AI, automation, and data in your business providing a marketplace to reduce IT spend, consolidate operations, reduce costs, integrate point solutions, and increase margins for Multifamily companies.

With a focus on reducing IT spend, consolidating operations, and increasing margins for multifamily companies, nectarflow™ offers a unified AI and automation platform that brings everything together—from native CRM and custom company AI agents to marketing automation and open API integrations.

An MIT-certified expert in Applied Generative AI and Digital Transformation, Patrick has built nectarflow™ into an industry-leading platform that empowers business owners and operators to bring AI and automation into their companies. With over a decade of experience producing executive-level multifamily events like the Multifamily Innovation® & AI Summit and the Multifamily Women® Summit, he is a thought leader on the future of work and how technology can help build great careers and businesses.

Patrick's extensive industry experience includes managing $1.2 billion in multifamily apartment portfolios, scaling a management company across 13 states. He has advised proptech companies on go-to-market strategies and founded the Best Places to Work Multifamily® Research and Awards program.

He has managed real estate portfolios and launched businesses for influential investors such as Tony Robbins, John Saunders, Dean Graziosi, and The Hon. George Argyros. Passionate about leveraging AI as the greatest tool for business operators, Patrick helps multifamily investors, operators, and business owners build efficient, profitable revenue growth through innovation and technology.