Kuppulakshmi Krishnamoorthy is the Global Head at Zoho for Startups immersed in discussions with start-ups and entrepreneurs, witnessing first-hand how the digital landscape is evolving. The Tamil Nadu based Zoho for Startups program gives access to the software tools that firms need to power their entrepreneurial journey.
At the recently held 6th annual India Global Forum in London, shared her perspectives on how artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping the future of work. With a career that has traversed diverse fields, from industrial microbiology to leading a major technology initiative, Krishnamoorthy brings a unique, optimistic lens to the conversation on AI's transformative power.
"We want humans to drive this, to take AI in their hands, and put the human element first," she emphasised, underscoring her hope that AI should enhance, rather than replace, the human element.
This outlook highlights a key element of Zoho’s culture, which focuses on collaborative communication across hierarchical boundaries. While there is clear recognition of AI's potential to automate redundant tasks, Krishnamoorthy insists that it must be used responsibly, with humans at the helm.
When discussing the delicate balance between human creativity and automation, Krishnamoorthy acknowledged that AI has already begun to influence various sectors. Zoho has invested heavily in AI, developing tools that automate mundane tasks and streamline workflows. Yet, she emphasised, it is critical to ensure that AI adoption doesn’t instil fear or lead to unnecessary layoffs.
“We take a very conscious step every day… The CEO in our 20,000-person company takes initiatives to talk to senior managers on how many people we should hire, and so that there are no layoffs,” she said.
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Krishnamoorthy also pointed out that, while automation may displace certain jobs, the essence of innovation and entrepreneurship lies in the human touch. She stressed the importance of "customer delight"— an area where AI can complement but not replace the human contribution.
"What stands out is not your AI, but how you're doing things," she said, pointing to the critical role of empathy and emotional intelligence in leadership as AI expands its reach.
Her optimistic vision of AI’s future is tempered with caution about the impact of this technological revolution. Reflecting on past industrial revolutions, she noted how ethics and mindfulness have now come to the forefront, ensuring inclusivity and empowerment.
Finally, Krishnamoorthy offered a nuanced take on work-life balance in this new AI-driven world, preferring the concept of "work-life integration." She believes that technology, when leveraged thoughtfully, can enable people to achieve personal and professional goals harmoniously.
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As AI continues to evolve, Krishnamoorthy’s grounded optimism and focus on the human experience stand as a guiding light for businesses navigating this complex terrain.
For her, AI's future is not about fear but about using technology to uplift and enable, ensuring that the human spirit remains at the heart of the workplace.
*Info: India Global Forum