The Debate on Legacy Systems vs. AI-Native Platforms

There’s an ongoing debate about whether AI-native platforms will replace legacy systems or simply enhance them.

Some argue that structured enterprise software—like Salesforce and HubSpot—is becoming obsolete, while AI-first systems will dominate. Others believe these structured systems exist for a reason—AI will simply embed into existing workflows rather than replace them.

Both views miss the bigger picture.

The real opportunity isn’t in slotting AI into outdated workflows—it’s in rethinking work itself. Instead of asking where AI fits in, we should be asking: What does work look like in an AI-powered world?

The Work Evolution: From Systems to Subtasks

AI agents aren’t ready to autonomously redesign entire business processes. They’re great at handling specific tasks but fall short on complex decision-making. The shift from structured systems to AI-native platforms won’t be instant - it’ll take us continuously reengineering work as AI capabilities grow.

1. Today: AI at the Subtask Level
2. The Next Phase: AI-Driven Workflows
3. The Future: Fully AI-Native Work Models

The Takeaway: Stop Getting Distracted

The AI vs. legacy systems debate is a distraction. The real challenge isn’t which system “wins”...

…it’s whether we’re ready to continuously reengineer work as AI evolves.

AI is changing how we need to think about work. That’s the real shift. And it requires a mindset change:

• Stop looking for a “final” answer. Work will keep evolving, and so must we.
• Reskilling has to move in sync with AI. If we don’t adapt people alongside technology, they’ll be left behind.
• Reinvention ≄ automation. Reinvention is redesigning work so humans and AI can operate together—now and in the future.

The cost of distraction? Work will be redesigned with or without you. If you’re not driving the change, you’re reacting to it—too late.

So, are you still debating systems? Or are you preparing for the continuous reinvention of work?