TLDR: Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma predicts that while AI will inevitably integrate into daily business operations, even taking on executive roles, the ‘agency’ model will ultimately surpass a purely ‘AI-first’ approach. He emphasized that AI will create new job opportunities despite automating routine tasks, and revealed Paytm’s transition to an ‘AI-first’ company, including a new AI-powered passbook feature.
New Delhi – Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the visionary founder of Paytm, has articulated a compelling outlook on the future of work, asserting that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to become an indispensable component of daily business operations, the ‘agency’ model, which implies a more integrated and collaborative human-AI approach, will eventually prove more effective than a singular ‘AI-first’ strategy. Sharma shared these insights at Shiprocket’s Shivir: AI Commerce Edition event held in the capital on Friday, July 11 or 12, 2025.
Sharma underscored the ‘inevitability’ of AI reshaping the global workforce, predicting that AI will soon assume critical functions, potentially even roles as significant as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He stated, ‘We must learn to use AI not just as a tool, but as a co-worker, or even an executive.’ This perspective highlights a shift from viewing AI merely as a utility to recognizing its potential as a collaborative entity within an organization.
While acknowledging that AI will automate numerous routine human tasks, Sharma was optimistic about the creation of ‘fresh job opportunities’ in emerging technology domains. He stressed the imperative for companies to redirect their focus towards ‘innovation and core product development’ as automation becomes more prevalent.
In line with this vision, Paytm is actively transforming itself into an ‘AI-first’ enterprise, aiming to fully leverage machine intelligence across its operations. As part of this strategic pivot, the company is currently piloting an innovative AI-powered passbook feature. This unique tool is designed to convert users’ monthly spending patterns into personalized rap music, blending financial insights with creative expression. Sharma confirmed that this project is underway and is expected to be accessible to users soon.
Addressing recent workforce adjustments, Sharma clarified that Paytm’s employee headcount reduction was primarily influenced by external regulatory factors rather than solely automation. The company saw a decline of approximately 3,500 sales staff in the March 2024 quarter, bringing the total headcount to 36,521. This reduction was largely attributed to restrictions imposed by the Reserve Bank of India on Paytm Payments Bank operations.
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Sharma’s remarks resonate with a broader trend in the tech industry, which has witnessed over 100,000 job cuts globally in 2025. Major tech entities like Intel, Meta, and Google are restructuring their teams, phasing out traditional roles while actively recruiting specialists in AI, machine learning, and data science, signaling a fundamental reorganization around AI-driven operations amidst economic headwinds.
