Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently discussed how he integrates AI agents, such as Copilot and Excel, into his daily workflow during a public event. He relies on these tools to monitor filings from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), delve into spreadsheet data, and emphasized the Excel agent’s ability to perform causal reasoning. This capability allows him to continually assess Microsoft’s return on invested capital. Nadella also outlined two significant enhancements to Microsoft’s current AI systems:

First, the system now supports advanced analysis of existing models, creating a robust internal feedback loop within Excel. This loop leverages reasoning to tackle complex analytical tasks and swiftly generates tailored worksheets for various scenarios, drawing from existing data tables. These outputs can be directly incorporated into business workflows, adding immediate value.

Second, the system bridges internal corporate data with the broader global context. By merging external SEC filings with internal insights, it provides real-time visibility into capital return rates across different organizational levels.