Phia Co-Founder Sophia Kianni Says 3-Person Teams Can Do More With AI
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jun 26
Phia Co-Founder Sophia Kianni Says 3-Person Teams Can Do More With AI
1 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jun 26
Summary
Sophia Kianni, 24, said creativity remains the No. 1 skill AI cannot replace, even as it lets small creative teams produce far more work.
At Phia and podcast “The Burnouts,” she said AI handles data collection and content-performance analysis, freeing staff to spend more time developing ideas and storytelling.
That approach supports Phia’s audience-led growth strategy: Kianni and Phoebe Gates have documented the startup’s buildout on “The Burnouts,” which has more than 900,000 followers.
Adobe’s 2026 survey of 16,000-plus creators backs that view: three-quarters of AI users call it essential, 87% say it boosted business or audience growth, and 63% report higher confidence.
Kianni’s comments align with a broader industry view from executives including LinkedIn’s Ryan Roslansky and Animoca’s Yat Siu that AI will automate routine work while leaving human originality central.