Why? Because people buy from people. Let’s break it down.
AI: The Ultimate Sales Sidekick
There’s no denying that AI is a powerful tool for sales teams. Here’s what it does exceptionally well:
Automating Outreach: AI can send hundreds of personalized emails in seconds, saving hours of manual work.
Data Scraping at Scale: It can gather and analyze vast amounts of data to identify leads, trends, and opportunities.
Personalization: AI can craft tailored messages that resonate with individual prospects, making outreach feel more human.
Efficiency: It handles repetitive tasks, freeing up sales reps to focus on higher-value activities.
In many ways, AI is like a cheat code for sales. It accelerates processes, reduces friction, and helps teams scale their efforts. But while AI can set the stage, it can’t deliver the final act.
The Human Touch: Where AI Falls Short
When it comes to closing deals, AI hits a wall. Here’s why:
Reading Between the Lines: Sales isn’t just about what’s said - it’s about what’s left unsaid. A great salesperson can pick up on subtle cues, tone, and body language that AI simply can’t.
Adapting to Emotions: Humans are emotional beings. A skilled salesperson can sense frustration, excitement, or hesitation and adjust their approach accordingly.
Building Rapport: Small talk isn’t so small. It’s the foundation of trust and connection. Whether it’s bonding over a shared interest or cracking a joke, these moments are uniquely human.
Handling Objections with Nuance: Objections aren’t always logical - they’re often emotional. A great salesperson can navigate these conversations with empathy and finesse.
Creating Trust: At the end of the day, buyers want to feel like they’re in good hands. That gut feeling? It’s something only another human can provide.
AI can mimic human conversation, but it can’t replicate the depth of human connection. It can’t create those moments of trust that seal the deal.
The Role of the Account Executive (AE): Irreplaceable
If you think AI is going to replace AEs anytime soon, think again. A great AE isn’t just a salesperson - they’re a relationship builder. They understand that selling isn’t about pushing a product; it’s about solving problems and creating value.
Here’s what sets AEs apart:
They Listen: AEs don’t just hear; they listen. They understand the pain points, goals, and motivations of their prospects.
They Adapt: Every conversation is different. AEs can pivot on the fly, tailoring their approach to fit the situation.
They Build Trust: Trust isn’t built overnight. It’s earned through consistent, genuine interactions.
They Close: Closing a deal isn’t just about logic; it’s about emotion. AEs know how to create that “yes” moment.
AI can support AEs, but it can’t replace them. The human element - the ability to connect, empathize, and build relationships - is what makes sales truly effective.
The Future of Sales: AI + Humans
The future of sales isn’t about choosing between AI and humans. It’s about leveraging the strengths of both. AI can handle the heavy lifting - data analysis, outreach, and personalization - while humans focus on what they do best: building relationships and closing deals.
Here’s how to strike the right balance:
Use AI for Efficiency: Let AI handle repetitive tasks and data-driven processes.
Empower AEs with Insights: Use AI to provide AEs with actionable insights and recommendations.
Focus on the Human Touch: Train AEs to hone their emotional intelligence, communication skills, and relationship-building abilities.
Conclusion
AI is a powerful tool, but it’s just that - a tool. It can enhance sales processes, but it can’t replace the human element that makes sales truly effective. People buy from people, not from perfectly crafted AI sequences or chatbots that sound human.
So, while AI may be the ultimate sales cheat code, the art of closing deals will always belong to the AEs who know how to connect, empathize, and build trust.
In the end, sales isn’t just about selling - it’s about relationships. And that’s something no AI can replicate.

Jousef Murad
Founder of APEX