Why Gen Z Founder Sophia Kianni Thinks AI Can Never Touch True Creativity
AI can analyze data, track metrics, and remix existing code, but it can’t replace human imagination. That’s according to Sophia Kianni, the 24-year-old co-founder of AI-powered shopping startup Phia.
Speaking with CNBC Make It, Kianni—who co-founded Phia with Phoebe Gates—declared creativity and ingenuity as the number one qualities safe from the AI revolution. Rather than viewing AI as a threat to creatives, Kianni sees it as a massive productivity multiplier.
"I want my teams to stay in their zone of genius," Kianni said. "They’re so incredible at coming up with good, interesting, creative ideas for content… I want them to focus on that."
By offloading "tedious and time-consuming" tasks like data collection and analytics to AI, her content teams can spend less time grinding and more time brainstorming.
The Bigger Picture:
Human Agency over Automation: The sentiment is echoed by tech leaders like LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky, who notes that while AI remixes the past, humans imagine entirely new possibilities.
The Rise of "Super-Creatives": According to Adobe’s 2026 Creators’ Toolkit Report, 75% of digital creators now view AI as essential, with 87% crediting it for business growth.
Ultimately, Kianni’s strategy for Phia and her podcast The Burnouts relies on human authenticity. By using AI to clear out the busywork, founders and creators can focus on building genuine, transparent connections with their audience.