Artificial Intelligence is transforming workplaces at lightning speed, and Microsoft’s latest integration of GPT-5 through its Copilot platform is at the center of this shift. Recently, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella revealed how he personally uses GPT-5 prompts in his daily workflow. These examples highlight the incredible productivity boost that leaders can gain, though they also raise concerns about how employees may feel under closer AI-powered scrutiny.
The Rise of GPT-5 in the Workplace
Launched in August 2025, GPT-5 is OpenAI’s most advanced AI model yet, offering sharper reasoning, multimodal abilities (text + images), and deep integration into Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel. With Copilot, GPT-5 doesn’t just answer questions—it proactively organizes work, summarizes meetings, predicts challenges, and even prepares leaders for difficult conversations.
The Five GPT-5 Prompts Nadella Uses Daily
Satya Nadella shared five specific prompts that he relies on regularly. Each one reveals how AI is reshaping executive decision-making and leadership efficiency:
1. Anticipating Meeting Topics
Prompt: “Based on my prior interactions with [person], give me five things likely top of mind for our next meeting.”
This helps Nadella step into meetings already knowing what issues or priorities colleagues may raise, saving time and improving alignment.
2. Comprehensive Project Updates
Prompt: “Draft a project update based on emails, chats, and all meetings in [series]: KPIs vs. targets, wins/losses, risks, competitive moves, plus likely tough questions and answers.”
Instead of sifting through endless documents and chats, GPT-5 prepares a full status report with insights, risks, and even a Q&A prep guide.
3. Launch Readiness Assessment
Prompt: “Are we on track for the [Product] launch in November? Check engineering progress, pilot program results, risks. Give me a probability.”
This gives a probability-based readiness score for upcoming launches, turning complex project data into a simple decision-making tool.
4. Time Allocation Analysis
Prompt: “Review my calendar and email from the last month and create 5 to 7 buckets for projects I spend most time on, with percentage of time spent and short descriptions.”
With this, Nadella gains a clear breakdown of where his time really goes, helping him prioritize or delegate more effectively.
5. Meeting Preparation via Email Context
Prompt: “Review [select email] and prep me for the next meeting in [series], based on past manager and team discussions.”
This ensures he never walks into a meeting without full context, even if it’s buried across dozens of email threads.
Why Bosses Love It (and Workers May Not)
For executives, these prompts deliver unmatched clarity, speed, and foresight. Decisions can be made faster, meetings are sharper, and leaders can anticipate challenges before they arise.
But for employees, this may feel like increased surveillance and pressure. If a boss can instantly pull together AI-curated insights on productivity, performance, or project risks, workers might fear being evaluated in ways that feel automated or unforgiving.
The Bigger Picture: AI as a Managerial Force
These prompts illustrate the next stage of AI in the workplace—not just as a personal assistant, but as a management tool. Leaders can now use AI to:
- Predict employee concerns before meetings.
- Monitor project health without direct check-ins.
- Analyze how teams and managers are spending their time.
- Streamline launch planning and risk management.
The efficiency gains are undeniable, but they also raise critical questions about workplace culture, trust, and the balance of power between leaders and workers.
Final Thoughts
Satya Nadella’s daily use of GPT-5 shows us where the future of work is heading: a world where executives rely on AI to stay several steps ahead. For bosses, this means sharper decision-making and fewer surprises. For employees, however, it may feel like being under a microscope.
As AI tools like GPT-5 become more embedded in our work lives, the challenge will be finding balance—leveraging the power of AI for productivity while ensuring that people still feel trusted, valued, and empowered.