OpenAI’s ChatGPT Agent is impressive. But it’s already 6 months behind Manus.

I was scrolling through my LinkedIn feed yesterday when I saw yet another “Awesome AI breakthrough” announcement.

My first thought

Here we go again.

But then I actually watched the demo of OpenAI’s new ChatGPT Agent.

And for the first time in months, I put my phone down and said out loud:

“This changes everything.”

You see, I’ve been in the AI automation and AI agent space long enough to spot the difference between hype and genuine breakthrough. Most AI releases are incremental improvements dressed up as revolutions.

This isn’t one of those.

ChatGPT Agent just crossed the line from “helpful assistant” to “digital employee.”

Here’s what I mean:

Instead of just answering questions, this thing can actually complete entire workflows for you. We’re talking about:

• Booking travel,
• Creating presentations,
• Automating your lead gen
• Managing your calendar, even
• Doing your online shopping — all without you lifting a finger.

But here’s the part that made my jaw drop:

It doesn’t just follow simple commands. It thinks through problems like a human would…Well almost…

When Alex Banks (a tech influencer I follow) tested it, he asked it to do his grocery shopping. The agent didn’t just add items to a cart. It navigated the website, prompted him for login details, selected items based on his preferences, and even chose dessert for him.

That’s not automation. That’s delegation.

Now, here’s what most people don’t realize

OpenAI isn’t pioneering this space. They’re catching up to it.

Companies like Manus and Genspark have been building truly autonomous AI agents for months. Manus has been running complete multi-step business processes in virtual machines. 

I’ve been using Manus to automate my LinkedIn Sales Navigator process. You can check my video demo of this.

Genspark has been synthesizing real-time research through specialized agent teams.

And just this week, Grok 4 Heavy launched with their “study group” approach — multiple AI agents working together to solve complex problems. Its quite expensive BTW.

What we’re witnessing is the great shift from simple chatbots to autonomous agent frameworks.

The difference?

Chatbots respond. Agents act.

Here’s how the current landscape breaks down:

ChatGPT Agent versus Manus, Grok 4, Genspark

The Corporate Innovator’s Dilemma

Now, I know what you’re thinking:

“Ritesh, this sounds amazing, but how do I actually use this in my business without breaking everything?”

Valid concern.

Most corporate leaders I work with are stuck in what I call “The Innovation Paralysis.” They see these AI breakthroughs, they know they need to act, but they don’t know where to start without disrupting their existing operations.

The bigger challenge? Choosing the right agent framework for your specific needs.

OpenAI Agent might get the headlines, but Manus could be better for your autonomous workflows. Grok 4 Heavy might excel at your complex analysis tasks. Genspark could transform your research processes.

Here’s my framework for thinking about this:

Your 5 Level Action Plan for True Business Automation

The new wave of agentic AI is here. But tools like OpenAI Agents, Manus, and Grok 4 Heavy are useless without a plan.

Here’s how to apply them using the 5-Level Automation framework to get real results.

• Start at Level 1: Task Automation. Automate one simple, repetitive task. Example: Use an OpenAI Agent to transcribe and summarize your meetings.
• Climb to Level 2: Process Automation. Connect a few of those simple tasks into a workflow. Example: An agent that summarizes a call, then drafts the follow-up email.
• Scale to Level 3: Departmental Automation. Build an AI system for an entire business function. Example: Use Genspark to create a multi-step research and content engine for your marketing team.
• Integrate at Level 4: Systems Automation. Connect your departmental AI systems to create flow. Example: Use Manus to orchestrate a workflow where a new sale in your CRM automatically triggers an invoice.
• Dominate at Level 5: Enterprise Autonomy. Deploy AI for high-level, predictive strategy. Example: Use Grok 4 Heavy to analyze real-time market data and model strategic business outcomes.

The Single Most Important Insight

Don’t try to jump to Level 5. Master each level before moving to the next.

Start by automating one 5-hour task this week. That’s how you win.

The agent revolution isn’t coming. It’s already here.

Manus, Genspark, Grok 4 Heavy, and now OpenAI Agent are all proving the same point: autonomous AI that can think, plan, and execute is no longer science fiction.

The question isn’t whether AI agents will transform business operations.

The question is: Will you be leading that transformation, or scrambling to catch up?

Ready to move from theory to action?

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