TLDR: Anupam Mittal, Founder & CEO of People Group, has issued a strong caution against founders excessively relying on generative AI tools like ChatGPT for critical thinking and strategy. He argues that while AI can simulate intelligence, it cannot replicate human courage, originality, or genuine judgment, which are essential for true leadership. Mittal’s critique highlights the risk of leadership becoming ‘mechanical reproduction’ if founders outsource their core decision-making to algorithms, sparking a significant debate among professionals.
In a candid LinkedIn post that has ignited a lively debate among professionals, Anupam Mittal, the influential Founder and CEO of People Group, has sharply criticized founders who outsource their thinking to generative AI, particularly ChatGPT. Mittal’s core argument is that ‘AI can fake intelligence. It can’t fake courage or an original point of view.’ This statement underscores his belief that while artificial intelligence can produce polished and seemingly brilliant content, it lacks the fundamental human attributes necessary for true leadership.
Mittal recounted a recent conversation where a founder ‘proudly bragged’ about getting ‘all my ideas from ChatGPT.’ This, for Mittal, was a ‘glaring red flag.’ He observed that generative AI ‘mostly averages existing knowledge,’ leading to outputs that ‘sound brilliant—smooth, confident, articulate—but too often it’s just platitudes and polite sycophancy.’ He further elaborated on instances where he encountered ‘AI-written mails from senior leaders that read like genius… and meant nothing. In fact, it’s pretty obvious it’s a senseless Ctrl C Ctrl V.’ This extends beyond emails to ‘decks, pitches, even ‘strategy notes’ churned out start-to-finish by a model,’ which he warns risks reducing leadership to ‘mechanical reproduction.’
The entrepreneur stressed that outsourcing judgment is not leadership. Instead, he advocates for a selective and strategic use of AI. ‘The best managers and founders I know use AI for speed and structure,’ Mittal stated, implying that AI should serve as a powerful assistant rather than a replacement for human intellect and resolve. His critique has resonated with many, with comments on his post echoing sentiments like, ‘Great one… AI is a powerful assistant, but true leadership lies in judgment, courage, and originality. No model can replicate it.’ Another commenter added, ‘Completely with you on it. If decisions are based on ChatGPT then what’s the point of leadership?’
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Mittal’s intervention comes at a time when the role of AI in various professional domains is under intense scrutiny. His remarks serve as a crucial reminder that while AI offers unprecedented capabilities for efficiency and information processing, the irreplaceable qualities of human courage, original thought, and ethical judgment remain paramount in leadership.
