Anupam Mittal, the founder and CEO of Shaadi.com and People Group and a familiar face from Shark Tank India, has raised a cautionary flag for entrepreneurs and corporate leaders relying heavily on AI tools like ChatGPT. In a recent LinkedIn post, Mittal recounted an interaction with a fellow founder who proudly confessed to sourcing all their business ideas from ChatGPT.
Far from being impressed, Mittal saw it as a serious warning sign. “I get all my ideas from ChatGPT. He thought it was a flex. I saw a red flag. Because Gen AI mostly averages existing knowledge. It sounds brilliant — smooth, confident, articulate — but too often it’s just platitudes and polite sycophancy,” he wrote, highlighting the dangers of outsourcing critical thinking to AI.
AI Can’t Replace Human Courage or Originality
Mittal stressed that while AI tools can generate polished content and seemingly insightful strategies, they lack fundamental human qualities such as courage, intuition, and truly original thinking. “I’ve seen AI-written emails from senior leaders that read like genius and meant nothing. In fact, it’s pretty obvious it’s a senseless Ctrl C Ctrl V,” he added.
He further noted that entire strategy notes, decks, and pitches churned out by AI can appear sophisticated but often lack depth and actionable insight. Mittal made it clear that relying on AI for judgment is not leadership. “The best managers and founders I know use AI for speed and structure, but the instinct, the angles, the contrarian call, the uncomfortable decision — that’s all on them,” he wrote.
Netizens Weigh In on AI and Original Thinking
Mittal’s post sparked robust reactions online. One user argued that even average ideas generated by AI can be turned into excellent solutions if the individual applies the right expertise and vision. Another highlighted that AI can raise the baseline of expression but cannot replace brilliance or originality.
“AI can generate answers, but only humans have the courage to ask the uncomfortable questions — and that’s where real progress begins,” noted a third comment. Others added that thoughtful use of AI could inspire fresh insights, but it should remain a tool, not a substitute for decision-making.
AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch
Mittal clarified that he is not dismissing AI outright. He acknowledged its usefulness for structuring information, speeding up repetitive tasks, and generating ideas efficiently. His concern lies in leaders who outsource their judgment entirely, allowing AI to dictate strategic or creative decisions.
“My take — AI can fake intelligence. It can’t fake courage or an original point of view,” Mittal concluded, reinforcing the idea that leadership, risk-taking, and innovation remain inherently human traits.
Anupam Mittal is a pioneering entrepreneur and angel investor. He founded Shaadi.com and led People Group while investing in over 250 companies through Shark Tank India Seasons 1 to 3. Mittal has also founded India’s first mobile gaming company, Mauj Mobile, and property portal Makaan.com.
Far from being impressed, Mittal saw it as a serious warning sign. “I get all my ideas from ChatGPT. He thought it was a flex. I saw a red flag. Because Gen AI mostly averages existing knowledge. It sounds brilliant — smooth, confident, articulate — but too often it’s just platitudes and polite sycophancy,” he wrote, highlighting the dangers of outsourcing critical thinking to AI.
AI Can’t Replace Human Courage or Originality
Mittal stressed that while AI tools can generate polished content and seemingly insightful strategies, they lack fundamental human qualities such as courage, intuition, and truly original thinking. “I’ve seen AI-written emails from senior leaders that read like genius and meant nothing. In fact, it’s pretty obvious it’s a senseless Ctrl C Ctrl V,” he added.
He further noted that entire strategy notes, decks, and pitches churned out by AI can appear sophisticated but often lack depth and actionable insight. Mittal made it clear that relying on AI for judgment is not leadership. “The best managers and founders I know use AI for speed and structure, but the instinct, the angles, the contrarian call, the uncomfortable decision — that’s all on them,” he wrote.
Netizens Weigh In on AI and Original Thinking
Mittal’s post sparked robust reactions online. One user argued that even average ideas generated by AI can be turned into excellent solutions if the individual applies the right expertise and vision. Another highlighted that AI can raise the baseline of expression but cannot replace brilliance or originality.
“AI can generate answers, but only humans have the courage to ask the uncomfortable questions — and that’s where real progress begins,” noted a third comment. Others added that thoughtful use of AI could inspire fresh insights, but it should remain a tool, not a substitute for decision-making.
AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch
Mittal clarified that he is not dismissing AI outright. He acknowledged its usefulness for structuring information, speeding up repetitive tasks, and generating ideas efficiently. His concern lies in leaders who outsource their judgment entirely, allowing AI to dictate strategic or creative decisions.
“My take — AI can fake intelligence. It can’t fake courage or an original point of view,” Mittal concluded, reinforcing the idea that leadership, risk-taking, and innovation remain inherently human traits.
Anupam Mittal is a pioneering entrepreneur and angel investor. He founded Shaadi.com and led People Group while investing in over 250 companies through Shark Tank India Seasons 1 to 3. Mittal has also founded India’s first mobile gaming company, Mauj Mobile, and property portal Makaan.com.
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