Lewis Liu, CEO of AI company Fathom, discusses how his tendency to procrastinate has unexpectedly become an asset in leading an AI startup. Liu explains that procrastination, when channeled properly, can lead to better decision-making and more innovative solutions. He argues that the delay in action allows for more information gathering, deeper problem analysis, and the emergence of alternative solutions. The CEO emphasizes that in the fast-moving AI industry, rushing decisions can be more detrimental than taking time to thoroughly evaluate options. Liu’s approach involves what he calls “productive procrastination,” where the delay period is used for strategic thinking and gathering diverse perspectives. He notes that this method has helped Fathom make better product decisions and avoid costly mistakes. The article highlights how this counterintuitive leadership style has contributed to the company’s success in developing AI solutions for healthcare documentation. Liu also discusses how this approach helps in managing investor relationships and team dynamics, as it demonstrates thoughtful consideration of various stakeholders’ interests. The piece concludes by suggesting that in the AI industry, where decisions can have far-reaching implications, a measured, procrastination-influenced approach might be more valuable than the typical “move fast and break things” Silicon Valley mentality.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-company-fathom-ceo-procrastinator-why-its-asset-2025-7