Why Every Engineer Needs a CEO Mindset in the Age of AI

Engineers Must Adopt a CEO Mindset in an AI-Driven Era

At the IIT Madras Alumni Association’s Sangam 2025 conference, Srinivas Narayanan, VP of Engineering at OpenAI, shared a crucial shift for software engineers: moving from pure coding to strategic decision-making. He emphasized that engineers should focus on defining the “what” and “why” behind problems, while AI handles much of the “how.”

“The job is shifting from just writing code to asking the right questions,” Narayanan explained. This means engineers need to think more like CEOs, embracing vision and purpose rather than just execution.

Adopting an AI-First Approach

Microsoft’s Chief Product Officer, Aparna Chennapragada, joined the discussion with a warning: simply adding AI features to existing tools won’t cut it. Instead, teams must build with an AI-first mindset. She pointed out how natural language interfaces are replacing traditional user experience layers.

Chennapragada stressed that future success belongs to those who combine deep expertise with broad adaptability. She remarked, “Prompt sets are the new PRDs,” highlighting how product teams now prototype faster and smarter by working closely with AI models.

AI’s Expanding Role in Product Development

Narayanan shared real-world examples of AI’s impact, including its use in medical diagnostics. He cited a Berkeley-affiliated research lab where AI models identified rare genetic disorders, showcasing AI’s potential as a research collaborator.

However, he was clear about the risks: misinformation, unsafe outputs, and misuse remain challenges. OpenAI recently rolled back a model exhibiting “psychopathic” behavior during testing, demonstrating the importance of cautious, iterative deployment.

Accessibility and Scaling AI Fluency

Both speakers emphasized the need to democratize AI knowledge. Chennapragada called for broader fluency in computer science and AI, while Narayanan noted that model costs have dropped 100-fold over two years, making advanced AI tools more accessible.

Chennapragada concluded with a key insight: “In a world where intelligence is no longer the gatekeeper, the real differentiators will be ambition and agency.” This is a call for product professionals to step up, lead, and shape AI-powered solutions.

What This Means for Product Teams

• Shift your focus: Move beyond coding to defining the problem’s purpose and goals.
• Build AI-first: Design products with AI as a core, not just an add-on.
• Experiment fast: Use AI models to prototype and iterate quickly.
• Stay informed: Understand AI’s capabilities and limitations to manage risks.
• Invest in learning: Broaden your skills in AI and computer science to stay competitive.

For product developers looking to expand their AI skillset and stay ahead, resources like Complete AI Training’s latest courses offer practical paths to grow expertise in AI tools and frameworks.