Deep Seek CEO Liang Wenfeng hires humanities graduates, says he believes in creativity, not experience
DeepSeek’s rapid ascent within the realm of artificial intelligence has catapulted its founder and chief executive, Liang Wenfeng, into a position of considerable attention. His unorthodox management style, which starkly contrasts with the more conventional approaches of American industry leaders such as OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, has attracted widespread scrutiny.
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Liang’s innovative perspective on leadership is evident in his distinctive method of recruiting talent. Eschewing the traditional emphasis on technical experience, he favors individuals whose creativity and fresh viewpoints promise enduring value for his organization.
In an era when many technology firms prioritize candidates with rigorous computer science credentials and extensive industry experience, Liang’s recruitment strategy stands apart. Reports indicate that the 40-year-old entrepreneur actively seeks members of Generation Z, dedicated bookworms, and graduates from the humanities to spearhead his enterprise’s initiatives.
This deliberate shift away from a reliance on conventional technical expertise underscores his belief that imaginative thinking and an eagerness to learn are far more valuable than a lengthy résumé of past roles. He contends that prior experience in similar positions does not automatically guarantee success in new, evolving challenges.
During a 2023 interview with the Chinese media outlet 36Kr, Liang articulated his philosophy in clear, measured terms. He noted that while
