Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has once again ignited a hiring debate with his latest job posting. This time, he is seeking business and product leaders who have embraced AI as their “second brain”.
Goyal took to X and announced, “I am looking to work with business and product leaders who have already started using AI as their second brain. If you are the one, please write to me at d@zomato.com. Please include the phrase ‘I have a second brain’ in the subject line.”
This unusual hiring criterion has stirred conversations about AI’s growing role in leadership and decision-making. This comes just months after Goyal’s previous unconventional job posting – a chief of staff position that required candidates to pay a ₹20 lakh ($23,700) “fee” instead of receiving a salary.
Back in November 2024, Goyal’s chief of staff job post sparked intense debate, with critics questioning the fairness of the selection process. However, the Zomato CEO later clarified that the fee was merely a filter to identify high-calibre candidates who saw value in a fast-track career. The strategy worked, and Goyal received 18,000 applications.
Now, with AI at the centre of his latest job hunt, Goyal seems to be doubling down on his vision for an AI-driven leadership team.
AI is the Future of Work
Goyal’s emphasis on AI skills aligns with broader global trends. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 predicts that 39% of core job skills will transform by 2030, with AI, big data, and cybersecurity leading the charge.
However, tech expertise is not the only skill that’s in demand; creative thinking, resilience, and leadership are also becoming crucial. Companies worldwide are investing in reskilling and upskilling to keep pace with rapid advancements.
As AI becomes an indispensable tool in business strategy, Goyal’s hiring approach signals a shift. Leaders who don’t integrate AI into their decision-making might soon find themselves left behind.
