DeepSeek CEO breaks norms, hires humanities grads over engineers
HANGZHOU, CHINA — In a bold departure from Silicon Valley’s traditional hiring practices, DeepSeek CEO Liang Wenfeng is revolutionizing recruitment in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry by prioritizing creativity and fresh perspectives over technical expertise.
The 40-year-old entrepreneur’s unconventional approach focuses on hiring Generation Z individuals, avid readers, and humanities graduates to drive innovation at his rapidly growing AI company.
The power of fresh perspectives
“When aiming for rapid results, it makes sense to hire those who already possess the necessary expertise,” Liang stated in a 2023 interview with 36Kr.
However, he emphasized that this approach, while beneficial for short-term goals, may not align with sustainable long-term vision.
Instead, Liang values core competencies, innovative thinking, and genuine passion for the work above traditional credentials.
Breaking industry norms
Unlike his American counterparts, such as OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Liang believes that less experienced employees bring unique advantages to the table.
These younger workers are more likely to invest time in exploring diverse approaches and critically analyzing challenges. This openness to experimentation has fostered an environment where innovation thrives without traditional constraints.
The integration of humanities graduates and bookworms into technical roles has proven particularly successful at DeepSeek. These individuals bring diverse perspectives that enrich the creative process, contributing to a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
Liang maintains that strict oversight becomes unnecessary when employees are empowered to chart their course and contribute fresh ideas.
Through this approach to talent acquisition, DeepSeek is not only distinguishing itself in the competitive AI landscape but also challenging industry assumptions about the relationship between experience and innovation.
