The AI Revolution: My Journey to Redefining Business Success

A Scientist’s Leap into a New Era

I’m Mohammad Mehdi Sabaghpour Azarian, a scientist-turned-CEO of Asu Vanda Gene, a company dedicated to advancing cancer research. My days used to be filled with lab experiments and academic papers, but as a leader, I’ve learned that progress isn’t just about breakthroughs in the lab—it’s about revolutionizing how we work. Two years ago, I stumbled upon a truth that changed everything: AI isn’t just a tool; it’s the key to unlocking a new kind of business success.

Picture this: it’s 2023, and the world is buzzing about AI. Not just tech geeks, but everyday people are asking chatbots for recipes, advice, even life hacks. As I watched this wave unfold, I realized something profound. The teamwork model that defined the 20th century—hiring more people to grow bigger—wasn’t the answer anymore. I’d spent years building teams, fostering collaboration, and chasing efficiency. But teams, no matter how talented, have limits: they need breaks, motivation, and time. AI? It doesn’t.

The Spark of Change at Asu Vanda Gene

Running a company like Asu Vanda Gene is a balancing act. We’re pushing the boundaries of cancer research while scaling a business in a competitive world. Two years ago, I decided to take a gamble. What if AI could do more than assist? What if it could lead parts of our business?

I poured my energy into building an AI-driven automation system—a digital manager that never sleeps. It started as an experiment but quickly became a game-changer. This wasn’t just about automating emails or scheduling posts. It was about creating a system that could think like me, execute my vision, and deliver results faster than any human team could.

The Machine That Sells, Supports, and Scales

Let me take you behind the scenes. Our AI system is like a tireless employee who’s always on. It scans the market to find potential customers, crafts personalized messages, and promotes our products across social media, SMS, and email—all in real time. It’s like having a marketing team that never clocks out.

But it doesn’t stop there. Our AI builds trust with customers, answering their questions instantly, 24/7, with the kind of precision that makes people feel heard. From gathering data to providing post-sale support, it handles the heavy lifting, leaving no room for delays or errors. I’ve watched it close deals and solve problems faster than I ever thought possible. It’s not just efficient—it’s relentless.

A Tough Call: Redefining the Workforce

Here’s where the story gets real. With AI taking on so much, I faced a hard truth: I didn’t need as many human employees. Humans are incredible—creative, passionate, and full of potential—but they come with needs. They need rest, training, and sometimes a nudge to stay on track. AI? It just works. Once I program it, I know the job will get done, and done well.

So, I made a tough call: I reduced our workforce. It wasn’t easy. I thought about the people, their families, their dreams. But as a CEO, my job is to steer the company toward growth, and AI was showing me a faster path. By letting technology handle the routine, I freed up resources to focus on what humans do best: innovate, strategize, and dream big.

A New Measure of Value

For years, the business world worshipped headcount. More employees meant more power, more potential, more prestige. But that’s an old story. Today, I see a new chapter unfolding—one where value isn’t measured by how many people you employ, but by how smart your systems are.

At Asu Vanda Gene, our AI-driven approach has made us leaner, faster, and more profitable. We’ve cut costs, boosted output, and gained a competitive edge. I believe the companies of tomorrow won’t be judged by their payrolls but by their ability to harness automation. Investors are already taking notice—businesses that prioritize tech over headcount are the ones leading the pack.

The Bumps Along the Road

Don’t get me wrong—building this system wasn’t a walk in the park. It took time, money, and a lot of trial and error. We had to rethink our workflows, train our remaining team to work alongside AI, and wrestle with the ethical questions of reducing staff. What about the people we let go? How do we balance progress with responsibility?

But every challenge was worth it. The payoff—faster growth, lower costs, and a business that runs like a well-oiled machine—has been undeniable. The key is balance: let AI handle the grind, while humans shape the vision.

The Road Ahead

My journey with AI has taught me something simple yet profound: it’s not here to replace us—it’s here to make us better. At Asu Vanda Gene, AI has turned our vision into reality, proving that efficiency and innovation go hand in hand. The old playbook—hire more, grow bigger—is fading. The future belongs to those who embrace automation and rethink what it means to build a valuable company.

As a CEO, I’m asking myself and my fellow leaders: Are you ready to step into this new era? The clock is ticking, and the future is already here.

Want to dive deeper into my thoughts on AI and business? Check out the full article on Medium: Automating Success: Why AI is the Future of Business Efficiency.