AI Poses Threat to Managers’ Jobs, Says ‘Shark Tank India’ Judge Anupam Mittal; Sparks Widespread Debate

A strong statement by Shark Tank India judge and Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on jobs has ignited an intense debate across social media and professional circles. Contrary to popular belief, Mittal warned that middle management roles—not coding jobs—are likely to be the first major casualties of the AI revolution.

In a viral LinkedIn post, Mittal offered a blunt assessment of how AI is reshaping workplaces. “If you are a manager, brace yourself for a hard truth,” he wrote. “AI will not come for coders first. It will come for middle management.”

According to Mittal, roles centred around coordination, process management, approvals, and bureaucracy are increasingly becoming redundant, as AI systems can now perform these tasks faster and more efficiently. He argued that traditional management functions—such as relaying instructions, tracking work, and enforcing hierarchy—no longer justify high salaries in an AI-driven ecosystem.

“Being promoted simply for authority, control, or the ability to ‘get work done through others’ is losing relevance,” Mittal stated, adding that such roles are rapidly disappearing.

The entrepreneur further cited examples from companies he has invested in, revealing that small teams empowered by AI agents are now generating revenues worth crores, a feat that earlier required large managerial hierarchies. His remarks highlighted a structural shift in how modern companies operate.

The post triggered a wave of reactions online. While some professionals strongly disagreed, many acknowledged an uncomfortable truth. One user commented, “AI isn’t replacing everyone—only certain roles. Managers who can think, decide, mentor, and build people will survive. But managers who only move tasks around are in trouble.”

Experts say the discussion reflects a growing anxiety in the corporate world, especially among middle managers, as AI continues to redefine productivity, leadership, and value creation.

As AI adoption accelerates across industries, Mittal’s statement has reignited a crucial question: Will management evolve—or be replaced?