CEOs Turn to AI Vibe Coding for Prototyping

Executives are increasingly using AI coding tools to prototype ideas independently, reducing reliance on engineering teams. Replit CEO Amjad Masad recently discussed this trend, describing it as 'vibe coding.' This approach allows leaders to bring working prototypes to meetings rather than abstract concepts.

Masad argues that this shift restores agency to executives who often feel disempowered by delegation. He also notes that product managers are becoming some of the most effective users of these tools. The movement is supported by other high-profile CEOs, including Sundar Pichai and Sebastian Siemiatkowski, who use AI to test ideas rapidly.

The traditional workflow of an executive often involves delegating technical tasks to specialized teams. However, Amjad Masad suggests that AI tools are fundamentally altering this dynamic. Speaking on the 'Possible' podcast, the Replit chief executive noted that many leaders feel 'disempowered because they've delegated a lot of things' and often lack direct input on the process.

Masad describes a new era where CEOs feel 'unleashed.' Instead of requesting a prototype and waiting weeks for delivery, executives can now use vibe coding to generate a rough version in days. This capability allows them to ask pointed questions regarding development timelines. Masad argues that much of traditional coding is weighed down by 'minutiae' and 'accidental complexity'—technical details that add little value to product strategy.

The ultimate goal, according to Masad, is to move toward a state where coding becomes invisible, allowing leaders to remain in a 'creative space.' This shift is not just about speed; it is about changing the nature of leadership input in product development.

While engineering skills are traditionally valued in tech development, Masad points out that the most effective users of AI coding tools are often not engineers. Instead, he identifies product managers as 'some of the best vibe coders.' This proficiency stems from their specific training in breaking problems down into clear, precise steps.

Product managers are tasked with communicating requirements effectively. When combined with the ability to generate code via AI, this skill set becomes powerful. They can translate strategic needs directly into functional prototypes without the intermediate friction that often exists between business and engineering departments.

This observation suggests a democratization of software development. By lowering the technical barrier to entry, organizations can leverage the strategic thinking of product managers to accelerate the initial stages of product creation.

The trend identified by Masad is already visible among top tech CEOs. Several industry leaders have publicly shared their adoption of AI coding platforms to enhance efficiency and test ideas rapidly.

Sebastian Siemiatkowski, the CEO of Klarna, shared on the 'Sourcery' podcast that he uses tools like Cursor to prototype ideas despite not having a technical background. He explained that this allows him to test concepts himself rather than 'disturbing' his engineering team with unrefined ideas. He brings the working prototypes to his team with the question, 'Look, I've actually made this work... could we do it this way?'

Similarly, Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated at a San Francisco event that he has been 'vibe coding' with tools like Cursor and Replit. Pichai used these tools to build a custom webpage for organizing information, noting the experience felt 'delightful.' These examples illustrate a growing acceptance of AI-assisted coding at the highest levels of corporate leadership.

The emergence of vibe coding represents a significant shift in how executives interact with technology. By utilizing tools provided by companies like Replit, leaders are regaining direct influence over the prototyping process. This movement promises to shorten development cycles and foster a more creative, hands-on approach to leadership.

As Amjad Masad and his peers demonstrate, the ability to quickly translate an idea into a working model is becoming a valuable executive skill. This trend signals a future where the barrier between a strategic vision and its technical execution is lower than ever before.