Richard White, CEO of AI company Fathom, has turned what many label as procrastination into a deliberate, strategic advantage. Since launching Fathom in 2020, he’s embraced delay as a form of ruthless prioritisation—a practice that’s helped his company grow into an eight-figure business.
White champions the idea of holding off major decisions until he’s gathered sufficient information. This isn’t about dodging work; it’s about seizing the right opportunity. For example, Fathom held back on significant development investments until GPT-4 was released, using its advanced capabilities to enhance their call summary features.
The same approach applies to his personal life. By planning trips at the last minute, he stays open to unexpected opportunities, even if it sometimes frustrates others. His method might resonate with you if you’ve ever felt torn between committing early and waiting on better options.
At Fathom, deadlines are a flexible concept. White creates an environment where immediate issues take precedence over less urgent ones, and he relies on his team to ensure no critical task falls through the cracks.
He likens his style to a game of Jenga—tackling complex problems only when they can be broken down into smaller, more manageable parts. This tactic allows him to collect more data before taking irreversible action.
Ultimately, White’s philosophy reminds us that efficiency isn’t about speed, but about timing. By delegating open-ended goals, he empowers his team to contribute meaningfully while he focuses on the right moment to act.
Fathom continues to push the boundaries of AI-driven note-taking and information sharing, with White’s careful timing keeping the company agile in a fast-evolving tech landscape.
If you’re grappling with timing your own decisions, White’s approach might be the nudge you need—sometimes, waiting isn’t wasting time; it’s making time work in your favour.
