Shimmr AI Founder Nadim Sadek Talks Revolutionizing Publishing with AI and the Future of Storytelling

When you think of artificial intelligence, what comes to mind? For Nadim Sadek, founder of Shimmr AI, it’s not about robots taking over the world or soulless automation. It’s about something much more human, like storytelling.

Sitting down with Sadek, it becomes clear that Shimmr AI is no ordinary tech venture. It’s an innovative bridge between the centuries-old tradition of book publishing and the cutting-edge capabilities of AI.

“Shimmr AI produces automated advertising that sells books, we analyze what we call BookDNA to create ads that spotlight the most compelling aspects of a book. These campaigns are then launched into media channels, bringing these stories to new audiences,” Sadek said as he spoke about his brainchild.

This automated process is a game-changer for publishers, especially when it comes to marketing backlisted titles. “Publishers don’t have to do anything except send us the electronic file. We handle everything—from crafting a selling strategy to deploying campaigns,” he added.

The Challenges of Intelligent Automation

AI might sound like magic, but Sadek clarifies that it’s not. “AI is amazing, but it’s not deterministic. It doesn’t always do exactly what you want, especially when you’re trying to string together complex tasks. Shimmr AI navigates this complexity through three key stages: analyzing the BookDNA, generating creative advertisements, and deploying those campaigns effectively. It takes subtlety to truly understand a book, represent it authentically, and find the right audience. We’re giving a second life to books, making them accessible in ways that weren’t possible before,” Sadek explained.

AI: A Partner, Not a Replacement

In a world where AI is often painted as either a savior or a villain, Sadek’s perspective is refreshingly balanced. He’s skeptical about the idea of AI writing books, calling it “foolish” and “bound to lead to boring results.” “AI is brilliant at liberating thoughts. It’s indefatigable. It allows you to riff, iterate, and explore without limits, but the writing—that’s something we should do ourselves. This philosophy underpins Shimmr AI’s operations. “We don’t create new content. We bring hidden content into the light, faithfully and engagingly,” he says.

Ethics and Authenticity in the Age of AI

Authenticity is found in human expression, often assisted by tools or technology. At Shimmr, we ensure our campaigns reflect the author’s intentions and avoid bias. “Authenticity is about the human touch, and we’re committed to preserving that in every campaign we create.”

Inside the Life of a Visionary

Sadek’s daily routine is as structured as it is eclectic. “I wake early but avoid interaction until 10 a.m. That’s my time to reflect and respond to correspondence,” he shares. His mornings are a “multi-channel festival of digital interaction,” balancing customer relations with internal company matters.

He’s also an avid writer, working on everything from his next book to industry columns. And there’s always time for a guilty pleasure: “I love planes. Somehow, every day, I read something about aviation,” he says.

And then there’s football. “Premier League games always disrupt my plans. Chelsea is the best team in the world,” he says.

Leading Through Culture

As the CEO of a startup, Sadek’s approach to leadership is grounded in trust and empowerment. “A CEO’s job is to stay anxious and stressed while empowering the best talent to solve problems. I believe it does most of the work in a business. High productivity, low friction, with humor and calm—that’s what I aim for.”

Looking Ahead

As Shimmr AI grows, Sadek is also turning his attention to the broader implications of AI. “I’m advising organizations on AI’s impact on society, education, and creativity, to make AI a companion that amplifies human potential rather than replacing it. We should embrace AI as an ally, a partner in imagining and creating ideas,” he says.

With his passion for books, technology, and humanity, Nadim Sadek is not just building a company; he’s shaping the future of storytelling. And for readers everywhere, that’s a story worth following.