Working on a special AI project with Saudi Aramco in Dammam for three intense weeks, tackling complex AI use cases, and enduring 15- to 16-hour days left me burnt out for months. But it was all worth it. In this post, I’ll share how we defied the odds, pushed through mental and physical exhaustion, and delivered an AI solution that impressed one of the world’s largest companies.

Stepping into Saudi Aramco’s Vision

Saudi Aramco’s Lab of Excellence, known for its forward-thinking approach to AI, invited us through St John, our then Head of Sales to tackle an intricate problem. From the start, it felt like a dream assignment:

• Prestigious Collaboration: Saudi Aramco was eager to work with agile AI startups that could deliver fast, innovative results.

• High Stakes: We were one of the select few chosen for these ultra-challenging use cases.

Despite the excitement, there was also nervous energy in the air. This wasn’t just another project; it was about AI initiatives at the highest level, exactly where leaders, decision-makers, and cutting-edge corporate AI learning converge.

A Pep Talk Inspired by Air Jordan

Before our visa interview, I watched Air, the story of how Nike convinced Michael Jordan to sign one of the most groundbreaking brand deals ever. That grit became our source of motivation. I told my teammate Sidharth (Head of Products at the time):

“We might not be sure we’ll win, but one thing is clear: this team will learn to never take ‘no’ for an answer.”

We took that underdog mindset to heart, much like Nike did, proving that smaller teams with the right AI strategy can challenge industry giants.

Hurdles Before We Even Began

Things got challenging before we even boarded the plane to Dammam:

• Last-Minute Visas: We received our passports mere hours before the flight.

• No Time to Rest: An overnight journey and an early-morning arrival left us with almost no sleep. We had to report to Saudi Aramco’s offices by 8 a.m. sharp.

We naively assumed Day One would be light, just introductions and setup. Instead, we dove headfirst into planning meetings, intense discussions, and high expectations. Despite the chaos, the passion from Aramco’s team kept us going.

5:30 a.m. Wake-Ups and 16-Hour Sprints

For three weeks, our schedule looked like this:

1. 5:30 a.m. wake-up call

2. 12–16 hours of grueling work

3. Collapse in the hotel, then do it all again

With Saudi Aramco’s domain experts insisting on specific solutions, we had to keep iterating. Each time we thought the project might fail, they guided us, refined our focus, and helped us see the potential applications of AI tools we hadn’t considered before. This was a crash course in:

• Corporate AI learning

• Strategic AI initiatives for businesses

• AI decision-making for business leaders under tight deadlines

The Breaking Point and the Breakthrough

By the final week:

• Complete Burnout: Months of exhaustion loomed ahead.

• Testing & Demos: We tested prototypes live, crossing fingers that they’d hold up.

• No Going Back: Aramco had a clear vision, and we had to align with it.

In these final stretch days, I reminded the team:

“You’ve done everything you could. This is the last mile. Let’s do it.”

The Final Presentation

On our last day, we demoed our solution to a seasoned senior official at Aramco. Nerves ran high, but he described our results as “super promising,” something they’d never seen before on the same problem.

Key Takeaways:

1. Relentless Teamwork: We learned that even in high-pressure AI environments, collaboration trumps all.

2. Steadfast Focus: Our “never say die” attitude kept us forging ahead, even when success seemed out of reach.

3. Real-World AI Insights: From data management to last-mile user testing, we absorbed every lesson on how to stay agile in high-stakes AI projects.

Why the Burnout Was Worth It

When we look back, the sleepless nights, last-minute scrambles, and near-misses taught us more than any AI masterclass or textbook possibly could:

What made the burnout worthwhile?

My team learnt a few major lessons that day:

• Learning what it takes to solve impossibly hard problems

• Discovering how to stay in the game even when dealt a bad hand

• Understanding the true meaning of teamwork

Ultimately, we delivered a solution that thrilled Saudi Aramco. The relationship we built, along with the lessons we learned, continues to fuel our passion for AI innovation.

A Hard-Earned Win with Lasting Impact

Our intense Saudi Aramco experience was about more than just shipping an AI project; it was a deep dive into resilience, teamwork, and leadership under fire. Burnout is never ideal, but sometimes, big transformations require big sacrifices. The project’s success stands as a testament to what happens when a committed team, a visionary client, and the right AI insights align.

If you’re a business leader or aspiring manager eager to scale such heights, without losing yourself in the process invest in understanding AI’s fundamentals, develop a clear strategy, and nurture a collaborative mindset. Because when the stakes are high and every hour counts, it’s the unwavering belief in your team and a rock-solid AI plan that can make all the difference.

Ready for More AI Insights?

Explore how AI fundamentals, no-code solutions, and strategic upskilling can help your organization tackle its toughest challenges. If you’re a leader, manager, or visionary seeking AI mentoring, get in touch and let’s chart a roadmap for your next big success.