Jensen Huang’s Philosophy on Success
Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, recently shared his insights on achieving excellence during a talk at Stanford University, where he once studied. His key advice to the young minds was straightforward but profound: embracing hardships is essential for greatness.
The Essence of Greatness
During his presentation at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Huang emphasized that true greatness stems not from intelligence alone but from character. “Greatness is not intelligence. Greatness comes from character. And character isn’t formed out of smart people, it’s formed out of people who suffered,” he explained. This perspective sheds light on the importance of resilience and enduring challenges to forge a successful path.
Jensen Huang’s Journey to Success
Huang’s own story is a testament to his beliefs. Since co-founding Nvidia in 1993 and steering the company through its early turbulent years, including a critical period in 1996 when the company nearly collapsed, Huang has demonstrated resilience in abundance. These challenges honed his ability to adapt and innovate, ultimately leading Nvidia to become a powerhouse in the tech industry, valued at over $2 trillion.
Resilience: The Key to Overcoming Obstacles
At the event, Huang highlighted the importance of resilience, particularly for those accustomed to a high level of academic success, like Stanford students. He pointed out a common paradox: “People with very high expectations have very low resilience.” This lack of preparedness for failure, he argued, can be detrimental to enduring success. Huang candidly shared his hope that students face enough challenges to build the resilience necessary for long-term achievements.
The Role of Low Expectations
Huang also discussed the benefits of maintaining low expectations, a strategy that has helped him remain vigilant and prepared for potential setbacks. This mindset fosters a tolerance for failure, which is crucial for innovation and success. “Unless you have a tolerance for failure, you will never experiment, and if you don’t ever experiment, you will never innovate,” he remarked, emphasizing the necessity of risk-taking in achieving significant breakthroughs.
A Wish for Future Leaders
Concluding his talk, Huang expressed a somewhat unconventional wish for the students: to experience their fair share of difficulties. He believes that these experiences are vital for developing the character and resilience needed to navigate the complexities of the business world and life in general.
Through Huang’s narrative and his advice, it’s clear that enduring hardships and maintaining a readiness for failure can significantly shape one’s journey towards greatness, a lesson that resonates well beyond the realms of academia and into the broader spectrum of life and entrepreneurship.