Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, revealed the hidden psychological side of leading one of the world’s largest technology companies, confirming that a “sense of uncertainty” has never left him throughout his more than 30 years at the helm, even as the company has become the most valuable in the world.
Huang’s remarks came during a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, where he spoke candidly about the mental pressures he has faced since Nvidia’s early days, when the company teetered on the brink of bankruptcy multiple times during the 1990s, before the AI boom propelled it to a market capitalization of nearly $4.4 trillion today.
Huang said, “That feeling doesn’t change; the sense of fragility, uncertainty, and insecurity never goes away.”
Even with Nvidia’s massive successes and its processors becoming a cornerstone of the AI revolution, Huang explained that the fear of failure remains his primary motivator, adding, “I have a greater incentive to avoid failure than to succeed, and I’m always in a state of constant anxiety.”
No Conflict Between Leadership and Vulnerability
Huang, one of the longest-serving CEOs in the tech sector, emphasized that vulnerability is not incompatible with leadership, stating, “There’s no contradiction between being a leader and being vulnerable. The company doesn’t need me to be a genius all the time or 100% certain of every decision.”
He explained that acknowledging the possibility of error gives him the flexibility to adjust course and change strategies when necessary, noting that a leader who believes they are always right loses the ability to adapt to change.
Experiences That Nearly Brought Nvidia to Its End
Huang recalled one of the most perilous moments in the company’s history, when Nvidia, in its early days, failed to fulfill a contract with the Japanese company Sega. The company’s then-CEO provided an emergency $5 million bailout, saving it from collapse. This experience shaped his management philosophy for decades to come. He quipped, “I’m not ambitious. All I want is to survive.”
Thousands of Emails Daily and No Days Off
Huang noted that he begins his day by reading his emails for hours, dealing with thousands of messages daily, as part of what he described as a culture of “constant vigilance.” He emphasized that constant attention is the only way to stay ahead.
Huang reiterated his admission of being a workaholic, working seven days a week for long hours. He also mentioned that his two sons work at Nvidia and follow the same approach.
A Success Tainted with Suffering
In closing, Huang emphasized that success comes at a heavy psychological cost, saying, “There are long periods of suffering, anxiety, isolation, fear, and embarrassment. All those feelings we don’t like are part of the journey.” He added, “Suffering is part of the road, and it’s important for people to understand that clearly.”