How Jensen Huang’s Early Bird Ethos and Marathon Workdays Propelled Nvidia to a $2 Trillion Valuation

Running a $2 trillion company involves early starts, as seen with tech CEO Jensen Huang. Huang starts with exercise and works a 14-hour day, as reported by the Financial Times. Known for being demanding and a perfectionist, he emphasizes the importance of direct interactions with staff. Unlike other tech leaders, Huang limits press engagements, focusing on internal culture building and lasting impact on the company's future. Huang prioritizes product and strategy planning, dedicating time to these areas for the company's success.

Juan Martinez May 2, 2024

How Jensen Huang's Early Bird Ethos and Marathon Workdays Propelled Nvidia to a $2 Trillion Valuation

In the fast-paced world of tech, being a CEO of a $2 trillion company is no walk in the park. Just ask Jensen Huang, the mastermind behind Nvidia. According to the Financial Times, Huang kicks off his day with an intense workout session, gearing up for a whopping 14-hour workday. In a recent interview on “60 Minutes,” he unabashedly admitted that the labels “demanding, perfectionist, not easy to work for” fit him like a glove. Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management, shared insights from his interview with Huang, revealing the CEO’s dedication to hard work. When Tangen quizzed Huang about his work ethic on the “20VC” podcast, the response he received was nothing short of eye-opening.

While many top CEOs are juggling press interviews and media appearances, Huang prefers a more hands-on approach to leadership. He believes that true cultural stewardship involves direct interaction with the company’s employees, not just soundbites in magazines. Huang’s philosophy is clear: lead by example and be present with your team. Dining in the cafeteria, engaging in meetings, and fostering personal connections are his preferred methods of maintaining a strong corporate culture. His approach might not be the norm in the tech industry, but it has certainly paid off for Nvidia.

When it comes to organizational structure, Huang stands by a unique principle: the more direct reports a CEO has, the better. He believes that having a wide network of individuals reporting directly to him empowers him to drive greatness and inspire others within the company. During a talk at Stanford School of Business, Huang emphasized the importance of focusing on areas that will have a lasting impact on the organization. This strategic mindset extends to his daily routine, where he often clears his calendar to delve into product and strategy planning, activities he finds immensely rewarding.

Reflecting on his journey as a CEO, Huang acknowledges the sacrifices that come with the role. Sleepless nights and relentless dedication have been constants in his pursuit of excellence. Yet, amidst the chaos and demands of leadership, he finds solace in the ability to shape the future of Nvidia. Embracing the challenges head-on, Huang remains committed to steering the company towards innovation and success. Through his unwavering work ethic and visionary leadership, Jensen Huang has cemented his legacy as a trailblazer in the tech industry.