Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's profound career lesson from a gardener

Jensen Huang, the co-founder and CEO of Nvidia, shared an unexpected but profound career lesson during a commencement speech at the California Institute of Technology. The inspiration for this lesson came not from a high-profile mentor or another tech leader, but from a gardener he encountered during a family trip to Japan.

A Lesson in Patience and Prioritization

Huang, who has led Nvidia to become a tech giant with a market cap exceeding $3 trillion, recounted a visit to Kyoto’s Silver Temple one sweltering summer day. There, he observed a gardener meticulously tending to a vast garden with only a bamboo tweezer, sifting through moss under oppressive heat.

“I approached him, curious about his work,” Huang, 61, recalled. “When I asked what he was doing, he simply said, ‘I’m picking dead moss. I’m taking care of my garden.’ Despite the garden’s vast size, he was not overwhelmed. He told me, ‘I have cared for my garden for 25 years. I have plenty of time.’”

This brief exchange left a lasting impact on Huang. “It taught me the value of dedication to one’s craft and the importance of managing time wisely,” he said. The gardener’s philosophy of having plenty of time resonated deeply with Huang, influencing his approach to both personal and professional life.

Applying the Lesson to Leadership

Huang incorporates this lesson into his daily routine, starting each day by focusing on his highest priority tasks. “I begin each morning by completing my most important work before I even get to the office,” he explained. “This way, my day is already a success, allowing me to spend the rest of my time helping others. When people apologize for interrupting me, I always say, ‘I have plenty of time.’ And I do.”

This approach aligns with advice from experts like Rainer Strack, a senior partner emeritus at Boston Consulting Group, who emphasizes the importance of dedicating time to high-priority activities to avoid stress and burnout.

Perseverance and Craftsmanship

Under Huang’s leadership, Nvidia has faced numerous challenges, including near-failure with its first graphics processing unit and various tumultuous partnerships. Despite these hurdles, the company has achieved monumental success, becoming integral to the operations of major players like Apple, Microsoft, Google, Tesla, and OpenAI.

Huang’s perseverance is reflected in his final advice to the graduates: “I hope you find a craft that you want to dedicate your lifetime to perfecting. Prioritize your life. There are many distractions and things to do, but if you prioritize what’s important, you will find that you have plenty of time.”

Key Takeaways

Dedication to Craft: The gardener's meticulous care for his garden over 25 years taught Huang the importance of dedication and patience.

Time Management: Prioritizing high-impact tasks early in the day allows for better focus on helping others and managing responsibilities.

Life Balance: Aligning daily activities with one’s passions and priorities can prevent stress and lead to a fulfilling life and career.

Jensen Huang’s story underscores the value of patience, perseverance, and the profound impact of seemingly simple lessons on achieving long-term success.