'I wish you ample doses of pain and suffering,' Nvidia CEO tells Standford students
Huang started off as a dishwasher and busboy, and is now CEO of £ 1,725,864 chip manufacturing company
By Vibhuti PathakMar 14, 2024
The definition of success and hard work can differ from person to person. Today's generation calls it 'hustle culture' but Nvidia CEO here has some other perspective for the students.
Jensen Huang recently shared some interesting thoughts with students at Stanford University. He talked about something unexpected, the importance of facing difficulties.
He told students that facing tough times can make us stronger. He wished them "ample doses of pain and suffering," not to be mean, but because he believes that overcoming hardships helps us grow. He knows from personal experience how facing tough times can shape our character and make us better people.
In the interview, Huang credits his work ethic and success to his early job at Denny's, where he started as a dishwasher and was later promoted to busboy. He emphasised his efficiency and dedication, stating that he never left or returned empty-handed. Reflecting on his journey, he humbly mentioned his ongoing efforts to improve as a CEO.
"I think one of my great advantages is that I have very low expectations," Huang, who graduated with a master's degree from Stanford in 1992, responded.
He mentioned that keeping the bar too high of expectations is not practical, instead try keeping the bar low, for lower expectations. This will eventually help us to be more resilient and keep us prepare for life's ups and downs.
He, like any other successful person, who actually owns a company worth £ 62,770 focusses on his own story that is a proof of his message. He didn't have an easy upbringing, and he had to work hard to get where he is today.
From working odd jobs to facing bullies, he learned that perseverance and hard work are key to success. His story reminds us that it's okay to struggle on the path to success.
“Greatness comes from character and character isn’t formed out of smart people, it is formed out of people who suffered,” he added.
While addressing the young students he also mentioned that he believes that true greatness comes from having a strong character. By facing challenges head-on, we can develop qualities like resilience, empathy, and determination.
These are the qualities that set us up for success, no matter what obstacles come our way.
Jensen Huang's words may seem surprising, but they carry an important message: facing challenges is part of the journey to success. As we navigate through life, let's remember that it's okay to struggle. It's through overcoming these struggles that we become the best versions of ourselves.
Shein’s UK sales hit £2.05bn in 2024, up 32.3 per cent year-on-year, driven by younger shoppers.
The retailer benefits from import tax loopholes unavailable to high street rivals.
Faces mounting criticism over labour practices and sustainability as it eyes a London listing.
Tax edge drives growth
Chinese fashion giant Shein is transforming Britain’s online clothing market, capturing a third of women aged 16 to 24 while benefiting from tax breaks unavailable to high street rivals.
The fast-fashion retailer’s UK sales surged 32.3 per cent to £2.05bn in 2024, according to company filings, with pre-tax profits rising to £38.3m from £24.4m the previous year. The growth comes as established players like Asos struggle in an increasingly competitive landscape where young consumers prioritise value above all else.
Shein has partly benefited from a tax break on import duty for goods worth less than £135 sent directly to consumers, The rule lets overseas sellers send low-value goods to the UK tax-free, disadvantaging local businesses.
“The growth of Shein and Temu is a huge factor,” said Tamara Sender Ceron, associate director of fashion retail research at Mintel told The Guardian. “It is particularly successful among younger shoppers. It is also a threat to other fashion retailers such as Primark and H&M because of its ultra-low price model that nobody can compete with. It’s changed the market.
"The market dynamics reflect broader shifts in consumer behaviour. Online fashion sales reached £34bn last year, up 3 per cent, according to Mintel, but shoppers have become more cautious as disposable incomes shrink, and fashion competes with holidays, festivals, and streaming services for wallet share.
Scrutiny builds
Despite its commercial success, Shein faces mounting scrutiny. The company filed initial paperwork last June for a potential London Stock Exchange listing, but critics question its labour practices and environmental impact.
"Regardless of whether Shein gets listed on the London Stock Exchange, no company doing business in the UK should be allowed to play fast and loose with human rights anywhere in their global supply chains,” said Peter Frankental, economic affairs programme director at Amnesty International UK to BBC.
The “de minimis” rule has drawn renewed attention after US President Donald Trump scrapped a similar measure during his trade war with China.
Shein’s UK operation now employs 91 people across offices in Kings Cross and Manchester, focusing primarily on local market expertise.
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