From Cleaning Toilets to Leading Tech: Jensen Huang’s Journey of Humility and Resilience

Jensen Huang is a Taiwanese-American entrepreneur and business executive, best known as the co-founder and CEO of NVIDIA Corporation, a global leader in graphics processing units, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing. Huang co-founded NVIDIA in 1993 and has played a pivotal role in the company's rise as a dominant force in technology, particularly in gaming, AI, and data centers.

Huang is known for his hands-on leadership style, iconic leather jackets, and charismatic presentations at tech events. Under his leadership, NVIDIA has become a transformative company in sectors such as AI, machine learning, and autonomous vehicles. Thanks to his ability to drive the value of his company, Huang’s personal worth is now estimated at more than $122 billion. Not bad for someone who once cleaned bathrooms.

Recently, Huang spoke to Stanford MBA students and shared insights about his upbringing. He said:

“To me, no task is beneath me because — remember — I used to be a dishwasher. I mean that… I used to clean toilets. I mean, I cleaned a lot of toilets. I've cleaned more toilets than all of you combined. And some of them, you just can't unsee.”

By working at Denny’s, Huang learned resilience—the ability to recover quickly from difficulties. Reflecting on his experiences, he explained how this trait prepared him for the struggles that awaited him. He noted, “I wish ambitious people an ‘ample dose of pain and suffering’ to harden them against life’s inevitable struggles.”

As we enter a new year, it’s essential to strengthen our resolve. We must adapt to challenges and maintain emotional, mental, and physical well-being in the face of adversity. Resilience involves a combination of inner strength, adaptability, and external support systems. Key elements of resilience include:

1. Emotional Regulation: The ability to manage stress, anxiety, and emotions effectively.

2. Adaptability: Flexibility in responding to changing circumstances.

3. Self-Awareness: Understanding one's strengths, limitations, and emotional triggers.

4. Support Networks: Relying on friends, family, or community for assistance and encouragement.

5. Optimism: Maintaining a hopeful outlook and belief in one’s ability to overcome obstacles.

6. Problem-Solving Skills: Finding effective ways to address challenges.

7. Purpose and Goals: Staying focused on long-term aspirations, which can provide motivation during tough times.

Huang’s early experiences at Denny’s scrubbing dishes and cleaning bathrooms built his “resilience muscle.” Through practice, self-reflection, and the support of those around him, he cultivated and strengthened this critical trait. Even today, Huang remains grounded, freely engaging in conversations with others—whether at the office or even at a restroom urinal—to discuss their projects and ideas.

Huang’s humility and willingness to embrace challenges have been key to his success. He relishes difficulties because he knows he has the resolve to face them head-on. By strengthening our resilience muscles, we too can tackle life’s challenges with determination and confidence.

Let us know what you think...

Did someone forward this to you? Subscribe for free here and get daily emails like this directly in your inbox.

Is there a story or theme you'd like to see The Daily Coach dive into this year? We'd love to hear your ideas here.