A few weeks ago, I spoke at my alma mater, Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applies Sciences (SEAS) as part of their Tech CEO Lecture Series. It was a wonderful feeling to be back — 34 years after I graduated with an MS in EE in 1989. A few excerpts from the summary:
Jain told students that successful entrepreneurs have to practice patience and face their failures without fear. “Many times I’ve seen entrepreneurs try for maybe a year and then give up,” he said. “It could be that you’re just near the top of the first mountain.”
He compared the journey of entrepreneurs to “mountains beyond mountains,” noting that there would always be new challenges and opportunities, and entrepreneurs must learn to find satisfaction in navigating the ever-changing landscapes.
…He also discussed the importance of cultivating a strong organizational culture. In his view, the culture requires two elements: an icon and a storyteller, where the icon is the living embodiment of the company and the storyteller is responsible for reinforcing the culture by telling the stories of the company to new recruits.
…Jain emphasized the importance of “me” time for mind-wandering, fostering creativity, and the productivity hack of saying “no” to prioritize tasks and maintain focus. These insights offer a holistic perspective on decision-making, communication, personal habits, and productivity for individuals navigating life and work.
