What drives Jensen Huang's success at Nvidia?

Jensen Huang stated that fear of failure, rather than ambition, is his primary motivator, a sentiment he has experienced for 33 years.

How did Nvidia avoid near-collapse in the 1990s?

Nvidia's survival hinged on a $5 million investment from Sega after a critical chip flaw was discovered, allowing the company to pivot.

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Nvidia CEO: Fear fuels my success

Q: Does Jensen Huang's family work at Nvidia?

Yes, Jensen Huang's children, Madison and Spencer, have joined Nvidia and work there daily.

7 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Huang thrives on the fear of failure, not ambition.
Nvidia nearly collapsed due to a flawed Sega chip.
Huang's children also work daily at Nvidia.

Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, revealed that his primary motivation is fear, a feeling that has persisted for 33 years, even amidst the company's staggering $5 trillion market valuation. He described his work ethic as relentless, involving daily work without weekends or holidays, fueled by constant anxiety about potential failure. This intense drive stems from past near-disasters.

In the mid-1990s, Nvidia faced near collapse after a critical flaw was discovered in a chip designed for Sega's console. Huang personally intervened, securing a crucial $5 million investment from Sega. This lifeline allowed Nvidia to pivot its strategy, eventually leading to its dominance in GPUs and AI computing.

Huang's intense dedication extends to his family. His children, Madison and Spencer, have joined Nvidia after exploring diverse careers. They now work alongside him daily, reflecting the pervasive influence of his drive and the company's demanding culture.