10 Things Jensen Huang Taught Me About Entrepreneurship and Life
As a street photographer and creative, I’ve found a surprising source of inspiration in the life and work of Jensen Huang, the founder of NVIDIA. While I’m out capturing moments on the streets, his entrepreneurial journey has left a deep impression on how I view business, creativity, and personal growth. Here’s what I’ve learned from his story:
1. Vision is Everything
Jensen’s foresight in founding NVIDIA in 1993 wasn’t just about launching a company—it was about seeing the future of graphics processing when others couldn’t. In my own photography, it’s about seeing the shot no one else sees. Like him, I’ve learned that if you can envision something others can’t, you’re already ahead of the game.
2. Be Relentlessly Curious
Jensen’s curiosity about how technology could evolve led him to pioneer GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) technology, which revolutionized computing. For me, photography isn’t just about snapping photos. It’s about constantly exploring new techniques, perspectives, and tools to push boundaries.
3. Innovate or Die
NVIDIA’s continuous evolution, from gaming graphics to AI and autonomous cars, has shown that businesses need to adapt to survive. As a photographer, I’ve applied this lesson by constantly refining my style and incorporating new technologies, like mirrorless cameras and even drones, into my creative workflow.
4. Resilience is Key
Huang’s journey wasn’t smooth—NVIDIA had its share of failures. Yet he persisted, proving that resilience is essential to success. This applies to any creative field. You will face rejection, critique, or that one photo shoot that just doesn’t work out. But getting back up and learning from the experience is what makes you better.
5. Stay True to Your Core
Even as NVIDIA diversified, it never lost sight of its core strength: GPUs. In my own work, I’ve learned that while it’s crucial to evolve, staying true to your original passion (for me, street photography) keeps you grounded. It’s easy to get lost in trends, but knowing what you stand for gives you clarity.
6. Work Smart, Not Just Hard
Jensen often talks about efficiency, especially in tech. In my life, it’s about optimizing my time between shooting, editing, and engaging with the community. Hard work is important, but smart work—leveraging technology, networking, and timing—makes a bigger impact.
7. Surround Yourself with Talent
Huang built NVIDIA by hiring the best minds in tech. In photography, I’ve learned to surround myself with people who inspire me—whether they’re other photographers, designers, or artists. Being around talented individuals pushes you to elevate your own game.
8. Think Long Term
NVIDIA’s impact on AI and deep learning shows the power of long-term thinking. Entrepreneurship and art aren’t about quick wins. Jensen taught me that investing in the future—whether in tech or creative vision—pays off. The same goes for photography: some of my best work comes from projects that take years to develop.
9. Culture Matters
Jensen emphasizes building a strong company culture, and that’s something I apply to the communities I engage with. The culture you foster—whether it’s around collaboration, learning, or inclusivity—makes or breaks your success. It’s why I focus on building a community that supports and uplifts each other.
10. Stay Humble, Even When You Win
Despite his immense success, Jensen remains approachable and humble. It’s a reminder that no matter how far you go, humility keeps you grounded. Whether I’m working with clients, shooting for personal projects, or engaging with my audience, staying humble allows for genuine connection and continued growth.
These lessons from Jensen Huang remind me that entrepreneurship and creativity go hand-in-hand. The relentless curiosity, adaptability, and long-term thinking that drive his success are qualities that fuel my work as a photographer and creative entrepreneur. Whether you’re a tech visionary or someone behind the lens, these principles can guide you toward success in any field.
Love yourself,
Charlie Yang