Today in Focus The secrets of the world’s richest company
19 snips
Aug 13, 2025 
Tae Kim, a seasoned journalist and author of 'The NVIDIA Way', dives into the fascinating world of NVIDIA and its enigmatic founder, Jensen Huang. He details how NVIDIA became the first $4 trillion company and the intriguing trade negotiations revolving around AI chip sales to China. The conversation captures Huang’s inspiring journey, from his humble beginnings to his role in revolutionizing the tech industry. Kim also discusses the intense culture at NVIDIA and the surge in its dominance during the pandemic, highlighting strategic decisions that shaped its success.
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Humble Beginnings In A Reform School
- Jensen Huang was sent from Taiwan to a reform boarding school in Kentucky at age nine and cleaned bathrooms there.
- He recounts playing chess with a janitor and working hard from a young age, shaping his resilience.
From Dishwasher To CEO Work Ethic
- Jensen worked minimum-wage jobs like Denny's and as a dishwasher to get by and develop social skills.
- He repeatedly mentions cleaning bathrooms as a formative experience and source of pride.
NVIDIA Founded Over Denny's Coffee
- Jensen and two engineers founded NVIDIA after a Denny's meeting in San Jose on his 30th birthday in 1993.
- They focused on engineering and outsourced manufacturing, founding NVIDIA to build leading 3D graphics chips.
