During the recent Mumbai Tech Week event held at the Jio Convention Center, Akash Ambani, chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, shared his thoughts on work ethics and the inspiring influence of his family. Addressing attendees, he emphasized the importance of prioritizing the quality of work over the number of hours spent at the office, sparking conversation around the prevalent debate on work-life balance.
"I don't think about it (timing at work) in terms of timings and the amount of hours. It's about the quality of work you do on a daily basis," Ambani said, reflecting on what he believes is one of the cornerstones of professional success. These comments resonate amid differing opinions among executives, with some advocating long hours, sometimes reaching up to 90 hours a week, and others calling for more balance by working under 50 hours.
Ambani also highlighted how his family’s dedication shaped his professional outlook. "The biggest inspiration goes without a doubt, is the family we have grown up with. We have all lived under one roof for now, 32 years of our lives," he noted, paying homage to his parents, Mukesh and Nita Ambani.
A significant part of Akash's inspiration he draws stems from observing the steadfast commitment of his father. "Till date, my father clears each and every email... and he does it till 2 am at night," Akash remarked, emphasizing the remarkable work ethic his father maintains even after decades of leading one of the world's largest conglomerates.
Speaking of his mother's influence, he said, "My mom will similarly... she will be staring at the same thing. The small little details she notices is something you can draw inspiration out of." This focus on detail reflects the values instilled within the Ambani family, where hard work and dedication are deeply rooted.
Besides discussing family values, Akash revealed some exciting developments underway at Reliance Jio. He mentioned the company's efforts to set up one of the largest data centers in Jamnagar, which is aimed at boosting India's artificial intelligence capabilities. With over 1,000 data scientists and engineers already on board, the company is seriously investing in AI and positioning itself as a leading tech entity.
"Growth is life – that's Reliance’s motto, but it also applies to personal life. You have to grow every single day, step outside areas of comfort, and develop from there," Akash Ambani explained, underscoring the importance of continuous improvement. His words reflect the philosophy adopted not just at Jio, but within his personal approach to life and leadership.
The conversation also humorously showcased Akash's relationship with his parents. When asked whom he would prefer for various meetings, he light-heartedly noted, "It depends on whose mood is this day!" This playful banter illustrated the close-knit family dynamic he enjoys, one where familial relationships are intertwined with their business pursuits.
While many praised his insights and the emphasis on quality over quantity, reactions on social media were mixed. Some users raised questions about the implication of working late hours as an ideal, humorously noting, "Why is everyone getting inspired to work till 2 am?" Others suggested the conversation appeared scripted or overly polished, reflecting the scrutiny public figures face.
Regardless of public perception, Akash Ambani's remarks highlight the cultural ethos of the Ambani family, which champions hard work and dedication as foundational principles. His commitment to carrying forward these values places him at the helm of Reliance Jio during times of rapid technological advancement.
Reflecting on both his parents' work ethic, Akash is poised to lead the next generation of innovation at Jio, embodying the legacy built by his family. By intertwining personal dedication with professional goals, he is not only preparing to fulfill the high expectations set for him but also aiming to create impactful solutions for the future.
With the groundwork laid by his family’s accomplishments, Akash Ambani seems ready to continue the inspiring legacy of Reliance Jio, one where the true measure of success goes beyond mere hours worked to the quality of the impact made.