How Jensen Huang Built the World's Most Valuable Company with Stephen Witt, Author of "The Thinking Machine" - Modern CTO Recap

Podcast: Modern CTO

Published: 2026-02-16

Duration: 52 min

Summary

In this episode, Stephen Witt shares insights from his six interviews with Jensen Huang, exploring how Huang's unique leadership style and relentless drive helped make NVIDIA the most valuable company in the world. Witt highlights the personal dynamics and innovative culture that have propelled NVIDIA's success.

What Happened

Stephen Witt discusses his journey in writing "The Thinking Machine," which began as an effort to profile NVIDIA's CEO, Jensen Huang. Witt reveals that his initial plan evolved into a biography of Huang himself, as he found the CEO to be an extraordinary individual. With Huang being the sole founder and CEO since 1993, Witt emphasizes that the narrative of NVIDIA is deeply intertwined with Huang's personal story. Witt describes Huang as potentially the "most powerful man in AI" and notes that he has a unique way of connecting with people regardless of their position within the company.

To secure interviews with Huang, Witt candidly admits to using unconventional tactics, including fabricating a story about The New Yorker wanting to profile Huang. This bold move led to six interviews where Witt prepared extensively to ensure he asked fresh questions. He conducted thorough research, reviewing hundreds of articles and videos to uncover new angles on Huang's life and career. This preparation paid off, allowing Witt to engage Huang in meaningful conversations that revealed deeper insights into his character and leadership style.

Witt paints a picture of Huang as a non-traditional CEO who prioritizes accessibility over hierarchy. Unlike typical corporate leaders, Huang is known for engaging directly with employees at all levels, fostering an environment where communication flows freely. Witt's observations highlight Huang's commitment to maintaining a close connection with the pulse of NVIDIA, as he requires his team to send him weekly updates on their work. This level of engagement, according to Witt, not only enhances productivity but also creates a culture of openness that encourages innovation. Witt concludes that Huang's leadership and the resulting company culture are pivotal to NVIDIA's unprecedented success in the tech industry.

Key Insights

• Jensen Huang's leadership style is characterized by extensive accessibility and direct engagement with employees.
• Witt's unconventional approach to securing interviews with Huang showcases the importance of creativity in storytelling.
• The depth of research performed by Witt emphasizes the value of being well-prepared when interviewing influential figures.
• NVIDIA's success is largely attributed to Huang's unique vision and the innovative culture he fosters within the company.

Key Questions Answered

What is the main focus of Stephen Witt's book 'The Thinking Machine'?

The book is a history of NVIDIA, which ultimately turns into a biography of Jensen Huang, the company's founder and CEO. Witt intended to document the corporation's history but found that Huang's life and his impact on the company were far more interesting and significant. This focus on Huang's personal journey and leadership style adds depth to the narrative, making it not just a business book but a compelling personal story.

How did Stephen Witt manage to secure interviews with Jensen Huang?

Witt secured interviews with Huang by initially fabricating a story that the New Yorker was interested in profiling him. By lying to both sides, he created a scenario that allowed him to approach Huang for the interviews. Witt emphasized the value of Huang's time, recognizing that he needed to be exceptionally well-prepared to make the most of the limited time they had together.

What unique approach did Jensen Huang take to leadership at NVIDIA?

Huang's approach to leadership is unconventional as he prefers to have a flat organizational structure where communication flows freely. He spends most of his time in a central conference room rather than his office and encourages employees at all levels to email him directly. This accessibility fosters a culture of openness and rapid response, essential for innovation in the tech industry.

What did Witt learn about Huang's work ethic and preparation?

Witt discovered that Huang has an obsession with preparation, which he refers to as his 'superpower.' He expects the same level of preparation from his executives, emphasizing that they cannot waste his time. This characteristic was evident when Witt approached Huang with completely fresh questions that had never been asked before, showcasing his commitment to advancing the conversation.

How has Jensen Huang influenced the AI industry?

Witt describes Huang as arguably the most powerful man in AI, suggesting that his influence extends beyond NVIDIA to the broader tech landscape. Huang's vision and leadership have positioned NVIDIA at the forefront of AI development, making it one of the most valuable companies in human history. His hands-on approach and willingness to engage with all employees allow him to stay connected to the pulse of the company and the industry.