Billionaire Nandan Nilekani Shares How He Spends His Time
Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and a renowned business leader, has shed light on how he spends his time. In a recent interview, Nilekani revealed that he dedicates a significant portion of his time to various activities, including his role as Infosys’ Non-executive Chairman and his passion projects. Interestingly, he also mentioned that he dedicates a substantial amount of time to doing absolutely nothing.
Nilekani, who has been making waves in the business world for decades, has had an illustrious career. He co-founded Infosys in 1981 along with six other entrepreneurs, including the company’s current chairman, Narayana Murthy. Under Nilekani’s leadership, Infosys grew to become one of the largest and most successful IT companies in India. Nilekani stepped down as the company’s CEO in 2002 but remained involved with the company as a Non-executive Chairman.
In a recent interview with Moneycontrol, Nilekani shared his insights on how he spends his time. According to him, he dedicates around 20% of his time to his role as Infosys’ Non-executive Chairman. This involves attending board meetings, reviewing company performance, and providing guidance to the management team. Nilekani emphasized the importance of this role, stating that it allows him to stay connected with the company and its employees, while also providing him with an opportunity to contribute to the company’s growth and success.
In addition to his role at Infosys, Nilekani also dedicates a significant portion of his time to his passion projects. He revealed that he spends around 30-40% of his time on initiatives such as digital public infrastructure (DPI), artificial intelligence, and other technology-driven projects. Nilekani’s interest in these areas stems from his passion for using technology to drive social change and improve people’s lives. He believes that technology has the power to transform societies and economies, and he is committed to using his expertise and resources to make a positive impact.
However, Nilekani also emphasized the importance of taking a break and doing nothing. He revealed that he dedicates a substantial amount of time to relaxation and leisure activities, stating that “the rest of the time, I do nothing.” This might come as a surprise to many, given the high-achieving nature of Nilekani’s career. However, he believes that taking time off is essential for recharging and maintaining one’s energy and motivation.
Nilekani’s approach to work-life balance is a valuable lesson for many entrepreneurs and business leaders. In today’s fast-paced business world, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of work and neglect one’s personal well-being. However, Nilekani’s experience suggests that taking time off and doing nothing can be incredibly beneficial for one’s mental and physical health.
Nilekani’s passion for technology and social change is evident in his work. He has been involved in various initiatives aimed at using technology to drive social change, including the development of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Nilekani served as the Chairman of the UIDAI from 2009 to 2013 and was instrumental in the development of the Aadhaar system, a biometric-based identification system that has revolutionized the way individuals are identified in India.
In conclusion, Nandan Nilekani’s approach to work-life balance is a valuable lesson for many entrepreneurs and business leaders. His commitment to his role at Infosys, his passion projects, and his relaxation time serves as a reminder that taking time off and doing nothing can be incredibly beneficial for one’s well-being. Nilekani’s story is a testament to the importance of finding a balance between work and personal life, and it serves as an inspiration to many.
