My Mind is at About 85%: Zerodha CEO Nithin on Life After Stroke
February 2022 was a life-changing moment for Nithin Kamath, the Co-founder and CEO of Zerodha, India’s largest online brokerage firm. On that fateful day, Kamath suffered a stroke that left him grappling with a new reality. The incident sent shockwaves across the business world, with many wondering what this meant for the future of Zerodha. Fast-forward to today, Kamath has made significant progress in his recovery journey, and in a recent update, he shared his thoughts on what life has been like after the stroke.
In an interview with a leading financial publication, Kamath revealed that his physical body is almost back to normal, but his mind is still working at 85%. He also shared that his writing skills haven’t improved much, possibly due to a lack of practice, and his speech is still around 85%. These candid remarks offer a glimpse into the challenges Kamath has faced and continues to face as he navigates his recovery.
The stroke, Kamath has said, was a wake-up call that forced him to re-evaluate his priorities and perspective on life. He has been open about the struggles he has faced, from the physical therapy sessions to the mental battles that come with recovering from such a life-altering event. In his words, “I think the biggest challenge was just accepting that this had happened to me and that I couldn’t control it. It was a big ego blow, and it took me a while to come to terms with it.”
Kamath’s journey has not been without its challenges. He has had to adapt to a new normal, one that includes ongoing physical therapy sessions and a strict daily routine. He has also had to find ways to manage the emotional toll of the stroke, which has been no easy feat. In his words, “Emotionally, it was tough. I was angry, frustrated, and anxious. But I think the biggest thing that helped me was just accepting that this was my new reality and that I had to make the best of it.”
Despite the challenges, Kamath has been determined to stay positive and focus on his recovery. He has been open about the importance of a strong support system, crediting his family and friends for their unwavering support. He has also been inspired by the kindness and generosity of strangers, who have reached out to offer words of encouragement and support.
For Kamath, the stroke has also served as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing one’s health and well-being. He has spoken about the need to take care of oneself, both physically and mentally, and to not take one’s health for granted. In his words, “I think the biggest thing that I’ve learned is the importance of self-care. I used to be someone who would work 18 hours a day, 7 days a week. But after the stroke, I realized that I needed to prioritize my health and well-being. It’s not just about the physical health, but also the mental health.”
The stroke has also had an impact on Kamath’s professional life. As the CEO of Zerodha, he has had to adapt to a new way of working, one that is more focused on delegating tasks and trusting his team. He has spoken about the importance of surrounding oneself with a strong team and trusting them to do their job. In his words, “I used to be the one who did everything. But after the stroke, I realized that I couldn’t do everything on my own. I had to trust my team and delegate tasks. It’s been a big adjustment, but it’s been a good one.”
As Kamath continues on his recovery journey, he remains optimistic about the future. He has spoken about the importance of staying positive and focused on the things that matter most. In his words, “I think the biggest thing that I’ve learned is the importance of staying positive and focused on the things that matter most. It’s easy to get caught up in the negative and focus on what you can’t do. But I think it’s important to focus on what you can do and to stay positive.”
In conclusion, Nithin Kamath’s journey after the stroke has been a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and triumphs. His openness and honesty about his struggles have inspired many, and his determination to stay positive and focused on his recovery has been a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges. As he continues on his journey, it is clear that Kamath is not just recovering from a stroke, but is also rediscovering himself and finding new meaning and purpose in life.
