In an era defined by rapid technological evolution and artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping industries, the path to professional success might be simpler than you think—at least according to Nandan Nilekani, the billionaire co-founder of Infosys and architect of Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric identification system.
His advice? Focus on soft skills that machines can’t replicate: “Be curious, connected, and relevant.”
The Journey of an “Accidental Entrepreneur”
Nilekani, now worth an estimated $3.6 billion, according to Forbes, has built a career grounded in curiosity and adaptability. His journey began in India during the 1960s and 70s, a time when career paths were rigidly defined by family expectations.
Defying his father’s wishes, Nilekani pursued electrical engineering at IIT Bombay, graduating in 1978. His fascination with mini-computers led him to Putney Computer Systems, where he worked under N.R. Narayana Murthy—the mentor who later invited him to co-found Infosys in 1981.
“I’m an accidental entrepreneur,” Nilekani admits. “I didn’t set out to build a business empire, but once I started, I realized this was my calling.”
Curiosity as a Catalyst
Throughout his career, Nilekani credits his success to a relentless hunger for learning rather than a passion for business. “I wake up every morning wanting to learn something new,” he says. This mindset helped him navigate roles as Infosys CEO and later as the visionary behind Aadhaar, a system that transformed India’s digital identity infrastructure.
Why Soft Skills Matter in the Age of AI
With tech and AI automating workflows and transforming industries, Nilekani emphasizes that soft skills are indispensable. Traits like empathy, adaptability, and curiosity are uniquely human and impossible for AI to replicate.
His advice mirrors insights from other business titans like Mark Cuban and Amazon CEO Andy Jassy. Cuban stresses the importance of agility and adaptability in the face of AI’s unknown impact, while Jassy warns that those unwilling to evolve risk stagnation.
The Human Edge
As automation and AI integration rise—affecting an estimated 19% of American professionals in 2022, according to Pew Research Center—the ability to remain curious and relevant becomes a competitive advantage.
“The future belongs to what only humans can do,” Nilekani says. “Empathy, compassion, and connecting the dots will define success. Stay curious, stay connected, and stay relevant.”
Takeaway for ImpactWealth Readers
For those navigating today’s complex professional landscape, Nilekani’s mantra is a guiding principle. As industries continue to evolve, the most valuable asset won’t be technical expertise alone—it will be the ability to adapt, learn, and connect in ways that transcend technology.
In a world of constant change, curiosity isn’t just a skill; it’s a superpower.
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