'Anxiety is a super tool': Nikhil Kamath challenges the conventional wisdom of hard work, flips popular narratives

Entrepreneur, podcaster, investor, stockbroker–Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath wears many hats. In a candid speech during a recent convocation address that blended humour, life lessons, and personal anecdotes, Kamath shared his unconventional journey–from selling mobile phones at 15 to becoming one of India’s most successful traders and entrepreneurs. Addressing an audience of bright-eyed graduates, Kamath opened a window into his life, unearthing lessons he wished he had known at their age.

Kamath’s entrepreneurial streak was ignited early. At 15, he began selling mobile phones in his Bengaluru neighbourhood. By 17, he had entered the corporate grind at a call centre, working night shifts and earning a modest ₹8,000. "It was fun,” Kamath said, reminiscing about the pre-traffic days of Bengaluru in 2004. But it was during his free mornings that he stumbled upon the stock market, setting the foundation for his lifelong relationship with trading.

Lessons from trading

Kamath likened trading to relationships, sharing that while beginner's luck often brings initial success, perseverance during tough times determines long-term outcomes. "Being objective in chaos is one of the biggest skill sets," he observed. Reflecting on his two-decade-long career, he credited his success to learning from mistakes, staying grounded, and surrounding himself with driven, value-based people.

In a striking assertion, Kamath challenged the conventional wisdom of hard work. "For every four hours spent working, three went pretending," he quipped, adding that capitalism doesn't necessarily reward effort proportionately. Instead, he emphasized thinking critically about actions and embracing efficiency over brute force.

While Kamath encouraged the pursuit of ambition, he cautioned against measuring life solely by material success. “There’s always someone who has more,” he noted. Instead, he urged graduates to embrace a multidimensional approach to life, balancing career pursuits with gratitude and joy.

Anxiety, hypocrisy, and growth

Kamath flipped societal narratives on anxiety and hypocrisy, viewing them as tools for growth. "Anxiety, when it leads to action, is a super tool," he said, encouraging graduates to channel nervous energy into productive pursuits. On changing one’s mind, he quipped, "Hypocrisy is good. With new data, if you can change quickly, it might serve you well."

Kamath also shared advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of identifying market opportunities. "Spend time figuring out where the tailwinds lie," he said. His message was clear for those venturing abroad for studies: "Go, learn, but come back to build. The next two decades of opportunity lie in India."

Kamath concluded with a heartfelt message of hope and determination. "Go out, kill, be tigers, but don’t measure life with just one lens of capitalism," he said. His speech–both reflective and forward-looking–left the graduating class with much to ponder.

Kamath's journey is a testament to the power of unconventional choices, resilience, and courage. "Have fun playing the game of life—and don't forget to stay grateful along the way,” he summed up.