Growth Factorials

A couple of months ago, I went on a trek with my family. While I had done long treks earlier, this was the first time we went on a trek as a family. The path was steep and long, especially for the first-timers and after an hour, we were tired. My daughter and wife whispered about heading back. But I felt strongly that the view from the top would be worth it, so I nudged them to keep going: “Just 15 more minutes, we are almost there.” Those 15 minutes turned into 60, but eventually, we reached the top. The exhaustion faded, replaced by a breathtaking view and a blissful sense of accomplishment. We were glad that we didn’t give up halfway through.

This experience drives home a lesson for both leadership and career growth. There are moments in both fields when the climb feels too steep and quitting seems easier. Yet, persistence is often the difference between success and failure.

Persistence as the Key to Success

In leadership and career development, challenges are a given. The real test is in the moments when giving up feels like the easiest option. In these times, persistence becomes the bridge between where we are and where we want to be. Leaders who persist through tough times inspire confidence, while professionals who push through setbacks achieve long-term success.

In both leadership and career growth, the most rewarding outcomes often come after overcoming significant obstacles. Whether it’s leading a team through difficult times or navigating your career path despite setbacks, persistence ensures that when the payoff arrives, it’s substantial.

Zoho, a bootstrapped software company, exemplifies this. Without external funding, Zoho’s founder Sridhar Vembu persisted by focusing on customer-centric innovation and solving practical pain points for businesses. Despite early difficulties in building a competitive product and gaining market share, Zoho emerged as one of the leading SaaS players in the world. Their story underscores the value of consistent hard work and belief in long-term success.

Embrace the Journey

One key lesson from the trek was that the journey itself is valuable, not just the destination. In leadership, growth often happens through problem-solving, decision-making, and building resilience. In your career, it is not only about reaching the next milestone but how you evolve along the way.

Under Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO, NVIDIA transformed from a graphics card company into a global leader in AI and deep learning. For years, Huang invested in innovation that had no immediate payoff, embracing the journey of trial, failure, and learning. His focus on the process, rather than quick wins, positioned NVIDIA as a pioneer in AI and computing. Huang’s journey highlights the value of resilience and adaptability in achieving transformative success.

The Importance of Support Systems

The trek was a team effort, and having the right support made all the difference. In leadership, building a supportive team is essential for navigating tough times. In your career, mentors, colleagues, and family members provide the foundation needed to stay motivated and focused, especially when challenges arise.

Radhika Gupta, CEO of Edelweiss Asset Management, often talks about how her career has been shaped by family members who celebrated her successes, encouraged her ambitions, and stepped in to support her during demanding times. As Radhika says, “You can give it 100% at work when you have a system that supports you 110% at home.” Her story highlights the power of combining resilience with a collaborative ecosystem to thrive in demanding environments.

Whether on a trek or in leadership, there are always moments when quitting seems easier. But persistence is what leads to success. Staying the course—through challenges, discomfort, and doubt—is what ultimately brings the greatest rewards.

Persistence is the foundation of extraordinary successes like Sridhar Vembu of Zoho. Leaders like Jensen Huang remind us of the value of embracing the journey, while stories like Radhika Gupta’s emphasize the critical role of a supportive ecosystem. So, the next time the path feels steep, remember: a little more effort might take you to the top.