Why do people of Indian origin run leading American IT companies?

Silicon Valley, the hub of global technology and innovation, is home to many talented professionals from around the world. Particularly noteworthy is the role of Indians, who make up just 1 percent of the total US population. However, about 6 percent of those working in Silicon Valley are Indians. Moreover, individuals of Indian origin lead a quarter of the local startups.

Who are these people and what qualities helped them achieve success in the highly competitive environment of Silicon Valley? Let’s figure this out.

Indian leaders of Silicon Valley

Many people of Indian origin hold key positions in the most renowned IT companies in Silicon Valley. One such leader is Satya Nadella. His journey at Microsoft began in 1992, and in 2014 he became the company’s CEO. Nadella’s colleagues and subordinates say they have never heard him raising his voice or sending angry emails. Nadella himself believes that a quality rarely associated with big business — empathy — is what sets him apart from other leaders.

Another example of the leader of Indian origin in Silicon Valley is Sundar Pichai. He started his career at Google in 2004. X (formerly known as Twitter) tried to lure Pichai away, but he did not give in to persuasion. In 2015, he became the CEO of Google, and in 2019 — the head of its “parent” company Alphabet Inc. Despite the fact that he was born and raised in a modest family, thanks to his hard work and perseverance, he managed to rise from a simple manager to the head of one of the most powerful corporations on the planet.

Shantanu Narayen (CEO of Adobe Inc.) joined the company in 1998, and has held the top position since 2007. In 2018, Narayen was listed among the best businessmen of the year by Fortune magazine. He managed to create a cohesive team and achieve success thanks to his responsiveness and desire to maintain friendly relations with employees. Narayen’s employees know that they can ask him for advice and receive a satisfactory answer.

Why are Indians ideal candidates for top positions?

Determination, flexibility and leadership skills are the three pillars which the successes of ethnic Indians in Silicon Valley are based on. By the way, many managers of Indian origin use a soft management style. Their discreet and non-confrontational manner of conducting business is a huge asset. This makes Indians ideal candidates for leadership positions.

The successes of Indian specialists in Silicon Valley are clear proof that it is possible to achieve goals even in the most highly competitive field. Anyone can achieve the highest results in the professional life with the right attitude and an unceasing drive for improvement.

Develop your leadership skills and become the kind of leader who is not afraid of challenges and is ready to overcome any obstacles on the path to success. Take inspiration from the most influential Indian leaders in Silicon Valley and achieve your own business goals as effectively as they do.

By the way, not only experienced leaders, but also young Indian entrepreneurs who, despite their age, have already achieved impressive results, can become a source of motivation. Read about them in the article:
Young leaders: successful Indian startups.