Can a 70-Hour Workweek Really Define Good Leadership?
For today’s generation of professionals, the idea of working 70 hours a week might seem extreme, especially after the tragic death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, an Ernst & Young employee, which sparked heated discussions about toxic corporate cultures and burnout in India. Yet, Narayana Murthy, the legendary co-founder of Infosys, holds a different view. Drawing from his own journey, Murthy encourages the Indian youth to work 70 hours a week to drive the nation’s economic growth. According to him, those with privilege have a responsibility to work hard, not just for themselves but for the nation’s progress.
Narayana Murthy’s impact on India’s business and philanthropic landscape is profound. With degrees from the National Institute of Engineering and IIT Kanpur, and prestigious honours like the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan, he has shaped not just companies but the future of the entire IT industry. As the founder of Infosys, his leadership has gone beyond generations, earning him global respect as a visionary entrepreneur.
As we celebrate Asia’s Best COOs 2024, we look to Murthy’s career for timeless lessons. His life serves as a beacon for entrepreneurs and professionals today—offering wisdom on hard work, dedication, and the bigger picture of leadership in an ever-changing world.
Table of Contents
Resilience: Learning from Failure and Moving Forward
Murthy’s journey was not without setbacks. His first venture, Softronics, failed within nine months, but he didn’t give up. Instead, he focused on the lessons learned and pivoted towards opportunities that aligned with market demands. Today, Infosys stands as a testament to his resilience. For modern businesses, setbacks are inevitable, but resilience in bouncing back is what defines lasting success.
“Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of the process.”
Integrity as the Foundation of Leadership
Murthy built Infosys on the pillars of transparency and ethics. His insistence on doing the right thing, even when it was tough, earned Infosys a global reputation. In today’s fast-paced corporate world, where shortcuts can seem tempting, Murthy’s example reminds us that integrity is non-negotiable for long-term success.
“Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching—and that’s what builds trust.”
Empathy and Social Responsibility
Narayana Murthy has often emphasised the importance of giving back. His philosophy is that those with privilege have a responsibility to uplift others. Through philanthropic initiatives and creating thousands of jobs, Murthy showed that leadership is about improving the world, not just personal gain.
“Leadership is about service—using your power to improve lives and communities.”
The Power of Vision and Patience
Murthy believed in building for the long term. Even when the Indian IT industry was nascent, he saw the potential for global reach. He invested in his employees through stock options, fostering loyalty and long-term growth. For today’s entrepreneurs, his career exemplifies the importance of staying patient and investing in the future.
“True leaders plant seeds for trees under which they may never sit.”
Courage to Defy Conventional Wisdom
Murthy’s journey was defined by courage—the courage to challenge the status quo, take risks, and step into uncharted territories. Whether it was building a world-class IT company in India or advocating for ethical business practices, Murthy showed that great leaders don’t just follow—they forge new paths.
“Leadership is not about following the trend; it’s about creating one.”
Narayana Murthy’s leadership journey teaches us that success is not just about building profitable companies—it’s about building organisations with purpose, integrity, and vision. His legacy reminds us that true leadership combines resilience, empathy, and the courage to challenge norms. As we navigate a rapidly changing world, Murthy’s lessons remain as relevant as ever, offering a blueprint for future leaders. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned executive, the values Narayana Murthy champions—integrity, service, and long-term vision—will serve as guiding principles for sustainable success.
