Reliance is going to be a deep-tech and advanced manufacturing company: Mukesh Ambani

In a compelling discussion with Gautam Kumra from McKinsey, Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, shared insights on the company's foundational work in building India's 5G infrastructure. He elaborated on how purpose fuels talent in the age of artificial intelligence and what it takes to excel in a rapidly changing Asia. Reflecting on Reliance's strides in telecommunications, Ambani highlighted the company's ambitious foray into 5G technology. "In 2021, we introduced 5G, constructing the entire system independently—from the core to hardware, software, and every component in between," he stated. Despite collaborating with global leaders like Ericsson and Nokia for certain elements, he proudly noted that 80% of the technology was developed internally, representing a major milestone. Ambani emphasized the importance of humility among his team, encouraging them to strive for excellence. "I told them, 'You must outdo these competitors,' and now we have succeeded. This unique capability allows us to introduce exclusive services in the market. Since it’s our technology, we can tailor offerings to meet specific needs." This relentless pursuit of innovation extends beyond telecommunications. Ambani's vision for technology is grounded in serving societal needs, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. He pointed out, "Many don’t realize that the same 500 individuals often work on AI projects like OpenAI. Today they contribute to your goals, and tomorrow they may shift to another organization. Their motivation lies in aligning with a company’s significant purpose." Ambani stressed Reliance's dedication to leveraging AI to tackle intricate societal challenges. "Our mission in AI is to address complex problems for society and generate wealth for the nation and its people. We don't need to engage in the high-risk GPU market; instead, we aim to focus on downstream applications." This strategy has attracted exceptional talent, enabling Reliance to recruit some of the brightest minds in the sector. Ambani's message was unequivocal: effective leadership hinges on having a clear purpose, aligning it with technological advancements, and inspiring teams to reach ambitious objectives. "When your goals are clear and you understand how to utilize technology, you will reach your North Star," he concluded. The full interview is featured in McKinsey & Company's Leading Asia series, which delves into leadership approaches shaping the future of the continent.